“Whatever Microsoft’s strengths or failings as a developer of reliable software, the mere existence of an operating-system monopoly is a critical security risk, argues a new report released Wednesday at a Computer & Communications Industry Association gathering in Washington, D.C.” Link This article focuses on the risk to national security from the use of Microsoft software and operating systems. Best quote: “Ironically, Microsoft’s efforts to deny interoperability of Windows with legitimate non-Microsoft applications have created an environment in which Microsoft’s program interoperate efficiently only with Internet viruses.” Update: “The chief technology officer for a technology firm that works closely with Microsoft Corp. lost his job after he helped write a study critical of the insecurity of Microsoft software. Daniel E. Geer Jr., an expert with nearly three decades studying technology and computer security, learned Thursday he was no longer employed by AtStake Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. ” Link

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Nashville songwriters beg and plead before congress.

by johnford on September 24, 2003

“Nashville’s top songwriters poured their hearts out on Capitol Hill Tuesday — not over lost loves or cheating hearts but over piracy.” Maybe if they didn’t write such trite crap the looser labels might have sold a few more records. Link

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“MSN International’s decision to limit the company’s chat service for paying subscribers is done with accordance to the company policy of turning Internet services to paid services, as it did in the past with [Hotmail] Extra Storage and MSN 8.” Link

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“A federal court has blocked the national “do not call” list meant to allow consumers to stop unwanted telephone sales calls. In a ruling filed yesterday, the U.S. District Court in Oklahoma City said the Federal Trade Commission did not have the authority to create the list. The FTC has signed up some 50 million phone numbers for the list, which was due to take effect October 1.” Link. All I can say is shit.

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Colin Linden

by johnford on September 24, 2003

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Monkeys are flying in radio.

by johnford on September 24, 2003

“WHAM talk-show host Bob Lonsberry was suspended for two days Monday for alluding to Rochester’s black mayor as a monkey.” Link In somewhat related news, New Zealand broadcaster Paul Holmes is under fire for his labelling of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan as a “cheeky darkie” Link

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RIAA and music industry update.

by johnford on September 24, 2003

More problems with the RIAA legal strategy. It seems they sued a woman for using Kazaa. The only problem is, she’s a Macintosh user. Kazaa isn’t available for Mac’s. Amusing. Link. In somewhat related news, Universal Group is backtracking on their promise to lower CD prices to under thirteen dollars. Link. In other industry lawsuit news: “Makers of the most popular online file-sharing network are suing entertainment companies for copyright infringement, alleging the companies used unauthorized versions of its software to snoop on users in their efforts to battle piracy.” Ha! Link

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