Microsoft fixes XP SP2 VPN flaw

Microsoft has fixed a flaw in its Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) that affected virtual private network (VPN) users almost immediately after the release of the patch, eWeek reports.

The problem causes errors when programs attempt to connect to loop-back addresses other than 127.0.0.1. SP2 blocks all such addresses with users receiving an error message saying they cannot establish a connection.

The company issued a fix for the problem last month, but the new update is more thoroughly tested.

Nintendo and Sony made separate product announcements yesterday that the companies hope will attract more customers ahead of the competitive holiday season.

The Nintendo DS mobile gaming device will be released in North America on 21 November and will retail for $150, reports Associated Press. Meanwhile, Sony announced a slimmer, reworked PlayStation 2 (PS2) console, designed to reduce manufacturing costs, which will go on sale worldwide in the same month.

Even though the DS and PS2 are not competing against each other, an analyst at American Technology Research believes the timing of the announcements was important for both companies. According to the research company, December alone typically accounts for about half of the industry`s annual revenue, which now tops $10 billion annually.

The official Web site of Who guitarist Pete Townshend will soon host a streaming television station dubbed Who TV.

Billboard reports that the system has been tested in recent months with a live Who rehearsal and performances by Townshend-mentored singer/songwriter Rachel Fuller.

For now, access to the content is free, but the site states that "for big events, of which a few are planned over the next year, there may well be a need to charge, either with a one-off payment or by subscription to view".