Is Leap-A a worm or a Trojan?

At least we can agree the Leap-A threat, revealed yesterday, is not an automatically infecting virus. But is it a worm or a Trojan? Apple insists that the malware in question is of a different breed to those faced by Windows systems in the past. 'Leap-A is not a virus, it is malicious software that requires a user to download the application and execute the resulting file,' it said in a statement we reported today. ...more

Linux community in BitKeeper spat

The Linux community is hurriedly working on a new project called 'git' after a row between a developer and the company BitMover resulted in the latter withdrawing its free licence for software used to develop the Linux kernel. ComputerWorld reports that BitMover had granted a free licence to the kernel development team to use its proprietary BitKeeper software to manage and track changes to the kernel. However, the more ascetic acolytes of free and open source software took umbrage at having to agree to a licence in order to use the proprietary software. ...more

UK joins campaign to stamp out spam 'zombies'

Twenty countries around the world have pledged to 'educate' their ISPs about the dangers of botnets and their role in the spread of spam. 'Operation Spam Zombies' will involve those countries and a further 16 government agencies have promised to send letters to more than 3,000 ISPs around the world. The letters will explain the dangers of zombie networks and urge the ISPs to introduce safeguards to prevent their customers' computers from being hijacked by spammers. ...more

Yahoo now under German fire

German prosecutors are investigating Yahoo over an alleged auction of copies of Hitler's book "Mein Kampf". The news that the company is being investigated comes shortly after France's move to prevent racist material being distributed by auction Web sites. In fact, the sale of Nazi memorabilia is illegal in both France and Germany. ...more

Thirty new broadband exchanges

BT has confirmed broadband ready-for-service dates for another 30 exchanges. ADSL will be available on the following dates from the listed exchanges. 10 December 2003: Ashburton, Ashley, Bitton, Budleigh Salterton, Child Okeford, Cottesmore, Edinburgh Corstorphine, Hillsborough, Leire, Long Crendon, Ormesby, Pleasington, Ringmer, Shawbury, Silver End, Toddington, Warrenpoint, Writtle. ...more