Microsoft teams up for virtualisation with XenSource

Microsoft is teaming up with virtualisation open-source company XenSource to develop interoperability between their respective hypervisor products. The collaboration will result in Xen-enabled Linux platforms being run on Microsoft's virtualisation technology in the upcoming version of Windows Server, code-named Longhorn. Microsoft will also offer technical support for Xen-enabled Linux guest operating systems through its standard channels. ...more

PayPal launches in the UK

Online payment service PayPal has made its European debut in the UK, and plans to rollout across the rest of the continent. Recently acquired by the eBay Internet auctions giant, PayPal allows any individual or organisation to make and receive credit card payments to and from any individual in 38 countries worldwide; the only proviso being that both parties have valid email addresses. The company insists that it provides the highest possible level of transaction security, and provides both buyers and sellers with several means of redress should one or other prove dishonest. ...more

Nikon recalls cameras

Nikon has announced a product recall for some of its Coolpix 2000 digital cameras. A mechanical fault has been found in some batches, which results in overheating in the battery compartment causing the casing to melt. Nikon has stated that cameras with the serial numbers in the following ranges are affected: 2010001 - 2042816 2510001 - 2543248 3010001 - 3060980 3510001 - 3561916 4010001 - 4063334 4510001 - 4555696 5010001 - 5014664 5510001 - 5512592 No other models are affected. ...more

UK clamps down on personal information sites

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ordered the website b4usearch.com, which offers a free 'people search' facility, to stop using personal information from electoral registers published before 2002, after finding the site in breach of the Data Protection Act. This is thought to be the first time that the ICO has issued such an order regarding a web site. ...more

Underworld attacks Morpheus

Hack or hoax over Internet file sharing system? A popular Internet file-swapping service is vulnerable to a devastating security hole, according to reports circulating respected news sites this morning. Morpheus, a peer-to-peer system that relies on users sharing areas of their hard disks using bespoke client software, is used to distribute files including MP3 and other digital media files. News of a vulnerability, whereby intruders can download lists of users and the contents of their hard disks, first appeared on the BBC's Web site earlier today. ...more