Madonna breaks Webcast records

At 9pm yesterday evening, Madonna's first gig in the UK for eight years was cast live over the Web, attracting more than nine million viewers. Madonna fans logged in to the MSN Webcast in record-breaking numbers to see the Brixton academy show, although the queen of pop played just six songs. Tickets for the 3,000 capacity venue were like gold dust, changing hands over a number of charity auction sites for as much as ?1,102 each. ...more

Microsoft able to intimidate under new deal

The proposed antitrust settlement does nothing to stop Microsoft intimidating OEMs, claims Gateway. Speaking as a witness for the nine outstanding states yet to agree to a settlement deal, Anthony Fama, a lawyer for Gateway Computers, said yesterday that while Microsoft had adopted the terms of the proposed settlement back in December, these terms had still allowed the company to impose a strict new licensing deal with OEMs. The new licensing agreement, alleged Fama, allowed Microsoft to give discounts to PC vendors that configured their PCs the Microsoft way, particularly high volume vendors such as Dell and Compaq. ...more

RealNetworks makes moves on MusicNet rival

RealNetworks invests in online music subscription service Listen.com. Despite its 40 per cent stake in the MusicNet service, RealNetworks has cast its gaze farther afield with the announcement that it has taken a 'strategic minority investment' in Listen. ...more

US makes legal strike on AllofMP3.com

The US music industry has launched legal action against Russian download site AllofMP3.com. The suit, filed in New York for Arista Records, Warner Bros, Capitol and UMG recordings, alleges the music service's owners Moscow-based Mediaservices sell songs without permission. ...more

Teenage Blaster worm suspect facing arrest

It is believed the FBI has closed in on the author of a recent malicious computer worm, Blaster. The suspect, an eighteen year-old American, has already been questioned and is now facing charges according to Reuters. The Blaster Worm made its mark earlier this month - Blaster worm set to attack Microsoft's update service. ...more