Users of Napster software, which enables the sharing of digital music files, are more likely to buy more records than non-Napster users, according to a study by research firm Jupiter Communications. "Because Napster users are music enthusiasts, it's logical to believe that they are more likely . . . to increase their music spending in the future," according to Jupiter analyst Aram Sinnreich. The study comes against the backdrop of a war between Napster and the music industry trade group Recording Industry Association of America, which claims that such software are tools to pirate digital music.
So Long Spam: The US House of Representatives has approved legislation to combat spam. If passed by the Senate the law will require those sending unsolicited mail to provide a valid return email address. The legislation will also empower US Internet service providers to pursue offenders through the federal courts.
Ms Virus: Researchers have discovered a new way to include malicious code inside Microsoft Outlook email, the software company has admitted. A Microsoft security spokesman said a patch is being made available. Unlike other viruses the user isn't required to click on an attachment or read, preview or forward the email to activate the virus. Simply downloading it is enough.
King's New Chapter: Stephen King will begin direct publishing today by posting the first instalment of his new novel online and asking readers to pay through the honour system. Instalment one of The Plant will be posted on King's site today and instalment two on August 21st. Readers will be asked to send King a check or money order for $1 per installment in a direct transaction.
Imagination Deficit: A security warning to all computer users has been issued after a survey showed how unimaginative people are with their choice of passwords. One in five people in the US admitted using their own name, while one in 10 choose their own birth date. The survey, conducted for credit-card company Visa, found that over half of respondents used the same password for many applications.
Virtual Nukes: Computers for the first time have simulated the beginning of a hydrogen bomb blast in full-scale 3-D, Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have said. MICROSOFT'S MASSES: Microsoft has claimed it had 201 million users of its Internet services around the world in June, surpassing America Online and Yahoo! as the most popular network of destinations on the Web.
By Design: The Glen Dimplex Design Awards 2000 have been launched and categories include Multimedia Design (for CD Rom/hard disk applications), On-Screen Graphics for TV/Film and Website Design for Internet browser-based applications. For further information contact Rina Whyte on 01-6601719.
Cross Border Portal: The European Commission has given its approval with conditions to Vizzavi, the multi-access Internet portal from France's Vivendi, Canal Plus and Britain's Vodafone. Vizzavi will develop a branded multi-access Internet portal throughout Europe.
In Brief...Lloyds TSB and BT Cellnet have unveiled a joint venture which will provide online banking plus other services on mobile phones from November . . . CNet Networks is acquiring Ziff-Davis and its ZDNet subsidiary for $1.6 billion in stock . . . Intel has reported a 79 per cent surge in second-quarter profits ahead of analysts' expectations . . . Online retailer LetsBuyIt.com issued its shares at 3.50 euros each below its original price range after postponing its IPO twice due to tough market conditions . . . Bertelsmann is buying the struggling Internet music retailer CDNow for $117 million.