Sick PCs should be banned

Virus-infected computers that pose a risk to other PCs should be blocked from the Internet, a senior researcher at software giant Microsoft suggests.

BBC reports that the proposal is based on lessons from public health, according to Scott Charney, of the firm's trustworthy computing team. It is designed to tackle botnets - networks of infected computers under the control of cyber criminals.

Putting machines in temporary quarantine would stop the spread of a virus and allow it to be cleaned. “Just as when an individual who is not vaccinated puts others' health at risk, computers that are not protected or have been compromised with a bot put others at risk and pose a greater threat to society,” he said.

Verizon Wireless has provided more details about its long-awaited 4G wireless roll-out, but has yet to reveal pricing or device information, notes CNet.

At the CTIA fall 2010 trade show, Verizon Communications COO Lowell McAdam said the company plans to launch its 4G wireless network in 38 markets by the end of 2010, and it will cover about 110 million people with 4G when the service is launched later this year.

Markets that will be in the initial launch include New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco. McAdam said Verizon will cover 70% of these markets with the service. It will also offer 4G in 62 airports, including airports in seven cities that are not part of Verizon's initial 4G launch.

A 19-year-old from Lancashire has been sentenced to 16 weeks in a young offenders' institution for refusing to give police the password to an encrypted file on his computer, says The Register.

Oliver Drage, from Naze Lane, Freckleton, Lancashire, was arrested in May as part of an investigation into child sexual abuse images. His computer was seized by police who were unable to access some material on it thanks to a 50-character encryption password.

Police formally requested the password from Drage, but he refused to co-operate, an offence under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act.

Several private equity groups are in talks with BT about buying its 31% stake in Indian software provider Tech Mahindra, reports Computing. The Financial Times states that the deal could be worth up to $800 million.

Ian Marriott, Gartner research VP, said: “It has been a difficult time for many telcos recently, so it could be that BT is looking to release some funds to transfer into other investments.”

When asked about the proposed deal, a BT spokesman explained that the organisation will continue to maintain its presence in India, but refused to confirm or deny the reports.