Symantec issues new worm warning

Symantec is warning that a new worm could clog up mail servers today.

Even though there have been few reported cases of the Evaman worm in the wild, Symantec has given the worm a critical rating, reports The Inquirer.

Like most Trojan horse worms, Evaman uses a false e-mail address to generate messages with the usual attachment that carries the code. If users open the attachment, their PC will send out dozens of infected messages.

Symantec senior technical director Tim Hartman says while it is still in its infancy, Evaman has the potential to be as bad as MyDoom. However, the worm is unlikely to have a major impact as patches are already available for download.

Microsoft is to hold talks with certain Asian governments over the possibility of selling cheaper versions of Windows to developing markets, reports tvnz.

The company has already implemented a programme in Malaysia, which will allow users in the country to purchase a more affordable version of Windows, dubbed Windows XP Starter Edition. Microsoft founder Bill Gates said the company was looking to expand the programme in Asia.

"We will talk with other governments about whether they have a programme to get very, very low-cost computers to their citizens."

Vodafone is preventing client access to pornographic sites via its handsets in a bid to keep children away from porn, reports BBC.

It claims to be the first mobile phone operator in the world to launch a system to control Internet access. A filter will be used to identify Web sites of a pornographic nature.

In order to get the firewall lifted, Vodafone customers will have to provide their credit card details online, over the phone or by visiting an outlet. The company is hoping that only over-18s will have access to credit cards.