NEWSFLASH! The BBC reported this week that pirated copies of Microsoft’s new operating system, code-named “Longhorn”, have shown up for sale in Malaysia. Longhorn is scheduled for release in 2005, and many of its features are actually available in Mac OS 10.3 “Panther” today. The pirates evidently obtained and copied a pre-alpha release distributed to developers at the Professional Developers Conference in October of this year. What was the asking price for this software gem? $1.58. Responding to the availability of the pirated system, Microsoft cautioned consumers that "it would be extremely risky to load the still unstable operating system onto a home computer." But, hey, if people want to spend money on untested and bug-ridden software that could wreak havoc on their computer, doesn’t Microsoft have a wide selection of legitimate titles to choose from? Food for thought, I guess. (Thanks to the folks at "As the Apple Turns")

And here’s something really scary. Microsoft is setting their sights on getting their software into even more of your life. First, in cars. The software will tell you when it’s time for an oil change, warn you about wrecks on the road ahead and plan alternate routes, pay freeway tolls automatically, and (this is the most frightening) run your car’s brakes (which will update wirelessly).

Second, they’re installing Windows in ATMs! That’s right, the operating system that never met a worm or virus it didn’t like, with more security holes than a pound of good Wisconsin Swiss, is going to be taking care of your money! Evidently they’ve tried it in a few locations, and a bunch of them have already been infected by worms. Good grief. Why don’t we just find hackers and write them checks directly.(Thanks to the folks at "As the Apple Turns")

On the positive side, if you’re into games, the long-awaited Mac version of Halo will be released on December 11th. Halo is a futuristic space-based first person shooter, and was originally developed by Bungie Software as a PC/Mac title five years ago. When Microsoft needed an awesome game to introduce on their Xbox, they did what Microsoft always does – they bought Bungie and assimilated them. The PC version of Halo has been out for a few months, and I’ve played it, and it’s every bit as good as the Xbox experience, with even better network play. You’ll need the faster video processors of newer Macs to play it smoothly, though.

© 2003 Peter F. Zimowski