Cybercrooks exploit new Windows flaw

Cybercrooks are using a yet-to-be-patched security flaw in certain Windows versions to attack computers running the operating systems, Microsoft warned, reports ZDNet.

The attacks target Windows 2000 Server and Windows Server 2003 systems through a hole in the domain name system, or DNS service, Microsoft said in a security advisory.

The attacks happen by sending rigged data to the service, which by design is meant to help map text-based Internet addresses to numeric Internet Protocol addresses.

Microsoft has officially confirmed the first public beta of Windows Server virtualisation, code-named Viridian, has been delayed until the second half of 2007.

Analysts and users initially expected the beta to be released sometime in the first part of 2007, reports Daily Tech.

Viridian is scheduled to be released within 180 days of the Windows Server "Longhorn" release, which is scheduled for beta three in June.

Samsung Electronics, which last year introduced the first Blu-ray disc player, says it will support the rival HD-DVD format as well, a move hailed by supporters of the number two entrant in the high-definition disc format war, reports Reuters UK.

The Korean consumer electronics manufacturer said it expects to have a dual-format machine that will play Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD software in stores in time for the holidays.

The announcement comes at a time when Blu-ray software continues to outsell HD-DVD software.

The US military plans to test an Internet router in space, in a project that could also benefit civilian broadband satellite communications, reports ComputerWorld.

Cisco Systems and Intelsat General, a subsidiary of Intelsat, are among the companies selected by the US Department of Defence for its Internet Routing In Space (Iris) project, which aims to deliver military communications through a satellite-based router.

Potential non-military benefits of the Iris programme include the ability to route IP traffic between satellites in space in much the same way packets are moved on the ground. This would reduce delays, save on capacity and offer greater networking flexibility, says Lloyd Wood, space initiatives manager in Cisco's Global Defence, Space & Security division.