Microsoft hits eight bootleggers with lawsuits

Microsoft has stepped up its campaign against the counterfeiters by issuing eight lawsuits against companies in the US, who allegedly have been selling bootleg copies of Windows software. Each of the companies that are being sued by Microsoft is accused of distributing counterfeit versions of Windows, other Microsoft software or the Certificate of Authenticity. Over the past couple of years, Microsoft has tightened up the loopholes that made it easier for counterfeiters to operate. ...more

UK moves for online property giant

UK online property firms must be quaking in their boots as MOVE.com, claiming to be the second largest property site in the US, swaggers into the UK market today. The site plans to offer a one-stop solution for a home-mover's needs, combining property listings with other services, such as information on crime rates and local schools and other 'living-related' services. ...more

Microsoft invents new word (and promotes MSN Explorer)

The Internet experience is about to get a little more integrated if you are a fan of the Microsoft MSN network of Internet services. In an attempt at "marketisation", Microsoft is rolling out its new MSN Explorer software to 30 different world markets. The new software brings together MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger and MSN Search into one application, allowing you to surf the Internet, receive and send e-mail, send instant messages and search the net without switching applications. ...more

Hotmail Hack a damp squib

A lot of hard work to read someone's spam. Reports that hackers can break into Hotmail accounts with ease have been put down as "misleading", according to Security News Portal. Earlier this week hacking site Root-Core posted a program that enabled Hotmail users to scan for messages held by other accounts. ...more

Intel prunes processor prices

In the wake of slack sales in the PC market, Intel is to once more wield the axe, stripping as much as 40 per cent from chip prices. Almost all mobile processors will be reduced to some extent with 850Mhz, 800Mhz and 750Mhz PIIIs dropping 30, 32 and 33 per cent to $508, $342 and $268 respectively. Its mobile Celeron counterparts running at 700Mhz, 650Mhz and 600Mhz will see a similar decrease in price. ...more