Microsoft released its SP2 Update for Windows XP on August 25, 2004. Be sure to get your copy by visiting the Windows Update site at http://www.windowsupdate.com. This new service pack includes many patches and hot fixes for a wide variety of problems and security holes. Although the update is large in file size, Microsoft has made this patch easily obtainable by using the new Windows Update technology that allows starting and stopping the update for dialup users. You can also request Service Pack 2 on cd-rom by contacting your computer manufacturer or by browsing to http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/windowsxp/choose.aspx for more information.

Congress Pushes Updated Copyright and Spyware Laws

New Bills which have passed through the House Judiciary Committee could put users in jail for up to three years for distributing more than 1,000 songs through "peer to peer" networks such as Kazaa and WinMX. As reported by CNN, Rep. Lamar Smith (R - Texas) said "We must not let Internet technologies become a haven for criminals". This bill could be the first law directly targeting users who swap music and other digital technologies since the Digital Millennium Copyright act in 1998.

Spyware is also a topic of the new laws. The bill holds those who secretly install "spyware" or other unwanted software on others' computers accountable for damages and could be sentenced up to three years in jail. This would be the first step to directly punishing companies and individuals who distribute "spyware" and other programs which have annoyed computer users for years. The spyware bill could be modified and merged with another bill passed by the Senate Commerce Committee earlier this year. This bill requires software makers to notify users before installing software on their computers.

Both the bills are now headed to the House floor for consideration and could be passed by the end of the year.

Fun & Games - A Blast From the Past!

Atari has announced new plans to re-release some of the most classic games in their original formats for PC users as well as users of console gaming systems. Retro-classic games such as "Centipede" and "Asteroid" would be again available, with their original game play and fun! The "Atari Anthology" will feature 85 games and is scheduled to go on sale in late November at a cost of around $20.

A second nostalgia project, "Flashback", by Atari will release a smaller version of the mid-80's classic Atari 7800 model which would include over 20 games such as "Break Out" and "Crystal Castles". Although the "Atari Flashback" will include a miniature console, it will also include a pair of original joysticks. The "Flashback" is likely to be released around the same time as the "Atari Anthology" and will retail for around $45.

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