New Internet Explorer cumulative patch made available

Microsoft has announced a new Security Bulletin regarding Internet Explorer. The patch is rated with a security level of 'critical' and Windows users are strongly recommended to update their systems. As well as being a cumulative patch that includes previously released fixes, Security Bulletin MS03-040 addresses two additional vulnerabilities. ...more

Red Hat launches desktop client

Barely days after Red Hat strangled support for Red Hat Linux 9, the Linux leader has bounced back into the desktop/standalone client arena with new client software. Announced today at a London press event, the Red Hat desktop will be available from 15 May with an initial focus on extending relationships with existing server customers to the desktop. The desktop is built on Red Hat Enterpise Linux and upgrades will be synchronised with the 12-18 month cycle of the ES, AS and WS server/workstation systems. ...more

Google Earth aids archeology

An Italian computer programmer turned amateur archaeologist when he discovered the remains of a roman villa while scanning satellite pictures on Google Earth. Luca Mori was looking at images of the area around his home town of Sorbolo when he noticed 'unusual rectangular shadows' which on further examination he decided were the outlines of a villa's inner courtyard. He contacted archaeologists in nearby Parma, who initially thought it might be bronze age remains until Roman ceramics were discovered at the site. ...more

Federation Against Software Theft reclaims a record ?1.4m

The Federation Against Software Theft reclaimed a record ?1.4 million in July, the most that it has collected in a single month on behalf of UK software developers. John Lovelock, director general of FAST, said that companies and organisations are increasingly aware of the legal implications of using unlicensed software, but added that he does not expect to see the practice end any time soon. ...more

FBI pounce on software piracy gang

Reuters reports that the FBI has indicted 19 members of an international piracy gang thought to have cracked software, games and films worth some $6.5m. 'Operation Jolly Roger', focused on the RISCISO gang, believed to number as many as 60 and led by 26-year-old Sean O'Toole of Perth, Australia. ...more