Lebreat virus author threatens stronger sequels

A virus author has threatened future versions will prove even more deadly. The latest version of the Lebreat worm has left a message within the code lambasting rival authors and promising to fine-tune the worm so that it is even more effective. The author says he will introduce a new engine into the virus, which has already seen multiple variants in its relatively short lifetime. ...more

Linus Torvalds initiates Linux integrity check

Linus Torvalds has begun an initiative to ensure the provenance of the Linux kernel is clear and transparent to avoid litigation like that currently being brought by SCO. In an email sent to the Kernel Mailing List he has asked for a discussion to implement 'a process to explicitly document not only where a patch comes from .. ...more

Microsoft unveils MSN Direct wireless watch info service

Microsoft has unveiled a wireless service in the US called MSN direct that will deliver information such as stock quotes, sports scores, movies and calendar alerts and instant messages. Announced by Bill Gates at this year's CES show, the watches will sport Microsoft's Smart Personal Objects Technology (SPOT), and the MSN Direct service provides an FM radio network throughout more than 100 US cities as the means of delivering the information. Research firm Forrester reckons the technology will do well: 'Priced at $100 to $300 for the watch, and an additional $9. ...more

www.iwantmorecoffee.com

In a bizarre melding of two technologies, a leading coffee machine manufacturer announces its plans for the 21st century. Italian company Lavazza has teamed up with US technology group eDevice to produce a 'smart' coffee machine with Internet access. I know it sounds like a character from Douglas Adams' Hitch-hikers' Guide to the Galaxy books but the new e-espressopoint machines have a serious application. ...more

Legal downloads top half a million a month in UK

Legal music dowloads in the UK have topped 500,000 a month, according to new figures from industry body the BPI. Between April and June 2004 1,500,000 songs were sold following the launch of Napster and the iTunes Music Store. In the previous quarter, sales were a third of that. ...more