SCO makes its Unix IP licence for Linux available on the Web

SCO takes Visa, Mastercard and American Express for Unix IP licences. SCO has made its Unix IP licence for Linux available on its website for what it describes as the 'many customers [that] are concerned about using Linux since they have become aware of the allegations that Linux is an unauthorized derivative work of the UNIX operating system'. In buying a SCO licence, you are obliged to sign up to the EULA in the process. ...more

Australian faces four years in jail for ?3mn email scam

A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to at least four years behind bars for his part in an email scam that netted him AU$ 5mn (?2.94mn). Nick Marinellis, from Sydney, was allegedly the Australian head of the so-called Nigerian or West African scam, where email was spammed out suggesting the recipient had unclaimed lottery winnings, inheritance and business opportunities they could claim if they sent off a sum to cover administration. ...more

Google opens the Checkout

Anyone who remembers Microsoft's plans to get its massive Hotmail userbase to sign up its collective credit card details to a Passport account, enabling fast online purchases will recognise Google's latest announcement: Google Checkout. This time around it's a Google account you need. And for most users it should make buying through participating stores, which include Levi's, buy. ...more

EU states agree on rules for VoIP services

Telecoms regulators from all the EU member states have agreed new rules for Internet telephony that will enable VoIP services to compete on a level playing field with land-based and mobile services. The 25 regulators have agreed to apply the same rules to Internet services as they do to others, providing, for instance, equal access to non-Internet networks. They also agreed to look into issues of concern for VoIP operators. ...more

Microsoft cash for Passports

Scandalous as it seems, Microsoft is offering to write out cheques to US MSN users that sign up to a Passport account and make a $100 or more purchase. Sadly a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the promotion was not open to UK users, but it confirms how far the company is prepared to go to ensure the adoption of the Passport, which retains and authenticates your personal data, such as account details and delivery address. The offer promises to write you a cheque for $20 when you spend between $100 and $199, $40 when you spend between $200 and $299 and so on up to a maximum of $100 for $500 and over. ...more