● Police want new remote hard drive search powers (see this last post about CIPAV)

At present, the proposed legislative changes don't appear to be related to EU moves to step up hacking of PCs in homes and offices by police.

● Report: Conficker in attack mode

The Conficker threat has a new twist, with the worm now reportedly installing a second mass-mailing virus that many know as Waledac.

According to a report by Xinhua News Agency, Conficker-infected machines are now being turned into servers for e-mail spam. Quoting Vincent Weafer, vice president of Symantec Security Response, Xinhua reported Conficker now installs a second virus--Waledac--that sends out e-mail spam without the computer owner's knowledge.

● If Everything Was Made by Microsoft (watch the pictures)

Back in the 90s, it looked like Microsoft might take over the world. But after ten years, Vista, the iPod, and a government lawsuit, we feel pretty safe saying that's not happening. But we're equally certain that it won't be for a lack of trying. Whether they're unleashing the Zune or hip new Microsoft Stores, their ambition is only matched by their painful lack of self awareness. So how long until they try their hand at making, well, everything else?