The low-down on... GPRS?

So, it seems WAP is a flop and 3G is years away, but what's happened to GPRS, the in-between standard that will actually make mobile Internet services feasible? In case you don't remember, GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) is the next step up from standard GSM mobile networks and will run at theoretical speeds of 100kb/sec (more likely to be 20 to 40kb/sec initially, according to some). It will supposedly make it possible to download MP3 tracks, video clips and images and make mobile email and information services easy to use. Plus it's always-on and can be charged by download size rather than by per minute of use. ...more

BlackICE Defender personal firewall open to attack

Denial of Service and remote access vulnerabilities for Windows 2000 and XP. Internet Security Systems has released a series of patches for its BlackICE range of security applications. A recently-discovered hole means that an attacker may crash or, at worst, take control of Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems running the BlackICE Defender personal firewall and intrusion detection system. ...more

Intel's Irwindale 64-bit Xeon processor starts shipping

Following AMD's release of new high-end Opteron server processors, Intel has announced that it is shipping an upgraded 64-bit Intel Xeon processor, codenamed 'Irwindale'. Whereas the high-end Itanioum 2 server processor has always been 64-bit, the 32-bit Xeon has been more targeted at the workstation and entry-level server market, which has been squeezed by AMD's success with its x86-based 64-bit Opterons. With Irwindale, Intel is recasting the Xeon in 64-bit mode. ...more

Password-protected malware surges

Security experts are warning that there has been a surge in viruses sent in the form of apparently trustworthy password-protected zip file attachments. Messaging security specialist Email Systems says more virus writers than ever before are delivering their malicious code as either an encrypted or password-protected email, causing even the security-savvy to fall victim unwittingly. The first viruses hidden in supposedly safe zip attachments were identified six months ago, said Greg Miller, marketing director at Email Systems. ...more

Vodafone launches Live! Shopping! On Your Mobile!

Vodafone UK has introduced a new service 'Vodafone live! Shopping', a virtual shopping mall where you can buy CDs, chocolates or wines over your phone with a credit card. For the launch, Vodafone has teamed up with HMV, Thorntons, Oddbins, gadgetshop and Firebox and has promised more retailers will be onboard soon. An icon on the live! menu takes customers through to a virtual shopping centre. ...more