DVD crack number two

We've previously reported on the case of the programmers who managed to hack and copy DVD movies with their DeCSS code, well now it appears that another team of programmers have come up with a similar program. Keith Winstein and Marc Horowitz say that they are using their code to illustrate the point that publishing code that decrypts and plays DVDs is not illegal. These two MIT students claim that they are educating people in the issues surrounding copyright and, therefore, are protected by the First Amendment, which upholds their right to free speech. ...more

Microsoft boss receives knighthood

Bill Gates received his honourary knighthood yesterday for his business skills and his charitable work. He will not be able to use the title 'Sir', as he is not British, but will suffix the letters KBE after his name. He arrived in London yesterday with his wife Melinda to receive an insignia, making him a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. ...more

Security company warns that spam problem is becoming acute

The spam problem is becoming more acute, according to security company MessageLabs, with two-thirds of email traffic made up of junk mail. Fully, 67.6 per cent of email traffic in April was spam, according to the company, which scanned 840 million emails in the month. ...more

Intel develops PC for developing countries

Intel has launched its 'Discover the PC' campaign, with platforms and partnerships to bring affordable computing to developing countries. Intel already has initiatives within education and local technology industries in a bid to encourage broad adoption of technology. Now the chip giant is launching a low cost desktop platform that will be distributed through government agencies and telecommunications companies to people who would not ordinarily be able to own one. ...more

Microsoft makes Live online service live

Microsoft has announced two new brands for the delivery of online services: Windows Live and Microsoft Office Live. Bill Gates unveiled the company's new online strategy, with Windows Live intended 'to bring together all the elements of an individual's digital world' while Office Live helps small companies 'do business online'. 'These new offerings demonstrate how software is evolving through the power of services in ways that enable more dynamic and relevant experiences for people,' said Gates. ...more