DivX goes into the open

Developers of the video compression format DivX have decided to put their technology into the public domain. They are currently working on a follow up to the video format dubbed "DivX Deux" but have decided to go open-source with the code in an attempt to get other developers involved in the project. The DivX format is to video files what MP3 is to audio files and can be used to transfer high quality video in relatively small files. ...more

HP, Acer to launch new Tablet PCs in July

Two major Tablet PC vendors, Hewlett-Packard and Acer, expect to launch new Tablet PCs this summer, sources said. HP expects to launch its second 10.4-inch Tablet PC, manufactured by South Korea-based LG Electronics (LGE), in July, sources said. ...more

09-02-2001 Essential news of the week

Brought neatly together and presented on a plate, here's a roundup of some of the week's main news stories from the world of IT. The ADSL rumble rolls on Palm shuffles memory cards EU copies copyright law to the Net IBM adds to ThinkPads Really tiny hard drive Sun's Web services to be as ONE Microsoft gains eXPerience Like a scene from all those New York movies Xbox seeing double The price of junk mail counted in billions Buy.com snapped up by John Lewis Don't forget, we welcome your comments. ...more

Anti Spyware Coalition defines what it is spyware

A new industry grouping calling itself the Anti Spyware Coalition (ASC) has begun its life with an existential question: What exactly is the spyware that it is anti? The group has come up with a set of definitions that will form the basis of its activities. In its draft guidelines it has defined spyware as technologies that 'impair users' control over material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security; use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; or collection, use, and distribution of their personal or otherwise sensitive information'. It has also come up with definitions for such nasties as 'adware,' 'port scanner,' and 'screen scraper'. ...more

Cybercrime massively under-reported warn law agencies

Law enforcement agencies are only equipped to tackle the tip of the cybercrime iceberg, according to a panel of experts speaking at the InfoSecurity conference in London today. The panel agreed that electronic crime was only at the bottom of an exponential curve and that many such crimes go unreported and unprosecuted because there is no agreed protocol for doing so. The reasons are manifold. ...more