Apple updates Java support

Apple has updated the Java software in OS X. This software enables Mac users to develop and run applications and applets written in the Java programming language. The Java 1. ...more

Software Update poses security risk

A serious security hole has been found in the Software Update feature of Mac OS X. Security Web site SecurePoint received an email detailing how the automatic update feature of Software Update could be exploited by a hacker to compromise an entire Mac OS X system. By default, Software Update automatically checks once a week for any software updates released by Apple and downloads and installs them. ...more

Comment: Who benefits from IBM and the USPTO's 'open' bid to up patent quality?

The US Patent and Trademark Office's announcement yesterday that it is to team up with major open-source vendors, the Open Source Development Labs and VA Software's SourceForge.net, to launch initiatives to improve patent quality, looks shiny and positive on the face of it. Open Critics The free and open-source software (FOSS) community has been one of the strongest critics of software patents, and in particular some of the more dubious patents issued by the USPTO. ...more

Microsoft abandons subscription trial

Microsoft has abandoned a subscription licensing trial for Office XP. The trial was held in Australia, New Zealand and France and if successful would have seen Microsoft replacing the traditional one-off payment means of buying software with annual subscription fees, covering the cost of the software itself and subsequent upgrades. However, as Computerworld Australia reports, customers found the 'mechanics' confusing and as a result of their feedback Microsoft discontinued the project. ...more

IPTV companies club on single standards push

Companies that provide TV over the Internet (IPTV) joined forces on Monday to set a single global standard so that systems can work together. The Open IPTV Forum is backed by companies including Ericsson, Matsushita's Panasonic, Philips, Samsung, Siemens AG, Sony, AT&T, Telecom Italia and France Telecom. Not on the starting list are Alcatel-Lucent and Microsoft, the market leaders and alliance partners in IPTV networks and software. ...more