Microsoft does govt deal to slow OSS

Microsoft will share information about security problems with governments as part of its efforts to slow the spread of open source software, reports CNet.

Under the Security Cooperation Programme, Microsoft will advise governments on network security issues in an effort to prevent or mitigate security lapses.

Governments will get information on existing security flaws and advance notice of upcoming product patches.

The German national railway says it has moved all its 55 000 Lotus Notes users onto the Linux open source operating system.

PC World quotes the operating company as saying the move is expected to deliver cost savings, greater flexibility and integration benefits.

The company has already shifted its vital train time-tabling system from HP Non-Stop to Linux. Next, it will move various SAP systems, including sales support, from Unix to Linux. By the end of the year, all remaining critical systems will run on Linux.

Sun Microsystems has fulfilled its pledge to make its newest version of the Solaris operating system available as a free download to those who register.

According to News.com, anyone may use Solaris, and Sun will supply security fixes as they are released, but those wanting bug fixes and support must sign a support contract with Sun.

Solaris 10 is part of Sun`s attempt to fend off Linux and Windows and to maintain leadership against its two main Unix rivals, IBM`s AIX and HP`s HP-UX.

America Online (AOL) is to release the first public test version of a new Netscape browser soon that is designed to protect users from scams and malicious code while surfing the Web, reports PC World.

The new Netscape 8 browser will use a list of known malicious Web sites to adjust security settings automatically to protect the user. A blacklist of Web sites will be stored on the user`s PC and updated frequently.

Move over iPod, GodPod is coming, reports BBC News.

The GodPod is a solar-powered multilingual speaking Bible that is designed to help people who have reading difficulties. It is one of the products in line for an award during a church exhibition in Belfast, Ireland this week.

GodPod maker, Magherafelt, says nearly half the world`s population is unable to read, and about 42 million are blind. It says for these people, the only way to communicate is by the spoken word.

Magherafelt says the GodPod is ideal for developing countries and rural communities because it leaps over literacy and electricity barriers.

Spansion, the Flash memory subsidiary of Advanced Micro Devices and Fujitsu, has verified the compatibility of its Flash memory solutions with multimedia cellular phones from Philips.

By verifying their products work together "off-the-shelf", Spansion and Philips now offer a development platform that can drive down the cost and complexity of cellular handset design.

Philips and Spansion say providing compatible solutions will enable customers to spend their time and resources more wisely, developing innovative features and capabilities more cost-effectively.