<CONTENT /> v.3

Monday, October 14, 2002

Microsoft Outlook Express Patch Flawed - Microsoft Corp. on Friday said that a patch it released Thursday for an Outlook Express vulnerability erroneously tells users they need a different version of Internet Explorer in order to install the fix. In fact, the patch requires IE 6, but users who have installed Service Pack 1 for the browser are already protected against the new flaw. Thus when these users try to install the new patch, they receive an error message.

However, the error message is misleading, in that it tells users they need to install IE 6, and not that they're already protected. A Microsoft spokesman said the company has updated its advisory on the Outlook Express flaw to reflect the SP 1 issue. Eweek
3:35:21 PM

IBM to unleash new PowerPC chip. Once again, the stage will be set for debates over gigahertz comparisons to Intel chips. Will Apple benefit from the power boost? [CNET News.com]
7:15:05 AM

LinuxDevices.com - the embedded Linux portal: Articles > View > Full text:"Despite marketing, DRMP is a licensing technology, not a security technology (see note 1). The combination of hardware and software being championed and fought over by the entertainment companies , Microsoft, and Intel, enforces something like an identity card or passport system on software. The idea is that DRM agents will be incorporated into software, processors (see note 2), and other computer hardware and the DRM agents will examine files containing programs and data (such as digitized music) to make sure the file is attached to a valid digital passport. The passports prove that the file is being used within its license terms. Before you can play a movie on your PC, the DRM agent in the processor will demand the passport on the video player and the video player software will demand the passport of the video file. Before you run a word processor, some DRM agent will make sure you have a valid license and have not violated any of the fine print of the shrink-wrap license and that the file you are opening is something you have a license to read. Programs that do not incorporate certified DRM agents will not be able to get passports, so there will be a world-wide web of DRM agents working together."
7:12:00 AM

InformationWeek > Messaging > Reuters Delivers IM For Financial Services > October 11, 2002 - Reuters is bringing its considerable muscle to instant messaging in financial services with a service it's launching on Oct. 14. With its Reuters Messaging, developed in conjunction with Microsoft and 30 financial-services companies, the news agency aims to provide a secure IM tool where messages can be logged that will help financial-services companies meet any future Securities and Exchange Commission requirements regarding the archiving of IM exchanges. More than 12,000 financial-services professionals had registered for the service prior to the public launch, and Reuters executives expect to have 175,000 registered users by year's end.
6:43:59 AM