Microsoft warning: flaw in newer Windows versions

Microsoft has warned users of a new ``critical''-rated flaw in recent versions of Windows that could allow attackers to take control of a system by embedding malicious software code into digital images.

Reuters reports in The New York Times (8 November) that users of Windows XP, Windows Server and an updated version of Windows 2000 were vulnerable to an attack unless they installed a software patch.

The flaw affects imaging technology used in Windows that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of a system simply by having the user view a digital image that contains software code that exploits the flaw.

According to Reuters, the top two providers of security software and services, Symantec and McAfee recommended that users install the patch and avoid opening suspicious e-mail attachments or clicking on any unfamiliar links.

Microsoft issued the patches as part of its monthly security bulletin, which it adopted in 2003 to make it easier for users and computer system administrators to install patches and keep track of vulnerabilities in Microsoft's software.

{mospagebreaktitle=Internet services crucial, Microsoft memos say: NYT}Internet services crucial, Microsoft memos say: NYT

Microsoft must fundamentally alter its business or face being at a significant competitive disadvantage to a growing array of companies offering internet services, according to memorandums written by two of the company's top executives.

The New York Times reports (9 November) that last week, Microsoft, the largest software maker, announced that it would offer two new internet services - Windows Live and Office Live - in response to companies including Apple, Google, Salesforce.com and Yahoo that have created new businesses based on direct internet connections with users.

The newspaper says that in separate memos distributed internally to senior executives on 30 Oct., Microsoft's chairman, Bill Gates, and a chief technology officer, Ray Ozzie, warned that the new "Internet services" era could be significantly disruptive for the company.

The memos were obtained on Tuesday afternoon by The New York Times. A Microsoft spokesman confirmed their authenticity, but would not comment on their substance.

According to the NYT., they point to a variety of threats to Microsoft's Windows and Office franchises, from advertising-supported internet businesses like those being pursued by Google and Yahoo to, as Mr. Gates notes, a new "grass-roots adoption and popularisation model" that has made it easier for start-up companies to reach large audiences at low cost.

The document written by Mr. Ozzie, titled "The Internet Services Disruption," criticises Microsoft for moving too slowly to capitalise on technologies it developed and for failing to capitalize on industry trends.

The newspaper says he cites Microsoft's failure to adequately pursue a technology known as Ajax - which makes it possible for internet-based applications to mimic the appearance and responsiveness of desktop PC programs - as a clear case of company sluggishness.

{mospagebreaktitle=US carriers adopt content rating for cellphones}US carriers adopt content rating for cellphones

In the US., the nation's major cellular phone carriers have said that they had adopted a content rating system for video, music, pictures and games that they sell to cellphone users - a development that could pave the way for them to begin selling pornography and sex-oriented content on mobile devices.

The New York Times reports (9 November) that the carriers said the ratings, meant to mimic content classifications for movies and video games, are voluntary.

Initially, the carriers would classify content in two categories: general interest and restricted content deemed appropriate only for people over the age of 18.

According to the newspaper, the carriers said they had agreed not to begin making restricted content available until they had developed filters and other technological tools that would enable parents to prevent children from getting access to inappropriate material.

The carriers, including Cingular Wireless and Verizon Wireless, the largest and second-largest mobile companies, said they were developing filtering technology and that it should be available soon.

{mospagebreaktitle=Toshiba, NEC Elec to develop chip technology}Toshiba, NEC Elec to develop chip technology

Japan's Toshiba and NEC Electronics will join hands in developing next-generation chip technology to speed up the process and limit costs, the companies said on Wednesday.

Reuters reports in The New York Times (9 November) that Toshiba, the world's seventh-largest microchip maker, and eighth-ranked NEC Electronics also said they had begun talks on further collaboration including product development and production to make capital investment more efficient.

According to Reuters in the NYT report, chip makers are now trying to move to chip circuitry widths of 90 nanometres, or billionths of a meter, as advanced design provides smaller and higher-density chips at lower unit costs. Process technologies for 65 and 45 nanometres are now under development.

The report says that Toshiba and NEC Electronics, 70 percent owned by Japanese electronics conglomerate NEC will together develop process technology for chip circuitry widths of 45 nanometres.

{mospagebreaktitle=IBM releases software to promote cell}IBM releases software to promote cell

IBM has launched a set of software tools it hopes will spur wider interest in its upcoming Cell microprocessor that is key to the computing giant's return to profitable chipmaking.

Reuters reports in The New York Times (9 November) that IBM has developed Cell jointly with Sony and Toshiba, Texas.

IBM is banking on the chip to help revive its flagging microchip division, which has lost more than US$1 billion since 2002, according to Reuters.

{mospagebreaktitle=Microsoft sees up to 3 million early Xbox 360 sales}Microsoft sees up to 3 million early Xbox 360 sales

Microsoft on Tuesday said it expects to sell as many as 3 million Xbox 360s in the first three months after its launch -- a strong start in its battle to dominate the market for next-generation gaming consoles.

Reuters reports in The New York Times (8 November) that some big retailers in the United States have stopped accepting early orders for Xbox 360.

According to the Reuters/NYT report, Microsoft will be the first of the three major companies to launch a new console when the Xbox 360 hits store shelves on 22 November. Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Revolution each are expected sometime later in 2006.

Reuters reports that Microsoft has said it is aiming to sell 2.75 million to 3 million Xbox 360 units in the first 90 days after the launch date.

The company set that target nearly two weeks after trying to play down industry expectations. At its latest earnings announcement, it warned that initial Xbox sales might not be as high as some in the gaming industry have expected.

But, says Reuters, analysts said the new 90-day sales figure was probably still low, given that the Xbox 360 will not have a direct competitor this Christmas and that it will be accompanied by a rich line-up of games.

{mospagebreaktitle=Re-marked Intel CPUs surface in China}Re-marked Intel CPUs surface in China

Re-marked Intel Pentium M processors have turned up in China, the chip giant admitted this week.

The Register reports (9 November) that, however, the company maintained the number of dodgy chips in circulation is small.

According to an Intel spokeswoman, cited by IDG News, the chips are engineering samples sent out to Chinese PC makers. Somewhere in the supply chain, however, they were re-marked as consumer-ready product, says The Register.

The Register says the spokeswoman said it had warned PC makers that sample CPUs are not to be resold, and advised end-users to ensure they buy from Intel-certified dealers if they are concerned about buying unauthorised product