Trojan attacks MS Office

A new Trojan horse exploits an unpatched flaw in Microsoft Office and could let an attacker commandeer vulnerable computers, security experts have warned.

CNET reports the malicious code takes advantage of a flaw in Microsoft`s Jet Database Engine, a lightweight database used in the company`s Office productivity software.

The security hole was reported to Microsoft in April, but the company has yet to provide a fix for the problem.

"Microsoft is aware that a Trojan recently released into the wild may be exploiting a publicly reported vulnerability in Microsoft Office," a company representative said.

The software maker is investigating the issue and will take appropriate action, the representative said.

Microsoft plans to release a low-cost version of its Windows software for India in an attempt to check high piracy levels, said Microsoft`s legal affairs head, Reuters reports.

"We will launch more value products at affordable prices in India soon to reduce software piracy levels," said Bradford Smith.

The low-cost Windows starter version for India will be available in Hindi and English at 1 000 rupees, which would also help reduce entry-level personal computer prices to 10 000 rupees, he said.

Smith said India`s piracy level was around 73%.

Yahoo is launching a library-digitisation project to rival Google`s controversial programme, reports CNET.

Yahoo is working with the Internet Archive, the University of California and others on a project to digitise books in archives around the world and make them searchable through any Web search engine and downloadable for free.

"If we get this right so enough people want to participate in droves, we can have an interoperable, circulating library that is not downloadable on handhelds, even iPods," said Brewster Kahle, founder of the Internet Archive.

The project, to be run by the newly formed Open Content Alliance, was designed to skirt copyright concerns that have plagued Google`s Print Library Project since it begun last year.

Cisco has acquired Nemo Systems for $12.5 million in cash, reports VNUNet.

California-based Nemo Systems, founded in 2003, develops network memory chips that Cisco plans to apply in its core switching platforms.

The Nemo acquisition follows Cisco`s purchase of Sheer Networks last July and FineGround Networks in May.

The acquisitions are set to help the routing and switching company accomplish a strategy of growth acceleration.