Using what's fast becoming my least favorite weapon in capitalist warfare, Microsoft has managed to slow Apple's iPod growth by patenting some often-used interface technology. Funny, since Microsoft doesn't actually make an MP3 player. Microsoft says Apple is free to license the technology from it. Mad Dog Steve Jobs, start your engines.

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SANS.org's Internet Storm Center warns that three new public exploits released within the last 24 hours affect the Windows Plug-n-Play vulnerability (MS05-039). SANS goes on to report that exploits now exist for at least four of the six vulnerabilities that Microsoft patched in its August security bulletin, with multiple exploits existing for the IE patch, raising the likelihood that some virus or worm may be created to take advantage of these flaws. The CNET Virus Threat Watch remains at Medium. Now is an excellent time to update your Windows system with the latest patches, if you haven't already done so.

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USA Today has a story about people who stop to take digital photos of bombings or plane crashes as they're happening. The story wonders whether camera phones and digital cameras are causing people to take dangerous risks during disasters. Guys? Seriously? It's got nothing to do with the cameras. People are just that stupid.

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Further blurring the line between set-top DVR boxes and Media Center PCs, the new MediaReady 5000 looks like a large DVD player, but it actually houses a Linux-based computer designed for DVR recording, media playback, Web surfing and e-mail.

A collaboration between hardware maker Video Without Boundaries and popular DVR software company SageTV, the MediaReady 5000 is being officially announced today. Besides standard features such as an electronic program guide for tracking and recording TV programs and media management tools for photos, music, and other media files, it promises access to content on other PCs in your home network and a future broadband content delivery system for movies on demand.

Under the hood, the box is powered by a VIA 1GHz CPU with 128MB of RAM and a 120GB hard drive, using Linux-based SageTV Media Center software. Adding this hybrid to your home theater will set you back $699.

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