New Data Store To Revolutionize Windows. Someday.
Microsoft plans to begin introducing a new database oriented file store in future versions of Windows - perhaps as early as next year. A consistent, unified database would replace the existing Windows file systems (FAT and NTFS), and holds out the promise of simpler searches for information. But, the proof of the pudding is in the tasting - and that may not come for many years. The company first began to consider a similar file system a decade ago, in the context of Cairo. Efforts were abandoned after they proved to complex in the face of other issues. And while the benefits - both to users and Microsoft - are significant, they'll come at a heavy price since a new file system would impact the developers of virtually every piece of software that runs on the system - including Microsoft's.

New Windows could solve age-old puzzle. special report  Microsoft is tackling the long-elusive goal of easily finding information hidden in computer files, a conquest that would deal a blow to competitors but come at a price. [CNET News.com] 

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Hollywood Declares War On Consumers

Salon.com Technology | Chained melodies: "Copyright-holding corporations are pushing new laws and computer-crippling technologies in their war on piracy. But can anything keep geeks from copying the music and movies they crave? " 

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Vendor Liability for Software Security Flaws? Count On It
It's in the cards. Barring miracles, I'm predicting that software vendors will lose the ability to waive liability for flaws in software within a year - 18 months at most. The embarassing parade of security vulnerabilities has reached the point that commentators have begun to call for a change. As the business community picks up the charge, lawmakers will be quick to act, especially if it makes them look as though they are responding to ongoing security concerns.

The Best Way to Make Software Secure. Having neglected security issues for years, it's time companies that sell software with yawning security flaws be held liable [Business Week: Technology] 

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Double Free Vulnerability Opens Apps, *NIX Systems To Buffer Overflow
Static links to a flawed library routine mean this could be difficult to repair in the field.

Flaw leaves Linux computers vulnerable. A buffer overflow in a common software library used by all versions of Linux could leave the lion's share of systems based on the OS open to attack. [CNET News.com] 

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