AOL UK to provide anti spyware software to subscribers

AOL UK is planning to offer anti-spyware tools to its customers from the end of next month. The AOL Spyware Protection software is currently in beta and will be incorporated into version 9.0 of the company's software with a download available to existing members. ...more

BT expands workforce to speed LLU connections

Ofcom has given BT permission to bring in extra engineers to work on reducing the time it takes to connect ISPs' LLU customers to the Internet. Under the BT Openreach programme, an engineer is required to connect the broadband user's landline to the ISP's LLU kit inside the local BT exchange, but the high level of demand for LLU services has resulted in a delay in this process. Ofcom's approval for the additional staff was necessary because of tight regulations designed to prevent BT's Internet and telephone infrastructure divisions from favouring its own ISP, BT Retail. ...more

Medion ditches Intel for UMPC

Medion has snubbed Intel's new ultramobile processor platform with the launch of its first UMPC. The RIM 1000 will feature a VIA C7-M 770 ULV processor, 768MB of RAM and a 6.5in touchscreen. ...more

Multivision: administrator appointed

Following the news last week that Multivision Computers had ceased trading, we can now confirm that the Birmingham High Court has appointed insolvency practitioner West Midlands-based Griffin and King as administrator. It's believed huge debts forced Multivision to close and as yet no third party has offered to bail the company out or buy its assets. It's still not clear what will happen to warranty holders or those awaiting new machines but customers are still being advised to write to Multivision's business address at 49-53 High Street, Halesowen, West Midlands B63 3BG. ...more

RIAA condemns US fair rights proposals

An attempt by two US congressman to introduce fair use rights for digital copying has been condemned by the major record companies, who claim that it would 'legalise hacking'. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which represents the interests of the major labels, said that the bill would allow companies to encourage people to break the law. It would enable exemptions to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that would permit DRM systems to be cracked in order to enable private copying. ...more