By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 25, 2003
Microsoft Corp. executives, digging out from the aftermath of an unwelcome Internet worm that wriggled into 500,000 of its customers' computers, say that it's time to consider making software updates automatic for home users of the Windows operating system.
The world's largest software company is "looking very seriously" at requiring future versions of Windows to accept automatic software fixes unless the user specifically refuses to receive them, said Mike Nash, corporate vice president of Microsoft's security business unit.
"The feedback we got when we did XP a few years ago was "I don't want Microsoft automatically putting things onto my machine,' " Nash said. "What we're finding now is that through a combination of the availability of broadband and customers wanting to stay up to date with security patches, and, most importantly, considering the kinds of threats out there now, that customers want us to keep them up to date automatically, not just by downloading the patches for them but installing them as well."
The next version of Windows, which analysts expect to be completed in late 2004, could be the first to let the Auto Update feature download patches from Microsoft without requiring the user's explicit approval. Microsoft is also considering whether to make the Auto Update mandatory earlier, through an interim upgrade known as a service pack.
A final decision to make the feature mandatory for home users has not yet been made, but one Microsoft executive called it "the ideal solution." Microsoft sent out a "critical update" e-mail July 16, alerting its customers to the Blaster worm, but many ignored the warning until the worm began spreading rapidly. The company has no plans to consider forcing business users to install patches, because most companies are reluctant to do so. Some patches interfere with existing programs.
Nokia phones doubles as music player
Cell phones have long been able to handle your list of contacts, and more recently they have added e-mail, games and even photos to the mix. Now a Nokia cell phone wants to be your primary portable music player, too.
The Nokia 3300 incorporates an FM stereo radio and a digital music player that is compatible with files in the MP3 and AAC formats. It can store an hour's worth of songs on its 64-megabyte memory card; users can install a 128MB card. The 4.4-ounce phone has a landscape layout with a bright 128-by-128-pixel color screen in the center flanked by a thumb keyboard with an integrated number pad. Beyond serving as an organizer and music player, the phone allows for multimedia messaging chat, Web browsing, e-mail and Java games.
Music lovers need not worry about losing themselves in Beethoven or 50 Cent; the music automatically pauses for calls and resumes when the call ends.
Cingular, the only carrier offering the music phone, is selling it for $249, with a promise of a $150 rebate. More information is available at www.nokiausa.com
Emergency beacons for those on-the-go
If the Skipper only had a personal locator beacon, the world might not have had three seasons of Gilligan's Island.
The devices, often called PLBs, are pocket-size gadgets that broadcast directly to satellites on a radio frequency dedicated to distress signals.
The beacons, which the FCC approved for use in the United States last month, are not like the child or automobile tracking systems. Those generally require a ground-based cell phone connection.
The new PLBs operate on the 406-megahertz UHF radio frequency and are effective in remote areas where there is no cell phone coverage. The 5-watt units send signals through heavy clouds and even tree canopies to reach locator satellites. The satellites pinpoint the least sophisticated locators by Doppler effect, which can take as long as two hours but typically requires less than 90 minutes. Fancier models incorporate a Global Positioning System unit that sends coordinates to the satellites a few seconds after activation.
When a beacon signal is detected by a satellite, it automatically alerts the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, which routes the information to the appropriate rescue agency.
List prices for the beacons range from $599 to $1,199. Major manufacturers include ACR Electronics (whose 406 PLB Personal Locator Beacon is available with or without integrated GPS) and McMurdo Pains Wessex. Models are available on the Web or through marine and camping stores.
Rolling Stones offer online music satisfaction
Now you can get what you want from subscription music services - if what you're looking for is 40 years worth of rock 'n' roll from the Rolling Stones.
The legendary rock band is making its entire catalog - from its 1964 debut album through last year's anthology disc, Forty Licks - available for the first time to online music services, beginning with a two-week exclusive arrangement with RealNetworks' Rhapsody service and retailer Best Buy.
Best Buy said 560 of its stores will begin selling subscriptions to Rhapsody for $9.95 a month. Users will be able to listen to music and burn CDs for 79 cents a song. Stones' music will be available at other online music services in two weeks.
Best Buy and RealNetworks will share the sales originating at store kiosks.
Jupiter Research said digital music should be an $80-million business this year. In 2008, sales should jump to $1.5-billion, with subscription sales bringing in $877-million and a la carte song sales generating $677-million.
Apple's iTunes site is currently the leader in legally distributed online music, offering songs for 99 cents each.
Microsoft's new Office expected Oct. 21
Microsoft Corp. finished work on the next version of its Office word processing, spreadsheet and e-mail package and said the product will reach stores in the United States on Oct. 21.
Office 2003 is already being used by customers such as Honeywell International Inc.'s automation and controls business, Microsoft said in a statement. Retail prices for the new version are $150 to $500, the same as the reduced price on the previous Office XP, set in May.
