Mutating Windows exploit puts antivirus firms on high alert

The security community has set alarm bells ringing as a new vulnerability to Windows has been uncovered. The flaw could be exploited using a specially crafted Windows Metafile (.wmf) file to gain full control of the target computer. ...more

iPods cause pacemakers to malfunction - study

iPods can cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction by interfering with the electromagnetic equipment monitoring the heart, according to a study presented by a 17-year-old high school student to a meeting of heart specialists on Thursday. The study tested the effect of the portable music devices on 100 patients, whose mean age was 77, outfitted with pacemakers. Electrical interference was detected half of the time when the iPod was held two inches from the patient's chest for five to 10 seconds. ...more

Novell indemnifies Linux users, completes SUSE buy

Novell says it will back its Linux users against IP litigation after completing SUSE buy - SCO's McBride agrees. Novell has completed its $210mn cash acquisition of the number two Linux vendor, SUSE, opening the way for IBM to make its promised $50mn investment. The company says it will also indemnify its customers against 'certain intellectual property challenges to Linux'. ...more

Blu-ray DRM could cause BenQ delay

BenQ may delay its schedule to produce Blu-ray Disc drives one or two quarters because of issues implementing the Digital Rights Management (DRM) employed by the Blue-ray Disc Association (BDA), according to local industry sources. Production was originally scheduled for the first or second quarter of 2006. BenQ has tentatively chosen the Blu-ray format over HD DVD, as its technology partner, Royal Philips Electronics, is a charter member of BDA, the sources pointed out. ...more

Greenpeace continues to criticise Apple, despite renewed environmental commitment

While acknowledging that Apple's commitment to turning green beats Dell and many other computer manufacturers, Greenpeace still isn't happy. In a statement on its site, it makes it clear that Steve Jobs' commitment to increasing the amount of waste it recycles, and eliminating many toxic chemicals is 'not everything we asked for'. 'While customers in the US will be able to return their Apple products for recycling knowing that their gear won't end up in the e-waste mountains of Asia and India, Apple isn't making that promise to anyone but customers in the USA,' it says. ...more