Apple patches Mac OS X flaws

Apple Computer has issued a patch for 15 security flaws in its Mac OS X operating system, including many originating in the software`s open source components, reports Ziff Davis.

However, Apple claims most users are safe from the bugs` most dangerous effects.

The patch, available from Apple`s Web site or through its automatic update system, fixes issues with Kerberos, Apache 2, IPSec, rsync and other open source components, as well as in Apple applications such as the Safari browser.

Research In Motion (RIM), which popularised wireless e-mailing with its thumb-operated Blackberry, has launched a new version of the device with a smaller, revamped keyboard, reports Reuters.

The new 20-character keyboard resembles a stretched out telephone keypad, and the design means most of the keys have more than one letter. To compensate for this, the device includes software to guess which words the user is typing.

Nokia is planning to release a lighter, sleeker version of its high-end Communicator handset in a bid to regain some of its lost market share, reports InfoWorld.

The upgraded Communicator 9300, to be launched next year, is a phone and a PDA that opens to reveal a full keyboard and colour screen. It includes Bluetooth, high-speed Internet browsing and built-in office applications, and weighs in at only 167g.

The handset will come in two tri-band versions, optimised for GSM networks in the European and Asian markets and in the Americas. Both versions will be able to roam in GSM networks across regions.

Linux software company Red Hat has entered a partnership agreement with Unisys, reports NewsFactor. The alliance will allow Unisys to offer a more tightly integrated server package comprising hardware, software and the services to support it.

Unisys, which also offers Linux software from Novell, will join the Red Hat Partner Community, which includes joint marketing, customer support, the development of open source roadmaps, training and engineering personnel.