Legacy Windows unable to run next Office

Users stuck with "legacy" copies of Windows desktop operating systems will not be able to use the next planned version of the Microsoft Office productivity suite, reports CBROnline.

Some early participants in Microsoft`s Office 11 beta program have been dropped because they are using older versions of Windows desktops. Microsoft has designated that to mean Windows 98, 98 Second Edition, Me, NT and Windows 2000 prior to Service Pack 3.

A Microsoft spokesperson says Office 11 would only be offered for Windows 2000 Service Pack 3 and Windows XP. Service Pack 3 includes a version of Microsoft Installer designed to simplify the Windows installation process.

The company`s decision is likely to further inflame the anger of corporate customers, many of which are resisting Microsoft`s latest licensing scheme - Licensing 6.0. [CBROnline]

Always wanted to be a pool wizard? Perhaps you can with a little help from a new virtual pool coach that promises to turn amateur "potters" into pool table aficionados. The pool coach, invented by Lars Larsen at Aalborg University in Denmark, includes a host of cameras, laser beams and mirrors to teach even the worst players how to sink as many balls as possible.

Cameras monitor the position of balls, and laser beams aimed by computer-controlled mirrors suggest which shots to take. If you do still manage to miss, the lasers will show you where you have gone wrong and James, the computer-generated coach, will offer helpful tips. Fortunately, James will not give you too hard a time because he has not yet been programmed to be sarcastic. [Reuters]

TheRegister reports that one of the newer developments in the world of IT security is a range of devices known as network-attached encryption devices. The appliances, developed by Ingrian Networks, offload the encryption functions of database and application servers onto appliances that aim to provide a more robust security system.

As a more secure alternative to current encryption techniques, Ingrian`s creation consists of a hardware platform coupled with encryption software and a Java Crypto Extensions provider. The Ingrian NAE appliance takes care of all the encryption processing.

The combined technology is positioned as a way to allow companies to protect sensitive information, including passwords, credit card numbers, files and spreadsheets passing through a network and in storage.

Ingrian takes all of the encryption processing and interfaces with the databases and applications through the lightweight Java Crypto Extensions. [TheRegister]

This week`s TechNiche:
Virus writer loses appeal
New Palm, Dell plans PDA
Sun joins WS-I board