Global software piracy hits 36 per cent

Thirty-six per cent of computer software in use worldwide during 2003 was pirated, according to the latest figures from the Business Software Alliance. While the global market in legitimate copies was worth $51bn, an additional $29bn was illegally installed. The piracy rate of 36 per cent, calculated by dividing the value of illegal software by the combined value of legal and illegal, was up two per cent on the previous year's figure. ...more

Microsoft unveils new security brand

Microsoft has unveiled a new brand, 'Forefront', that will act as an umbrella for a range of business-oriented security products for client and server-based services. Microsoft promises that the new brand will integrate with customers' existing infrastructure and will simplify the task of managing and controlling IT security and access. As an example, Microsoft is rebranding its Windows Client Protection as 'Forefront Client Security'. ...more

gnuPod plays Linux

All you iPod lovers out there may be interested to know the device can work with Linux. gnuPod 0.2 has just been released, reports Slashdot, and it lets you use Linux for loading and managing your iPod tracks. ...more

Updated: Price check - LCD monitors

Our weekly round up of UK prices for the latest kit, from budget models to top-of-the-range Starting at the budget end means starting with a 15in display. This is effectively the current minimum spec. A Video 7 A150X1 (pictured) is available from Dabs. ...more

Tiscali giant consumes Tiny Online morsel

Tiscali, the Italian ISP that can't stop acquiring other companies, has struck again, agreeing to buy Tiny Online. Tiny Online, which has over 650,000 subscribers, is being offloaded by Tiny Computers so that it can concentrate on the PC sales business. The service was launched back in 1999, since when the ISP market has consolidated somewhat. ...more