Microsoft issues 'critical` patch

Xhead = Critical Microsoft patch released

Microsoft has released a patch for the latest critical rated security flaw affecting its Windows, Office and developer tools software programs, reports Reuters.

The software company says the latest flaw stems from the way its software processes images in the JPEG image format. Users opening a file or viewing a specific image could be at risk if a hacker exploits the flaw and tries to gain access to a PC.

"The vulnerability could only be exploited by an attacker who persuaded a user to open a specially crafted file or to view a directory that contains the specially crafted image," says the company.

The patch affects Microsoft`s Windows XP, Office 2003, Project, Visio, Visual Studio, and other programs that handle JPEG images.

Television shopping in Europe is projected to nearly double to 8.8 billion euros by 2008, reports Reuters.

Media researchers Screen Digest and Goldmedia found that UK television watchers are the most likely to buy goods from shopping channels, arrange travel services and spend money gambling over the TV, with German and French viewers second and third, respectively.

Last year, European t-commerce sales were 4.5 billion euros, the bulk of which derived from 24-hour shopping channels.

Interactive capabilities are a big driver for spending on goods offered for sale on European television, according to the report.

In 1996, the UK and Germany each had two shopping channels, but there are now 40 in the UK and three in Germany.

Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia has signed a licensing agreement to support the use of Secure Digital (SD) flash memory cards in its cellphones.

According to Newsfactor.com, the company will still support the MultiMediaCards (MMC) format. However, the growing popularity of SD cards has forced Nokia to accept the flash memory card standard.

"Both SD and MMC cards will feature as significant components in our products now and in the future," says Timo Poikolainen, VP of technology marketing at Nokia.