Keygen Beats Windows Product Activation
UPDATED "All IP protection technologies will be cracked at some point; it's just a matter of time," Allen Nieman, Product Manager of Activation at Microsoft, told BetaNews in an interview last May. But this week Nieman's concession became a reality as a key generator capable of creating unique, valid installation and activation codes for Windows XP came to light.
While patches and cracks for Windows Product Activation have existed since the release of Windows XP, would-be pirates were forced to physically modify system files and risk invalidating their operating system with updates. If it desired, Microsoft has the ability to instantly void such cracks or leaked keys with service packs or security patches.
Messenger Virus FUD Spreads Across Net
News of a virus affecting MSN and Windows Messenger has begun to surface on several Web sites, and appears to be causing more ruckus than the actual bug itself. The rumors stem from a vulnerability in Internet Explorer discovered last year that allows a Web site to access local objects such as Messenger contacts through the document.Open() method.
In a security bulletin posted last week, researchers Tom Gilder and Thor Larholm warned of the possibility for a Web site to utilize this flaw and send messages to MSN contacts without a user's knowledge. The recent confusion is caused by a malicious Web page that sends a message to each visitor's contact list containing a link to itself. If the link is clicked, that user's contacts will also receive the message, and so on. Microsoft patched this problem in the most recent IE security update, which the company "strongly urges" all Windows users to install.
Update: Comcast Stops Spying on Subscribers
Cable provider Comcast on Wednesday said it would stop tracking its users after coming under fire from subscribers and privacy advocates. "Beginning immediately, we will stop storing this individual customer information in order to completely reassure our customers that the privacy of their information is secure," said Comcast President Stephen Burke in a statement. Comcast acknowledged Tuesday that it had begun recording each Web site its subscribers visit and admitted to storing the data for days.
The comapny said the information was being used to optimize and improve the speed of its network. Passwords and credit card numbers transmitted to Web sites were among the information that was being stored into a giant database managed by Inktomi. Comcast says the information was being used to optimize and improve the speed of its network and such action is permitted under its service agreement with subscribers.
Windows .NET Server Nears RC1
After months of silence from the development team, Microsoft has finally issued the first post-Beta 3 build of Windows .NET Server, branded 3604. Build 3604 is an interim release between Beta 3 and RC1 meant to preview progress being made as the new server operating system nears release quality. Installation for testers is optional, as build 3604 has not gone through proper internal testing to be deemed an official beta milestone.
Initially released alongside client versions of Whistler, which became Windows XP, server editions were renamed last June to reflect different shipping schedules. Windows .NET Server builds were also switched to higher numbers in the 3000 range to clarify the separation.
Microsoft Plugs Security Holes in IE
As part of the company's push for improved security throughout its software, Microsoft issued on Monday a cumulative patch for Internet Explorer correcting all known and six new vulnerabilities in the browser. An initial version of the patch dated February 7 slipped public last week, but was swiftly removed due to installation problems. The "11 February 2002 Cumulative Patch" weighs in at 2.41 MB and should be applied to IE6 and IE5.5 on all versions of Windows and IE5.01 on Windows 2000.
A company spokesperson told BetaNews, "Microsoft strongly urges all Windows users to install this fix to ensure that their systems are fully protected and has made this patch available for customers on Windows Update and via auto update in Windows XP."
Special: Test a 3Com Combo Card with V.92
To help recruit beta testers for the company's new V.92 modem upgrade, 3Com is offering BetaNews readers a free Lan + Modem combo card for use with Cardbus equipped laptop computers. The V.92 upgrade offers up to 40 percent higher throughput with the new V.44 connection standard, quicker connection times, and the new Modem on Hold ability. Modem on Hold enables a computer to pause an Internet connection for a phone call and immediately resume it when done talking.
According to 3Com Mobile beta coordinator Doug Sorensen, "Testers who are able to participate in this test will receive a Lan + Modem combo card to compensate for the long distance costs associated with this test (you will need to connect to some V.92 enabled numbers that will be a long distance call for most beta sites). You will also receive a free copy of the Modem on Hold application that normally requires an additional purchase."
Trillian Fights Back as AOL Boots its Users
UPDATED Adding yet another chapter to the seemingly endless battle over instant messaging, AOL has begun blocking Trillian users from accessing its servers, effectively cutting off communication between the independent client and AOL's ad-laden software. Trillian does not provide its own messaging platform, but instead combines the most popular services into a single program and eliminates the need to run multiple clients. The standoff began last week and Cerulean Studios -- developer of Trillian -- continues to issue updates immediately bypassing each new block.
Such resistance to outsiders is nothing new to AOL, which played similar games with Microsoft in 1999 and again with Odigo in 2000. Microsoft eventually gave in and focused on improving MSN Messenger, which has now begun to eat away at AOL's controlling market share. Odigo in July 2000 formed IMUnified, a coalition designed to work towards instant messaging interoperability, and continues to tout AOL compatibility in its client.
Microsoft Opens MapPoint .NET Beta Signups
Microsoft is now accepting applicants who wish to beta test the next generation version of MapPoint that will act as a hosted, programmable XML Web Service. MapPoint .NET will add functionality to Microsoft's own services including CarPoint, HomeAdvisor, MSN MapPoint, MSN Mobile as well as TerraServer. In addition, independent software vendors can utilize MapPoint .NET and embed location features into their applications, Web sites, and services.
Microsoft "will be selecting candidates through a simple qualification form to ensure that we have an extensive group who will use the service and give us quality feedback." Use of the beta platform will be free of charge and testers may then transfer their login to a normal customer account upon signing the Basic Services Deployment Agreement. If chosen, you will receive a beta ID and password to BetaPlace via e-mail. Use of MapPoint .NET requires the final version of Visual Studio .NET, currently available through MSDN.
USB 2.0 Drivers for Windows XP Now Available
As promised, Microsoft has completed the long awaited USB 2.0 drivers for Windows XP. USB 2.0 support entered beta last summer, but Microsoft opted to leave the drivers out of its new operating system until they could be tested on more devices. USB 2.0 increases available bandwidth for devices to 480Mbps, making the technology ideal for high-quality video and storage.
"Microsoft has worked closely with its hardware (and software) partners - such as Adaptec, Canon, Cypress Conductor, Gateway, Intel, and NEC - to provide the necessary support for the USB 2.0 bus driver in Windows XP, driving further adoption of USB 2.0 and enabling customers to take advantage of the more than one hundred USB 2.0 devices available on the market today, as well as the hundreds of future USB 2.0 products," a Microsoft spokesperson told BetaNews.
GUI Olympics 2002: Let the Games Begin!
With Olympic fever starting to spread as Salt Lake gears up for the Winter Games, BetaNews has joined up with Stardock and several Web sites to create the first ever GUI Olympics. The GUI Olympics is the ultimate user interface design contest in which users from around the world can submit their WindowBlinds skins and battle for $10,000 in cash and prizes among 15 events. Artists represent their Web site of choice and BetaNews needs your help to bring home a few gold medals - and you can win some cash and software in process.
The rules are simple: Create an original skin using special free BetaNews versions of WindowBlinds and SkinStudio, and submit it to the GUI Olympics Web site. You may update your skin as many times as you would like and submit an unlimited number of skins. The first three "warm up" events have been announced, and additional events will be unveiled every other day. With 75 awards being handed out, your chances of winning are very high.
Microsoft Delays Update to PowerToys
After pulling the download for PowerToys -- a popular group of small applications that add extra functionality to Windows XP by taking advantage of hidden settings -- and promising a release by January 31, Microsoft has decided to hold off on the much anticipated update. A note on the PowerToys Web site simply reads, "We're sorry, because we know you like them a lot. PowerToys are currently being improved, and will be available for download in the spring."
Although Microsoft has also blocked the ability to download older versions, a company spokesperson told BetaNews the team is making minor improvements and there is no need for users to uninstall the current version. Microsoft refused to give specific details as to the cause of the delay, but a new version appeared in early January containing an ISO burner and taskbar audio player, and was swiftly removed from download servers.
Microsoft Rolls Out Security Pack, Appoints New Chief
Microsoft this week released the Windows 2000 Security Roll-up Package, a cumulative update of security patches issued since the release of Service Pack 2. Users of Windows 2000 Professional, Server, and Advanced Server can secure their systems without multiple hot-fixes and reboots.
Redmond also today announced it had appointed former Department of Justice attorney Scott Charney to head its security division. The news comes on the heels of a memo from Chairman Bill Gates that was intentionally leaked to the press, which called on security to top Microsoft's list of priorities.
Sony Brings Linux for PlayStation to US
UPDATED Sony today announced plans to release the first supported version of its "Linux (for PlayStation 2)," dubbed Release 1.0. A beta Linux kit was made available in Japan last July in response to requests by the Japanese Linux society. After an overwhelming positive response from the community, Sony decided to publicly release and support the development kit. Release 1.0 will go on sale beginning in May for Japanese customers and debut in June for the United States and Europe.
The Linux (for PlayStation 2) kit will retail for $199 USD ($215 in Europe) and include a 40GB hard disk, 100 Base T Ethernet interface, Linux Kernel 2.2.1, XFree86 3.3.6, USB keyboard and mouse, and a computer monitor adaptor. The kit will only work when connected to a monitor - not a television.
Roxio Threatens Developer Over 'Easy CD' Use
Staking its claim on the term "Easy CD" Roxio has sent the legal hounds after Poikosoft, maker of Easy CD-DA Extractor - a title which Roxio claims is "confusingly similar" to its own trademarked Easy CD Creator. Roxio first contacted Poikosoft, a one-man company named after its Finnish founder Jukka Poikolainen, last October and demanded the name of Easy CD-DA Extractor be changed within thirty days.
"We do not need to show actual confusion, only the likelihood of confusion, to stop this infringing use," Roxio's lawyers wrote in a letter. "If you refuse, we are instructed by Roxio to take all necessary steps to protect its trademark and prevent confusion, including filing suit for trademark infringement...If we are forced to bring suit, we will ask for injunctive relief, damages, and attorneys' fees."
3Com Betas Modem Turbo Charge, Offers Free Hardware
3Com Corp. is looking for beta testers to evaluate new V.92 modem software that offers 30% to 40% higher throughput with the new V.44 compression standard, quicker connection times, and a Modem on Hold ability, which allows you to "pause the Internet connection on an incoming call for a short period of time, then resume it when you are done talking," according to 3Com. Testers who have the 3C3FEM656C, 3CXFEM656C, CXSH654B or 3C3SH654B PC Cards are specifically being targeted for this beta.
In addition to trying out the latest technology, 3Com will give all beta testers a $20 gift certificate to Amazon.com to compensate for any long distance charges made during testing and a free copy of the Modem on Hold application. As an added incentive, the top two testers will receive their choice of the following hardware products free of charge: an 802.11b wireless PC Card, a USB Bluetooth adapter or a PC Card Bluetooth adapter. Selected participants in this modem beta will be given other opportunities to test for 3Com Mobile in the future.
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