Mobile Linux group debuts

A group of companies has launched the Linux Phone Standards (LiPS) Forum to create standards to foster the use of Linux on mobile devices, reports Computerworld.

LiPS founding members include PalmSource, France Telecom SA, Orange SA, Telecom Italia Mobile SpA, ARM Holdings, Jaluna SA, Open-Plug and MontaVista Software.

The forum aims to create interfaces that will allow developers to build applications to interoperate across Linux handsets made by all manufacturers. The forum will also work with the Open Mobile Terminal Platform group to allow applications written for Linux handsets to work with applications used on phones running other operating systems, such as Symbian or Microsoft Windows Mobile.

Microsoft plans to introduce a business version of its Windows Desktop Search application, reports CNET News.

The new tool will be similar to the current version for consumers, but will also allow companies to decide what should be indexed and searched on their corporate networks.

The release follows the launch of the enterprise version of Google`s desktop search program earlier this month.

The number of keyloggers unleashed by hackers soared by 65% this year, as e-criminals rush to steal identities and information, reports Informationweek.

Quoting Ken Dunham of VeriSign iDefense, the report said this was in line with the "change in motive towards crimeware".

Keyloggers are small programs that record all or selected keystrokes, then sends that data to the hacker. Hackers are on pace to deploy a record-setting 6 191 different keyloggers in 2005, 65% up on the 3 753 keyloggers released in 2004, said iDefense.

A working prototype of the much-anticipated $100 laptop from MIT will be unveiled at the World Summit on Information Society in Tunis today.

Beta News reports that the laptop could go into production late next year or early in 2007.

The device is aimed mainly at developing countries, in line with the goal to give all children access to computers. At least 24 countries are reported to have expressed an interest in buying the device.