Σάββατο, Ιανουαρίου 31, 2004

WinFS: Microsoft's Data Management Vision

"An article on Tom's Hardware gives insight in to Windows Future Storage services, an indexing subsystem of sorts, contained in the next version of Windows dubbed Longhorn.

WinFS, which is based on a relational database, will refine file and data management for the Windows platform. In short, 'WinFS mirrors folders and files, enabling it to speed up searches and retrieval of these data based on suitable XML parameters and, above all, according to variable criteria' {T's H: NTFS Holds ...}. "

WinBeta.org - WinFS: Microsoft's Data Management Vision

PHP-Nuke 7.0 released to the public

"Proud to announce that PHP-Nuke 7.0 is now released to the public. Many new stuff as you already know (points system, blocks expiration period and users groups), lot of fixes are included in this version. At the same time PHP-Nuke 7.1 has been released for Club members which includes the new subscription system and this feature is now available here at PHPNuke.org to be able to remove all the advertising present on the site. As usual, you can download version 7.0 from here. "

PHP-Nuke - PHP-Nuke 7.0 released to the public

Next Direct X to be called 9.0c

"ONE OF OUR WISE WHISPERERS has suggested that the next implementation of DirectX 9 won't be labelled 9.1 at all. As many readers will be aware, the most recent revision of DX is 9.0b. And the upcoming implementation is likely simply to be called DirectX 9.0c, our greybeard suggests. The next revision of the famous API will be no DirectX 9.1. And, in terms of new features, it won't be a huge step that we saw with transition from DX 8.0 to 8.1."

Neowin.net - Next Direct X to be called 9.0c

Τα κινητά με OS αναταράσσουν την αγορά

Σύμφωνα με την εταιρεία ερευνών αγοράς Zelos Group τα επόμενα δυο χρόνια η Microsoft θα υπερισχύσει της κοινοπραξίας Symbian, γνωστής για το ομώνυμο λειτουργικό σύστημα για κινητά τηλέφωνα. Ωστόσο μακροπρόθεσμα ο γίγαντας του λογισμικού θα περιοριστεί στο να επιδιώκει την παγίωση του λειτουργικού της σαν στάνταρ στον χώρο των κινητών τηλεφώνων και στην συνέχεια να εισπράττει δικαιώματα εκμετάλλευσης από το ιδιοκτησιακό καθεστώς του λογισμικού.

myPhone - Τα κινητά με OS αναταράσσουν την αγορά

ASUS DRW-0402P/D DVD�R/RW Drive

"The DRW-0402P/D is a pretty straightforward drive. Its beige front bezel features a single LED used for indicating activity, while a lone button is responsible for ejecting the loading tray. There are a couple of ventilation slits for circulating air, and a small hole accommodates the included emergency-eject tool (incidentally, ASUS recommends using the emergency-eject feature as a last resort). Otherwise the only other markings on the front of the DRW-0402P/D indicate the drive's compliance with both DVD-R and DVD R formats, in addition to standard CD-R duties. There's no headphone jack or volume control, which shouldn't be a problem considering the frequency of those features on modern cases. "

MSFN - ASUS DRW-0402P/D DVD+/- R/RW Drive

Xbox for $99? Xbox 2 in 2005?

"For the past two years, Microsoft has established a reputation as a follower in the video game war. When Sony acted, Microsoft reacted - especially when it came to price cuts. Things could be about to change.

Microsoft's Xbox may be on the verge of a substantial price cut, falling from $179 to $99 by Labor Day, according to P.J. McNealy, an analyst with American Technology Research.

'It is our belief that the price on the consoles in North America could see a stepped drop this year, with both the PS2 and Xbox being cut to $129 between now and the May E3 trade show, with [Microsoft] then cutting the Xbox further to $99 in the late summer,' he wrote in a research note released Wednesday. "

MSFN - Xbox for $99? Xbox 2 in 2005?

KOffice 1.3 Released

"Big improvements have been made in KOffice 1.3 with respect to interoperability with other office file formats. It is now for example possible to import as well as export OpenOffice.org documents. Also new is the ability to import PDF files into KWord and make changes to the document. Support for Microsoft document formats has improved as well."

KDE News - KOffice 1.3 Released

Microsoft to Change IE Behavior to Block Spoofing

"Microsoft Corp. has announced in a support document that it will be releasing a software update to Internet Explorer and Windows Explorer to disable the use of certain syntax in HTTP URLs. The syntax, designed to allow a username and password to be passed to a password-protected page, has a history of abuse. The company did not give a timeline for the release of the patch.

The syntax takes the form http[s]://username:password@server/file.html, such as 'http://joe:blow@www.microsoft.com/', where 'joe' is the username and 'blow' is the password. But a site that does not look for the username and password will ignore the values passed, and only the string after the '@' symbol is used for the domain name. Other browsers support this syntax to varying degrees."

ieXbeta Board - Microsoft to Change IE Behavior to Block Spoofing

Παρασκευή, Ιανουαρίου 30, 2004

Νεες μειώμενες τιμές ADSL πρόσβασης απο Vivodi

Η Vivodi Telecom είναι ο πρώτος τηλεπικοινωνιακός πάροχος στην Ελλάδα που προσφέρει την οικονομικότερη πρόσβαση στο ΑDSL, διαθέτοντας παράλληλα ολοκληρωμένες υπηρεσίες πρόσβασης και Internet για ταχύτητες από 256/128 έως και 2048/640 Kbps. Για την υλοποίηση της πρόσβασης γίνεται χρήση του υφιστάμενου τηλεφωνικού καλωδίου του πελάτη (μεριζόμενη πρόσβαση) έτσι ώστε οι καταναλωτές να μπορούν να έχουν υπηρεσία ΑDSL πρόσβασης και υπηρεσία Internet από τη Vivodi Telecom, διατηρώντας πάνω από το ίδιο καλώδιο την τηλεφωνική τους σύνδεση.

ADSLgr - Νεες μειώμενες τιμές ADSL πρόσβασης απο Vivodi

OTE: «Τρέχει» να προλάβει το γρήγορο Internet

«Tρέχει» να προλάβει τη ζήτηση του ADSL ο OTE. Tις επόμενες ημέρες αναμένεται να προμηθευτεί 22.000 κυκλώματα ADSL συνολικής αξίας 3 εκατ. ευρώ, ενώ άλλα 20.000 έως 30.000 κυκλώματα προγραμματίζεται να προμηθευτεί μέσα στο Mάιο.

Σύμφωνα με στελέχη του OTE, η ζήτηση συνδέσεων ADSL έχει «εκτοξευθεί» κυρίως στην κατηγορία των συνδέσεων που προσφέρουν ταχύτητες έως 384kbps. Oι συνδέσεις αυτής της κατηγορίας - υπάρχουν ακόμη συνδέσεις σε ταχύτητες 512Kbps και 1024Kbps - αντιστοιχούν σε κάτι περισσότερο από το 75% των συνολικά ενεργοποιημένων συνδέσεων ADSL στο δίκτυο του τηλεπικοινωνιακού Oργανισμού.

ΚΕΡΔΟΣ - OTE: «Τρέχει» να προλάβει το γρήγορο Internet.:

Τρίτη, Ιανουαρίου 27, 2004

Windows XP Explorer Executes Arbitrary Code in Folders

"A vulnerability was reported in Microsoft Windows XP in Windows Explorer. A remote user can create a folder that, when viewed by the target user, will execute arbitrary code on the target user's system.

http-equiv reported that a remote user can create a specially crafted 'folder' that includes HTML scripting code and a Windows executable ('.exe' file) containing arbitary code. When a target user attempts to view the contents of the 'folder' (which may be considered an ostensibly safe task by many users), the arbitrary code will be automatically executed on the target user's computer by Windows Explorer. The code will run with the privileges of the target user."

MSFN - Windows XP Explorer Executes Arbitrary Code in Folders

Δευτέρα, Ιανουαρίου 26, 2004

IE Pop-up Blocker Defaults to "Off"

"Microsoft has granted pop-up ads a stay of execution. The default setting for blocking the widely hated, much used units is 'off' in the beta release of Microsoft's service pack 2 update for Internet Explorer. As most users historically don't edit their browser's default settings, conventional wisdom says pop-ups will continue to be seen by many users.

'There'll definitely be an impact from IE blocking pop-ups, but it's not going to be nearly as big a hit as people thought,' said Nate Elliott, an associate analyst with Jupiter Research and author of a new report on pop-up advertising.

'There'll be an opportunity for advertisers to run pop-ups for several more years,' he said."

MSFN - IE Pop-up Blocker Defaults to "Off"

AppForge Crossfire 5.0

"Now you can use Microsoft .NET to develop all of your mobile applications using AppForge Crossfire 5.0. With AppForge Crossfire, developers can write one application and deploy it to all the major mobile and wireless devices including Palm OS, Pocket PC, and Symbian OS. Using Microsoft .NET and AppForge Crossfire, developers can quickly and easily create mobile and wireless applications that will run on multiple devices. You can be assured that the application will work - No time and resources lost on rewriting or reworking an application for a new device or operating system. Visit AppForge for details."

My-Symbian.com - AppForge Crossfire 5.0

MSN launches beta version of MSN Toolbar

Adding to its growing lineup of online services, MSN today launched a beta version of the new MSN® Toolbar in the United States at http://toolbar.msn.com/. With the new MSN Toolbar people will have access to the most popular MSN services, including more convenient access to MSN Hotmail®, MSN Messenger, My MSN and MSNBC.com, as well as the best of the Web via MSN Search. In addition, the MSN Toolbar offers features including a customizable Pop-Up Blocker and the new Highlight Viewer tool, a feature that makes it easier for customers to find what they are searching for on the Web.

WinBeta.org - MSN launches beta version of MSN Toolbar

Microsoft Changes Windows Protocol Licensing

"Microsoft under pressure from federal antitrust regulators, said Friday its changing the licensing program used by developers to gain access to Windows protocols.

The revamped Communications Protocol Program, posted on the company's web site, will include making about 20 protocols available without charge and others used to perform particular tasks available for a fixed fee or fixed fee per unit.

In addition, the Redmond, Wash., company changed the evaluation portion of the program, providing prospective licensees with samples of the technical documentation with no confidentiality restrictions."

WinBeta.org - Microsoft Changes Windows Protocol Licensing

Longhorn Developer Center

Do you want your voice heard by the Microsoft development teams working on Longhorn? If you’ve got the bits, join the Longhorn Developer Survey Program (beta.microsoft.com) using “longhornsurvey” as the guest ID.

Neowin.net - Longhorn Developer Center

Server Appliance Kit 3.0 for Windows Server 2003

"SAK 3.0 (Server Appliance Kit) is a tool-set for creating specialized windows servers, like a Windows powered NAS (Network Attached Storage), VON servers, Anti Virus Gateways, print servers, and Call center voice servers.

SAK 2.0 for Windows 2000 also contained tools to build a dedicated IIS 5 web server, this is now available in Windows 2003 server Web edition

So these are windows powered boxes dedicated for 1 function, the most common Windows powered appliances are Windows Storage Server 2003 (NAS 3.0)

This kit is typicly for OEM system builders, not just to install on your company servers or at home, but you can have a go and try to build a NAS yourself."

Neowin.net - Server Appliance Kit 3.0 for Windows Server 2003

WinRAR 3.30 Final

"WinRAR is a powerful archive manager. It can backup your data and reduce size of email attachments, decompress RAR, ZIP and other files downloaded from Internet and create new archives in RAR and ZIP file format. You may try WinRAR before buy, its trial version is available in downloads."

MSFN - WinRAR 3.30 Final

Σάββατο, Ιανουαρίου 24, 2004

Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool from MS OCA

This tool from Microsoft's Online Crash Analysis, will thoroughly test your RAM via a barrage of tests. If you are experiencing any problems while running Windows, you can now pinpoint where errors are occurring.

The Diagnostic tool runs via booting from CDROM or Disk. 'On most configurations, you can download the diagnostic, read the documentation, run the test and complete the first test pass in less than 30 minutes' {Windiag Home}.

User Guide: Windiag.asp (EN)

Download Tool: Mtinst.exe

Feedback: Provide Feedback regarding the Tool

Windiag Home: Windiag Home

WinBeta.org - Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool from MS OCA

Supplemental Resources for 'Rapid Application Development with Mozilla' Now Online

Nigel McFarlane, author of Rapid Application Development with Mozilla, writes: 'Supporting reports and 'Hands On' example code are now available for download for the book Rapid Application Development with Mozilla. See the Prentice Hall PTR book site, where they will appear permanently. They'll also appear on my own smallish website, which is in theory not far away now.

MozillaZine Talkback - Supplemental Resources for 'Rapid Application Development with Mozilla' Now Online

Unfinished Revolution

"We have GPRS. We have Java on our phones. Series 60, Series 90 - what more could we ask for? But application wise, what do we really have? GPRS promised 'always-on' with internet-like services. But there's something missing... "

Mobitopia - Unfinished Revolution

X# Is Alive and Kicking

"A few programming-language-savvy readers sent us mail on our story from last week about Microsoft's newest programming language, code-named Xen. They claimed that Xen and X# were one and the same. And turns out, as Microsoft has confirmed, they are correct. Contrary to some rumors, X# is not dead; it has simply been re-named Xen."

MicrosoftWatch - X# Is Alive and Kicking

Todo: Add Title...

Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 allows wireless devices such as a browser-enabled cell phones or Microsoft Windows Mobile™-based PDAs to access corporate Exchange Server information. Mobile users gain full access to mail, calendar, and contacts without the need for a desktop computer and retain access to this information while offline. All changes made on the wireless device are reflected in the live mailbox and can be seen from a full desktop mail client such as Microsoft Office Outlook® or Outlook Web Access.

Bink.nu - Todo: Add Title...

Microsoft sets date for Office revamp

"Microsoft announced on Friday that it expects to release the first major update for Office 2003 in late June.
Office 2003, the latest version of the company's market-leading productivity package, was launched in late October amid considerable fanfare about its new capabilities, which allow the software to serve as a broad tool for consuming and manipulating corporate data."

Bink.nu - Microsoft sets date for Office revamp

Mozilla 1.6 ActiveX Control Installer and Scriptable ActiveX Plugin for Mozilla 1.6 Released

Following in the wake of Mozilla 1.6, I'm happy to announce the release of the new standalone Mozilla 1.6 ActiveX Control installer and the Scriptable ActiveX Plugin for Mozilla 1.6. Both are available from my website.

'New features for the control include support for view-source: and data: protocols, plus it ships with the ActiveX plugin so it is possible to host ActiveX content from inside the control. The installer is slightly smaller (4.5Mb) thanks to bzip2 compression.

'There are no new features in the plugin but Mozilla 1.6 is unencumbered by the regression that disabled scripting support in 1.5.'

MozillaZine Talkback - Mozilla 1.6 ActiveX Control Installer and Scriptable ActiveX Plugin for Mozilla 1.6 Released

Configure computer to use a DHCP and static IP address at the same time

To configure your computer (tested on Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003) to use both a DHCP obtained IP address and a statically configured IP address...

Bink.nu - Configure computer to use a DHCP and static IP address at the same time

Κυριακή, Ιανουαρίου 18, 2004

Μειώση Τιμών, Νέα Πακέτα, Ενίσχυση Σύνδεσης

Η ΟΤΕnet A.E. προχώρησε σε μείωση τιμών των ADSL συνδέσεων, δημιουργία νέων πακέτων ADSL συνδέσεων με ογκοχρέωση σε πολύ δελεαστικές τιμές, καθώς και ανακοίνωσε ενίσχυση της σύνδεσής της με το εξωτερικό.

ADSLgr - Μειώση Τιμών, Νέα Πακέτα, Ενίσχυση Σύνδεσης

Παρασκευή, Ιανουαρίου 16, 2004

Mozilla 1.6 for Windows

Mozilla is an open-source Web browser, designed for standards compliance, performance and portability. Mozilla is a cousin to Netscape Communicator that is being developed by the Free Software Community with the cooperation and support of Netscape.

Download: Mozilla 1.6 for Windows
View: What's New
Homepage: Mozilla.org

MSFN - Mozilla 1.6 for Windows

Judge rules Microsoft infringed on Eolas patent

"A Chicago federal judge on Wednesday upheld a $521 million patent verdict against Microsoft that could ultimately force major changes in many of the most common Internet software products.

Judge James Zagel said he saw no reason to overturn an August jury verdict that said Microsoft's Internet Explorer Web browsing software had infringed on patent rights held jointly by small developer Eolas Technologies and the University of California."

ieXbeta Board - Judge rules Microsoft infringed on Eolas patent

Πέμπτη, Ιανουαρίου 15, 2004

Windows Services for UNIX Version 3.5

Windows Services for UNIX 3.5 provides a full range of supported and fully integrated cross-platform network services for enterprise customers to use in integrating Windows into their existing UNIX-based environments.

Download: Windows Services for UNIX Version 3.5
View: Get the Facts on Windows and Linux
View: More Info

MSFN - Windows Services for UNIX Version 3.5

Two new copies of movies sent to Oscar voters offered on Internet

California movie studios say two more movies intended for private viewing by Oscar voters have surfaced on the Internet.

A screener copy of 'House of Sand and Fog' briefly went up for sale on an auction site, and the Civil War epic 'Cold Mountain' was available for downloading. Earlier this week, Academy Awards officials said copies of 'Something's Gotta Give' and 'The Last Samurai' were posted online. The Internet postings come after an anti-piracy campaign by the film industry, which estimates unauthorized movie copying costs it three and a-half (b) billion dollars a year.

Eligible Academy voters were required to sign forms promising to protect their screener tapes.

MSFN - Two new copies of movies sent to Oscar voters offered on Internet

KDE 3.1.5 Released

Dirk Mueller released today KDE 3.1.5, the latest and final release in the KDE 3.1 series. The release was triggered by a security issue that was discovered in the VCF file information reader. The ChangeLog lists the other fixes contained in this release. KDE 3.2 is expected to be released early February.

KDE News - KDE 3.1.5 Released

Τετάρτη, Ιανουαρίου 14, 2004

OTEnet: ADSL από 9,95 ευρώ το μήνα!

Η είδηση... έσκασε σαν βόμβα πριν από μερικά λεπτά. Χωρίς αμφιβολία η πρώτη σκέψη όσων διαβάσουν το συγκεκριμένο τίτλο θα είναι ότι «επιτέλους, το γρήγορο Internet είναι πλέον προσιτό και στην Ελλάδα». Στην πραγματικότητα όμως... τα 9,95 ευρώ (χωρίς Φ.Π.Α.) αντιστοιχούν μεν σε σύνδεση DSL, «περιορίζουν» ωστόσο στον όγκο δεδομένων (download / upload) ανά μήνα χρήσης στα 1000 (μόλις) megabytes.

myPhone - OTEnet: ADSL από 9,95 ευρώ το μήνα!

MS unveils possible names for LH technologies

"Participents in the Longhorn Developer Platform have been given a sneak peek at some of the possible shipping names for various technologies included in the next generation operating system."

Bink.nu - MS unveils possible names for LH technologies

IIS Compression in IIS 6.0

"If you don't have compression installed on your web server, either IIS Compression or a 3rd party, and you have IIS6.0 and pay for bandwidth you're missing out on something good."

Bink.nu - IIS Compression in IIS6.0:

SCO shows IBM the code

"Ten months after launching its lawsuit against IBM Corp., The SCO Group Inc. has finally provided Big Blue with a list of files and individual code samples that, it claims, violate its intellectual property rights. The information was sent to IBM on Monday in response to a December order from the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, said Blake Stowell, an SCO spokesman. IBM confirmed that it had received documents from SCO on Tuesday, postmarked Jan. 12, but declined to provide details about their contents or say whether or not they appeared to satisfy the court's order."

Neowin.net - SCO shows IBM the code

Tube Athens (Greece) for Microsoft Smartphone released

Athens subway map with quickest route finder, travel time. Displays a fantastic animated display of the route on the map. Many other cities available.

Visual IT΄s award winning guides to the subway systems of the world are now available for your Smartphone.

msmobiles.com - Tube Athens (Greece) for Microsoft Smartphone released

Google Toolbar 2.0.106

"The Google Toolbar increases your ability to find information from anywhere on the web and takes only seconds to install. When the Google Toolbar is installed, it automatically appears along with the Internet Explorer toolbar. This means you can quickly and easily use Google to search from any website location, without returning to the Google home page to begin another search. The Google Toolbar is available free of charge and includes these great features: Google Search, Search Site, PageRank, Page Info, Highlight, Word Find, Popup Blocker and more..."

MSFN - Google Toolbar 2.0.106

Services for Unix 3.5 To Go Live This Week

"If Microsoft can't beat outright Unix and Linux, it can at least improve its interoperability with these operating systems. And from Redmond's standpoint, one of the best ways to do so is via its Services for Unix (SFU) technology."

Microsoft Watch - Services for Unix 3.5 To Go Live This Week

Windows 98 support shifts to CD

"Windows 98 will only be supported by Microsoft for another week; after that, users will have to rely on a free CD containing hints and tips. When Microsoft pulls the plug on Windows 98 support next Friday, the company will make available a free CD designed to help users 'make the most of ' the ageing operating system without any further assistance from the software giant.

Six years after its launch, Windows 98 is still used by around a quarter of Web surfers. Microsoft announced last year that it would stop supporting Windows 98 from 15 January 2004, meaning that million of users will soon be left exposed when new exploits and vulnerabilities are discovered."

ieXbeta Board - Windows 98 support shifts to CD

Τετάρτη, Ιανουαρίου 07, 2004

The unofficial list of OSes that work and don't in MS Virtual PC 2004

Hello everyone, and welcome to the unofficial list of which OSes work and which don't in Microsoft Virtual PC 2004. If there is an OS which I haven't listed (which is very likely in the beginning) then please use my contact me page to report it. I hope this site helps you! Please remember: This site is unofficial.

No one, including me, is responsible for anything that may happen to any system as a result of this website. This website is not owned by Microsoft. It is here strictly for your information. Remember that there are only VPC Additions for Windows and MS-DOS. You can search the page for a specific OS using the form below.

View: The Unofficial List

MSFN - The unofficial list of OSes that work and don't in MS Virtual PC 2004

Macromedia Announces Director MX 2004

"Macromedia, Inc. today announced Macromedia Director MX 2004, the latest version of the industry standard multimedia authoring tool. Macromedia Director has been at the forefront of multimedia development for more than a decade, and this latest version adds support for JavaScript, Flash MX 2004 content, DVD-Video, and the ability to create pr ojector files for both Mac and Windows platforms in one simple step. Macromedia Director MX 2004 enables developers to unleash their creativity and build rich, interactive experiences that deliver measurable results."

Neowin.net - Macromedia Announces Director MX 2004

Σάββατο, Ιανουαρίου 03, 2004

The Windows Mobile 2003-based Smartphone Developer Kit is now SOLD OUT!

The Windows Mobile 2003-based Smartphone Developer Kit has now sold out. You can still buy accessories for your Smartphone Developer Kit from Everlink Wireless. If you haven´t yet upgraded your 2002 Smartphone Developer Kit to Windows Mobile 2003 software for Smartphone, visit our FAQ page to find out how.

msmobiles.com - The Windows Mobile 2003-based Smartphone Developer Kit is now SOLD OUT!

Symantec LiveUpdate 2.0

"LiveUpdate is the Symantec technology that permits an installed Symantec product to connect to a Symantec server over the Internet to check for program and other updates such as virus definitions and URL lists. When updates are available, it downloads them to your computer and installs them, keeping your Symantec software up to date. All updates that are downloaded are checked for a valid digital signature."

MSFN - Symantec LiveUpdate 2.0

Microsoft Portrait 2.2 released

"Microsoft Portrait 2.2, a research prototype for mobile video communication was released. Both PC and PPC versions are compatible with the latest version of .NET Messenger Service. The PC version supports Microsoft Live Communications Server 2003 and other SIP servers. The PPC version supports full-duplex voice on Pocket PC 2003 and Smartphone 2003."

Bink.nu - Microsoft Portrait 2.2 released

Πέμπτη, Ιανουαρίου 01, 2004

PowerDVD 5.00.1107 Patch

"PowerDVD is a software DVD player that offers the solution to enjoy personalized DVD entertainment on the PC. Its high quality video and audio playback has made it one of the most reliable."

ieXbeta Board - PowerDVD 5.00.1107 Patch

Micrsoft drops Smartdisplays!

"The Smart Display, a year old, will not make it to 2.0 - Microsoft has told the unfortunate manufacturers who partnered with it in the doomed venture. The idea of a flat panel display which you could pick up and carry around the house sounded like a brilliant idea when it was first mooted, since all it needed was a (presumably, cheap) Windows CE processor and a wireless link. At the time it was not quite as obvious as it is now that it was a dead duck.

Now, according to ET News, Microsoft has decided this ugly duckling won't ever become a swan. 'Last week, Microsoft sent a letter to a part of smart display developers including Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics notifying them that it would immediately abandon the development of 'Smart Display' OS 2.0, according to industry sources,' said the Korean news source."

Bink.nu - Micrsoft drops Smartdisplays!

Windows CE.NET running on Xbox

"First reports of Windows CE.NET 4.2 being ported to the Xbox gaming console from Microsoft, hit the Internet today. The project was run by the independent developers, and intended to make use of small and quick OS, running on cheap hardware that might soon become obsolete to its original owners - the next door gamers."

Bink.nu - Windows CE.NET running on Xbox

MSN Messenger virus hits the net

"2003 is ending with another computer virus causing havoc on the net.

Anti-virus company Panda Software has warned net users to watch out for a new virus, a worm called Jitux.A, which is spread via MSN Messenger.

Jitux.A is an aggressive code that contains a link to the web page www.home.no/ / jituxramon.exe. Once open, the file JITUXRAMON.EXE automatically downloads, infecting your computer."

Bink.nu - MSN Messenger virus hits the net

New Release of MySQL Ready for Download

"The latest alpha release of the open-source database has gained stored procedures and more speed. MySQL AB has released the latest version of its flagship open-source database, MySQL 5.0. Despite the version number, this is an alpha release and, hence, isn't appropriate for general use."

MSFN - New Release of MySQL Ready for Download

DVD Decrypter 3.1.9.0

"DVD Decrypter is a free tool which enables you decrypt and copy a DVD to your PC's hard disk. From there you can choose to watch them with the likes of PowerDVD and WinDVD or you can re-encode them to MPEG1 (VCD) or DivX. Advanced functionality can be found in the context menus."

Neowin.net - DVD Decrypter 3.1.9.0

Nero Burning ROM 6.3.0.2

"Nero is a flexible, reliable, and easy-to-use application designed to write both data and CD audio to CD-R and CD-RW discs. It supports ISO 9660 images as well as ISO mode 1 and XA mode 2, and allows for on-the-fly disc recording in addition to overburning (if supported by hardware). Nero also supports multisession and mixed-mode recording, HFS, ISO/HFS hybrid, UDF, PSX, OFAS (optimal file access speed), track-at-once (TAO) and disc-at-once (DAO) writing, digital audio extraction, and more. In addition, Nero can dynamically disable automatic-insert notification, offers support for multiple languages, and works with all major models of CD-R and CD-RW drives."

MSFN - Nero Burning ROM 6.3.0.2