HMV, MS to combat Apple`s iTunes

HMV has teamed up with Microsoft to combat Apple`s dominance of the digital music download market by launching its own service to bring downloads to the mainstream music buyer, reports the UK-based Guardian.

From next Monday consumers who visit the HMV Digital Web site will be able to pay to download tracks.

However, iPod owners will have to buy a new digital player if they want to listen to the HMV Digital tracks on the move, as the service is not compatible with Apple technology.

HMV will instead sell Creative- and iRiver-branded digital players, which use Microsoft software.

A flaw in Windows Firewall may prevent users from seeing all the open network ports on a Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 computer, CNET reports.

The flaw manifests itself in the way the security application handles some entries in the Windows Registry, Microsoft said in a security advisory.

The bug could allow a firewall port to be open without the user being informed through the standard Windows Firewall user interface.

The company has released a fix that can be downloaded from Microsoft`s Web site and will be part of a future Windows service pack.

Turkish law-enforcement officials have informed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that they have identified 16 more suspects thought to have assisted in the creation of the Zotob bot worm that has plagued IT security staffs for two weeks, reports InformationWeek.

Louis Reigel, assistant director of the FBI`s cyber division, delivered the update during a speech to more than 650 cyber sleuths gathered in California to share the latest hi-tech crime-fighting techniques and tools.

The FBI`s collaboration with Turkish and Moroccan authorities and Microsoft on the Zotob case underscores the growing need to coordinate global crime-fighting resources to pursue tech-savvy criminals with ever-expanding reach, he said.

"Cellphones and the Internet have given criminals international opportunities," said Riegel. "Like business, crime has gone global."

Yahoo users who have upgraded their instant messaging software have been told to be on the look out as the update can open the door to unwanted PC houseguests by default, reports CNET.

The newest free version of Yahoo Instant Messenger (YIM) boasts advanced Internet phone calling in an upgrade that comes "highly recommended" by Yahoo.

Users can expect a slicker YIM interface with buttons to quickly chat, blog, swap photos or call someone online.

However, by accepting the 'typical` installation, it will also download Yahoo`s Search Toolbar with anti-spyware and anti-pop-up software, desktop and system tray shortcuts, as well as Yahoo Extras, which will insert Yahoo links into the Internet Explorer browser.

The IM client also contains 'live words`, which will automatically show an icon when the user highlights words online and then hyperlink to Yahoo search results, definitions or translation tools, and will alter the user`s home page and auto-search functions to point to Yahoo by default.