Java opens up

Sun Microsystems has adjusted its Java licensing to make Java as open source as possible while maintaining platform compatibility, reports InfoWorld.

The report says Sun`s new licensing plan introduces a new scheme called a Java Internal Use Licence, or JIUL, pronounced "jewel". Under JIUL, users can change Java source code for their internal use only. JIUL is based on an honour system in which Sun expects users to ensure compatibility with the Java2 Standard Edition specification

JIUL is expected to be ready in about a month and use of Java under JIUL will be free.

Leaked details of Microsoft`s Internet Explorer 7.0 (IE7) indicate that the new version of the browser will have tabbed browsing, a built-in news-aggregator, and could be integrated with Microsoft`s anti-spyware product.

The Register reports that Microsoft partners have revealed the company plans a range of security improvements beyond the possible anti-spyware integration. These include no cross-domain scripting, an improved SSL user interface and the browser will now default to reduced privilege mode.

IE7 will also probably be able to display overlayed images, include international domain name support and feature simpler printing from inside the browser.

Linspire has released the latest version of its Linux-based desktop operating system, reports The Register.

Linspire 5.0 is said to feature 1 200 improvements across every core application and includes OpenOffice.org Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients, multimedia viewers, photo and music managers and calendaring tools.

The graphical interface has been overhauled and Linspire says it has improved support for laptop installations. However, the out-of-the-box version does not include a DVD player, which must be downloaded at additional cost.

An open source programmer has accused Motorola and 12 other companies of using Linux in violation of the licence that governs the software.

According to News.com, Harald Welte claims the companies have embedded Linux in their products but haven`t released the underlying source code, as required by the General Public Licence (GPL) that governs the operating system.

Most of the products Welte thinks violate the GPL are networking equipment, but also include vehicle navigation systems and special-purpose software.

Welte says he`s settled more than 25 GPL violation cases so far in his campaign to raise awareness that the GPL is not public domain, but a copyright licence. Instead of paying licence fees, developers provide a copy of the source code and pass the licence to users.

The GPL permits anyone to use, modify and distribute a program. However, it also requires those who distribute the software to provide its underlying source code.