As a news guy, I can't stand repeating myself. But this Code Red Worm just keeps going and going. It's The Energizer Bunny of computer viruses. But this really shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The people who write virus programs are not too bright, so the first release is usually pretty impotent. Then someone else -- also not overly smart -- adds a wee bit of code and releases a stronger version. The Melissa virus is a good example. In all, it has been released more times than Robert Downey Jr.
So now Code Red is back in action in a somewhat more virulent form. This beast only attacks Microsoft's Internet Information Server, which only runs on NT or Windows 2000. Of course, machines that have been patched are immune, which reminds me. A co-worker told me earlier today a joke going around the Internet about why someone should write a Code Red Worm that automatically installs the IIS patch.
AOL-azon?
AOL is not the most popular company in the world, but you've got to hand it to the folks over there for their spunk and business savvy. Understandably then, the news of AOL tossing 100 million clams Amazon's way, which may ultimately lead to a buyout, is not such a bad thing. Under the conditions of the investment, AOL could acquire Amazon, as long as Amazon is up for it and it's done quietly.
I've always felt that Amazon was the Walmart of Internet retailing. Close ties to some 30 million AOL subscribers will only strengthen an already muscular brand.
The Ceaselessly Amazing Internet
If you want something first, you've got to go the Internet -- whether it's news from Matt Drudge or the latest Elvis memorabilia on eBay. With such broad access and timely information at hand, fans of "American Pie 2" knew just where to turn and greedily began to download copies of the unreleased movie. But instead of viewing mildly erotic fair, downloaders got a full-on dose from France's best adult entertainers. Apparently, as news that "American Pie 2" was available spread like wildfire through the mainstream media, no one bothered to actually view the material.
Even More Intel Inside
Intel first defined what kind of central processor an IBM compatible would use. Then it began to define the motherboards and buses, leaving PC vendors basically to choose only the color and shape of the case. Now Intel and eight Intel disciples have chosen a replacement for the PCI standard that will reach speeds of up to 12 gigabits per second. That's pretty ripping fast! This 3GIO technology should last at least a decade and raises serious questions about the future of Infiniband.
Doug Barney is Editor-in-Chief at Network Computing. Send your comments on this article to him at dbarney@nwc.com.
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