Dell teams up with Novell, MS

Dell is set to disclose that it will team up with Novell and Microsoft to distribute Novell's SUSE Linux Enterprise Server software (SLES), along with Microsoft's Windows Server software, reports The Boston Globe.

Both Windows Server and SLES control powerful computer systems that host many crucial business activities, from order processing to company Web sites.

As part of the deal, Dell will help Novell and Microsoft make SLES and Windows work together efficiently on Dell's computer hardware.

Popular news-ranking Web site Digg has sparked a fierce rebellion in the world of citizen journalism by trying to stop the spread of software code for hacking high-definition movie discs, reports DNA India.

An insurrection by Digg users took place last week, when Web site operators removed postings of an HD-DVD encryption code key and closed the accounts of posters to appease the Advanced Access Content System (AACS).

The AACS created the encryption and licences software to prevent Blu-Ray format and HD-DVD movies from being illegally copied. Digg is a Web site where links to online news stories and blogs are indexed, based on feedback from users.

Second Life attracted 1.3 million users who logged in March 2007, a 46% increase over January this year, according to data released by comScore Networks, reports Clickz.

Second Life users are primarily European, with 777 000 participants or 61% of the total. Germany's users number 209 000, or 16%, and narrowly outnumber US users at 207 000 or 16%.

Growth from January to March of 2007 was higher in the US, with a 92% increase in US logins versus 70% in Germany.

Microsoft customers can look forward to seven security bulletins, some of them critical, affecting Windows, Office and Exchange, as well as Capicom and BizTalk, as part of next week's Patch Tuesday ritual, reports Dark Reading.

Microsoft said it will also provide an update to its Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool. In addition, the company is planning to release one high-priority non-security update on Windows Update, as well as six high-priority non-security updates through Microsoft Update.

Three security bulletins, slated for Patch Tuesday, affect Office, while two affect Windows. Exchange is affected by one bulletin, as is Microsoft BizTalk business process management server and Capicom.