Latest 'rootkits` pose severe threat

Microsoft security researchers are warning about a new generation of powerful system-monitoring programs that could pose a serious risk to corporations and individuals.

According to ComputerWorld, these 'rootkits` are almost impossible to detect using current security products, and could soon be used to create a new generation of mass-distributed spyware and worms.

Once installed, many rootkits run quietly in the background but can easily be spotted by looking for memory processes that are running on the infected system, monitoring outbound communications from the machine, or checking for newly installed programs.

However, kernel rootkits that modify the kernel component of an operating system are becoming more common. Rootkit authors are also making huge strides in their ability to hide their creations.

Some of the newer rootkits are already able to run undetected by administrators and detection tools, say researchers.

The European Parliament has thrown out a bill that would have allowed software to be patented, BBC reports.

Hi-tech firms had backed the bill, saying they needed the protections it offered to make research worthwhile. Only when intellectual property was adequately protected would European inventors prosper, they said.

But opponents of the bill said it could stifle innovation, be abused by firms keen to protect existing monopolies and could hamper the growth of the open source movement.

Politicians unanimously rejected the bill and now it must go through another round of consultation if it is to have a chance of becoming law.

Samsung claims to have produced the world`s first DDR3 (double-data-rate) DRAM (dynamic random access memory) prototype chip.

According to Physorg, the 512Mb DDR3 DRAM can process data at a rate of 1 066Mbps, and will be available in early 2006.

The operation speed of DDR3 doubles that of DDR2 and quadruples DDR, opening the platform to gigabit-rate data processing.

The newly developed DDR3 is expected become the standard for the next generation of ultra-fast, low-power-consuming memory chips used in notebook computers, desktops and servers, says Samsung Semiconductor memory sales and marketing senior VP Tom Quinn.

"Our success here with DDR3 continues our relentless push to bring the most advanced memory devices to the market at the fastest possible pace."

Microsoft will carry out a mass replacement of a power cable on more than 14 million Xbox consoles worldwide because of a fire hazard, TheChamplainChannel reports.

The company has so far received 30 failure reports, which caused minor burns or smoke and fire damage to carpets or entertainment centres. In seven instances, it said customers suffered minor burns to their hands. Xbox owners can order a free replacement cable online.

Microsoft advised customers to turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use to reduce the risk of fire.