MS threatens to sue downloaders

Microsoft is threatening to sue Internet users who download the pieces of its Windows operating system source code that were illegally posted online last week.

The Washington Post reports that Microsoft sent letters to several Internet service providers (ISPs) this week, telling them they have customers suspected of trading the stolen Windows 2000 and Windows NT code on peer-to-peer networks like Morpheus and Kazaa. The letters asked the ISPs to stop their subscribers from making the code available to others.

Microsoft warns that anyone who has downloaded the source code and is making it available for download by others could be subject to severe civil and criminal penalties.

The company says users can avoid legal headaches by deleting the source code file and telling the company where they got it.

CNet reports that several developments in display technology will help to prolong the life of batteries in laptop computers.

Toshiba Matsushita Display Technology says it has developed a laptop display that drains much less power, and a standards group announced a new specification that could lead to more energy-efficient notebook panels.

Intel says its coming Sonoma processor for mobile computers will support a technology designed to cut down on the energy needed to power screens.

Up to 40% of the average notebook computer`s power is eaten up by the display subsystem, says Kamal Shah, a manager in Intel`s Mobile Platforms Group.

The Standard Panels Working Group has announced the release of the SPWG 3.0 specification, which is designed to improve panel interchangeability and provide lower power consumption in displays.

The Washington Post reports that two of the biggest US Internet service providers, EarthLink and AOL, have sued more than 12 spammers and related marketing firms in cases they claim expose an international world of bulk e-mailers.

AOL accused three Americans of conspiring with Americans in Thailand to develop software to defeat AOL`s spam filters, and then route mortgage spam to AOL customers.

In a separate case, EarthLink has accused 16 people in four US states of running a multi-state spam ring.