AOL turning off Windows Messenger

Internet service provider America Online (AOL) is turning off users` Microsoft Windows Messenger feature as part of an aggressive programme to combat spam and close a security loophole.

InfoWorld reports that AOL used an update of its software to disable the Windows feature without the knowledge of AOL subscribers, raising questions about the ethics of the change. InfoWorld quotes a security expert as saying the feature in question enables network administrators to display messages on users` desktops, but has few applications for home users.

Spammers discovered the feature a year ago and have started bombarding users with pop-up messages containing solicitations.

Security software maker Trend Micro has released the latest version of its PC-cillin anti-virus software with spam filtering capabilities and the ability to monitor networks or viruses. The product is aimed at protecting high-speed Internet users from attacks, identity theft, spam and viruses. It also tracks and eliminates spyware.

PC World reports that Dell has released details of its Digital Jukebox music player and new download service. The Dell 'DJ` music player will come with a 15GB hard drive and retail at $249. It will play continuously for 16 hours. A second version will also be made available with a 20GB hard drive.

Dell`s music download service will come through a partnership with MusicMatch, which offers 250 000 songs for download at $0.99 each, or complete albums for around $9.99.

Dell also plans to release its first digital LCD televisions today. The Round Rock, Texas, company has aggressively entered the consumer electronics market along with Apple, Gateway and Hewlett-Packard, as the companies look for alternate sources of revenue outside the PC market, says PC World.

Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel edged a little closer to reality as the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) released a test version of the technology aimed primarily at enterprise developers.

InfoWorld says the OSDL has called on major Linux users, developers and system providers to focus on the new release, called Test9, to 'test, validate and enhance` it. The OSDL believes the 2.6 version of the kernel will widen the appeal of Linux among larger enterprises because of its added power and performance.

"We think [Version] 2.6 will really broaden the markets where Linux can replace legacy platforms. It has new features that allow Linux to scale dramatically up to support 32-bit or more processors as well as down to run on a wide variety of consumer devices," InfoWorld quotes Timothy Witham, director of the OSDL labs in Portland, as saying.