Microsoft buys anti-spyware software for Windows

Microsoft has bought New York anti-spyware company Giant Software. Redmond says that it plans to make available a beta version of a spyware protection, detection, and removal tool, for its Windows products based on the Giant AntiSpyware product within a month. Giant's staff of 10 will now continue to develop the product for Microsoft. ...more

Lufthansa extends mile-high broadband service

Lufthansa has announced that all its long-distance flights are to support on-board broadband Internet access, from the beginning of next year. The German flight carrier has already carried out a test project - equipping the Frankfurt to Washington route - and this is now to be extended. Not only were passengers able to plug laptops into sockets near their seats or use wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, but Fujitsu-Siemens Lifebooks (S6010) were available for onboard loan. ...more

MPs call for better labelling of digital content

MPs have called for new labelling regulations for digital content, so that consumers know exactly what they can and cannot do with their downloads. The recommendation comes in the All Parliamentary Internet Group's (APIG) report on copy protection (DRM) systems, which is published today. The report also calls for an inquiry into digital music pricing and warns makers of DRM systems to learn from the experience of Sony BMG in the US and avoid DRM technologies that install hidden, virus-like files on users' computers. ...more

Slingbox arrives in UK

The popular Slingbox TV device is expanding into Europe with the first stop being the UK. The Slingbox enables consumers to watch TV programmes from wherever they are by turning virtually any Internet-connected Windows-based computer into a personal TV. The Slingbox redirects, or 'placeshifts,' a single live TV stream from a basic aerial connection, cable box, satellite receiver or personal video recorder (PVR) to the viewer's PC - located anywhere in the home, the office, or anywhere else via the Internet. ...more

Microsoft opens the Vista upgrade path

Ahead of the consumer launch of Vista, on 30 January, Microsoft is trying three new ways to encourage people down the upgrade path. As well as making Windows Vista and the 2007 Office release available for direct download, there will be the chance to automatically upgrade editions, for example from Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate. Finally, there is also a time-limited offer - aimed at multi-PC households - enabling cheaper multiple purchases of Vista for those who buy a boxed retail copy. ...more