Linux riddled with almost 300 potential patent infringements, claim experts

The Linux kernel contains 283 patents that could be used against end-users of the software, according to the Open Source Risk Management (OSRM) group. OSRM conducted a study of the kernel program at the heart of the Open Source operating system and discovered that although the software did not infringe any US patent that had previously been validated through the courts, it trod on the toes of 283 patents that are as yet untested. Dan Ravichner, who carried out the kernel review and is the founder and executive director of the Public Patent Foundation and senior counsel to the Free Software Foundation, said: 'This patent risk is in line with what we expected to find, and likely comparable to the level of risk you would find in comparable proprietary software; the only difference with open source software being that proprietary software vendors typically provide legal backing for their customers. ...more

Analysis: Crime and punishment

Internet-based crime is growing in the corporate and public consciousness, and the problem is certainly given high billing by the government. It set up the National High-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) in April 2001 and after nearly two years' experience with technically savvy perpetrators and the businesses that have been targeted by them, the NHTCU has sent out a harsh warning - to the business community. It seems businesses have been less than willing to report security breaches, no matter how big or small, and one can see their point. ...more

Music industry set to target ISPs

Rumours are circulating that suggest the music industry maybe about to commence legal action against ISPs to force them to block the file sharing of copyright material. Digital Music News reports - Global Music Sales Dip in 2005, Industry Points to Progress - that IFPI chairman John Kennedy told the Financial Times that he has had no response from ISPs to his call for them to co-operate. However taking them on will present challenges that the record industry has yet to encounter in its legal assault on individual p2p file sharers and on p2p software developers. ...more

Apple reseller pre-installs Windows XP

The unthinkable has happened. A US Apple reseller is using Apple's Boot Camp beta software to offer MacBook Pro laptops with Windows XP pre-installed. Expercom says it will hive off a 20GB partition on which it will install XP - all for $2,029. ...more

Hercules brings ATI Radeon 9600 to the UK

Hercules has announced its 3D Prophet 9600 for the UK at ?120 ex VAT. The card features 256MB of 200MHz DDR memory and a 128bit memory interface. The GPU is clocked at 325MHz. ...more