Microsoft offers $1 billion to settle lawsuit

No, not the anti-trust lawsuit. This was an over-pricing lawsuit.. ...more

Google feedback flaw leaves way for phishing

An Italian computer expert has discovered a bug in Google's feedback pages that allows the insertion of code that can be used in phishing scams. Salvatore Aranzulla found that because Google fails to filter text entered on the User Feedback page, the sub domains Google uses to serve its text and image-based adverts can be used to modify the page by entering HTML or Javascript code into the feedback field. Any browser with JavaScript enabled would fall foul of this flaw, and Aranzulla includes a link to show such an exploit in action. ...more

Cardiff first in BT's ?10bn 21CN network makeover

Cardiff has been chosen by BT as the first city to sample phone calls, broadband and other Ethernet services over its next-generation telecommunications network, dubbed '21st Century Network' (21CN). Migration of customer lines to the new infrastructure is scheduled to begin during the second half of 2006 and it will require the replacement of equipment in 50 local exchanges as well as new IT systems to support the delivery of the new services that will be possible. Examples include BT Fusion, a mobile phone that uses Bluetooth and IP technology to automatically connect to a landline when used at home, and BT LiveTime, which enables the broadcast of TV and digital radio to mobile handsets. ...more

SCO hires lawyer to haul in the licence fees

Fact follows fiction. A news story on Client Server News alleging that Linux vendor SCO (erstwhile Caldera) was to hire high-profile lawyer David Boies to investigate revenue opportunities from its Unix patents appears to be true, despite the company shouting it down as entirely speculative. Then at LinuxWorld Expo in New York today, SCO announced it would charge $149 per server processor for the use of its Unix libraries. ...more

ODF guardedly welcomes Microsoft's Office XML move

ODF supporters have guardedly welcomed Microsoft's move to participate in an open-source project to make Microsoft's Office Open XML compatible with the ODF format. Sun Microsystems' Chief Open Source Officer Simon Phipps said he was 'delighted' but ultimately thought Microsoft should bite the bullet and 'engage with the OASIS OpenDocument Technical Committee, which they have long been free and able to do'. But he was sceptical over Microsoft's efforts and intentions. ...more