Spyware kits for sale online for a pittance

UK security company Sophos reports that spyware kits are readily available from a Russian website for around ?10. The kit, called WebAttacker, allows the user to quickly and easily create their own malicious code, and offers technical support. The kit comprises of a library of scripts that the user needs to simply bundle into a file upload to a website. ...more

Microsoft offers the Earth

Microsoft has released the first public beta of its 'Virtual Earth' product. The product is the first stage whereby Microsoft intends to provide local search anywhere on the planet. Initially only available for US locations, the local search facility provides aerial search with labels using either maps or photographs. ...more

Web telephony firm gets Intel backing

Web-based phone-calling company Jajah has won Intel's backing for its bid to blur the distinction between phones and computers, the two companies said on Wednesday. Jajah, which has more than two million users of its free or low-cost global calling service, said Intel has agreed to marketing, patent and distribution deals with it and Intel's venture capital arm is leading a $20 million financing round. 'Computers are becoming phones and phones are becoming computers,' Jajah Chief Executive Trevor Healy said in an interview. ...more

A new Evo emerges

There's a new addition to Compaq's Evo notebook range, in the form of the N115. The N115 fits in at the lost cost end of Compaq's business notebook range, being targeted at SOHO users. Coming with Windows XP Professional pre-installed, the N115 has a 14in TFT screen, an integrated 56K v. ...more

All I want for Christmas is... [part 2]

What piece of computing technology would you most like to get your hands on this Christmas? Here is the wish-list of another of the writers you've seen in the news section this year - online editor Alun Williams Wishing for... ...more