BSkyB suspends Net content after Microsoft patches DRM

BSkyB has suspended film downloads and Web access to sports clips until Microsoft patches a breach in the DRM technology designed to prevent unauthorised copying of the content. Sky said that the services would remain offline until the flaw had been fixed. 'We took this step as a precaution after Microsoft said it was working on an update to its Digital Rights Management software, which is used to protect content on Sky by broadband against unauthorised copying or distribution,' a spokesman for the satellite TV and broadband provider said. ...more

Google fortifies Desktop Search against IE flaw

Google has altered its Desktop Search so that it can no longer be used in digital attacks in conjunction with a flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer. On Friday, an Israeli hacker reported having discovered a means of remotely using Google desktop search to remotely search the computers logged on to a specially built website using Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Problems in the way the browser handles CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) led to a short cut round the restrictions the browser places on interaction between different domains. ...more

Reptiles will always survive, why not IBM systems?

In the face of growing computing complexity, IBM is funding a new research project to develop self-managing e-business systems that require a minimum of intervention. To be based on IBM's eServer hardware and software, the project is an ambitious attempt to anticipate the next generation of computing. The goal is to build systems that are capable of configuring, optimising and mending themselves - in the case of system failures - and also of frustrating invasions by hackers. ...more

Open Source groups co-ordinate fight against European software patent law

The Open Source Consortium (OSC) has set up a Task Force to present a unified front opposing the prospective European patent law, representing the needs of Open Source vendors and users. Members of the Task Force are from the public sector, industry, and the Open Source community from across Europe. There will be further support from specialist legal counsel. ...more

UK Office XP prices announced

Microsoft has announced its UK pricing scheme for the forthcoming Office XP release, along with details of a pre-release trial programme. The latest version of the all-singing all-dancing Office suite that replaces Office 2000 will be available for similar retail prices. There are four versions: Standard (ERP ?429, upgrades ?199), Professional (?519, ?269), Professional Special Edition (ERP ?319) and Developer (?749, ?449). ...more