Tuesday, February 15

AOL plans a spring release of Netscape Communicator 6.0. The new version will use the Mozilla open source code and integrate new interface features, integrated AOL Instant Messenger. Web sites will be able to create branded versions of the new browser.

Windows 2000 hasn't officially been released, but Microsoft has already found 100 web sites offering pirated copies of Windows 2000. To discourage pirate CDs being sold to consumers, Windows 2000 CDs will use a hologram embossed into the CD surface and a certificate of authenticity woven with copper threads. Bother measures will be difficult to counterfeit.

Sm@rt Reseller obtained a Microsoft memo stating that Windows 2000 contains 63,000 bugs. Microsoft's stock fell sharply after a Gartner Group report predicted that 1 in 4 companies will have compatibility problems with Windows 2000.

Wireless

Cisco is one of the more prominent companies working on wireless implementations of the DOCSIS cable modem standard.

Wired reports on Symbian, a joint venture with some of the world's largest cell phone companies to create a next-generation cell phone platform.

A Swedish university study has found a possible link between Alzheimer's and cell phones.

Mobile phones are the next big thing, but a wireless web needs speech recognition, says Peter Howe of the Boston Globe.

Business Week's current cover focuses on Europe's love of the mobile phone and the potential for the convergence of wireless and Internet.

Computer security and privacy

Someone was able to impersonate Bill Clinton during a CNN online chat. Just twenty seconds passed between the time the impersonator grabbed the president's login and the time he was booted off, but in that time he managed to launch this zinger: "Personally, I'd like to see more porn on the Internet, Wolf how about you?"

No arrests have been made in last week's attacks on Yahoo! and other sites, but the FBI is seeking a German programmer named Mixter for questioning. Mixter plans to talk to the FBI.

Meanwhile, investigators think there may be a connection between last week's attacks and Saturday's attack on RSA. Someone named Coolio is believed to be responsible for the initial attacks last week, while some of the later copycat attacks were perpetrated by a person who goes by the handle mafiaboy. David Brumley of Stanford University believes it is just a matter of time before the FBI makes an arrest., who has helped in the investigation since it was discovering that

Nando Times reports that a network of banks were aware of the potential for large-scale web attacks days before they occurred, but the banks were sworn to secrecy by their rules of information sharing.

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Friday, February 18

Microsoft released Windows 2000 yesterday.

Also from ZDNet is a look at personal computer security.

Bloomberg is reporting that Bill Gates said Microsoft would be willing to open the Windows source code as part of a settlement in the government's antitrust case. Microsoft has denied that Gates made the statement, and accuses Bloomberg of misquoting him.

The FCC has delayed a decision to adopt European-style cell phone billing, in which the caller pays for the call, and incoming calls are free.

Internet service providers

Microsoft is working with Israeli-based Gilat Satellite Networks to deliver MSN over two-way satellite. Pricing has not been set. Speed is said to be about ten times that of a 28.8K modem, though satellites tend to suffer from lag. If you're curious about satellites, visit ZDNet's new satellite guide.

Another Israeli company, EDSL Networks, is selling high speed Internet by the building.

AOL is giving up its push for open cable access now that they have exclusive access to Time-Warner's RoadRunner cable modem network. In other cable merger news, critics are asking the FCC to carefully review the AT&T and MediaOne merger.

Espernet.com has given up its plan to bring 43 ISPs together, having failed to get an underwriter for the IPO that would have funded the new company.

Freeserve is finalizing its plans to participate in British Telecom's DSL trials.

International Data Corporation reports that US ISP revenues grew 67% last year, and may reach $23 billion in 2000.

Computer security and privacy

The EPA has closed its web site until new security measures are installed. A report last year from the General Accounting Office found that sensitive information on EPA computers was vulnerable. The site is expected to re-open in a week or two.

The Michigan attorney general has filed suit against advertising giant DoubleClick under the terms of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Last week the Federal Trade Commission opened an investigation into DoubleClick's profiling practices.

Catching the person or persons who attacked Yahoo! and other sites two weeks ago may require sifting through masses of computer logs if no more leads are forthcoming.

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