Microsoft is getting tougher on UK businesses and threatening legal action using its agents the Business Software Alliance (BSA) for companies that do not comply with requests to keep their software licenses up to date.

Under the new program, if Microsoft doesn't receive a response after 14 days, the company will send a succession of three "escalation" letters over three weeks. The last two letters warn that the case could be turned over the BSA, which could pursue legal action.

If you're unsure of your current licensing status give us a call on 01952 588688 for advice.
Midland Computers are Microsoft Partners supplying official UK license products.

For the first time in a while, a fairly large virus outbreak is in progress. Take a look at our statistics for mid-January 2007 and you can see the big spikes as trojan containing emails are spammed out en-masse. Our anti-spam service seems to have done an excellent job stopping them coming in.

This is a good time to double check you anti-virus subscriptions are up to date - whatever these files might be installing on your computers, it'll not be friendly...

We're currently evaluating a new product to replace the current http://webmail.rocketuk.net system.

The RoundCube project offers a far improved user interface over the current SquirrelMail system allowing you to use you email as easily as a traditional webmail client.

Feel free to trial it using your usual POP3 email login at :
http://webmailbeta.rocketuk.net

The rulebook used in most disputes over .uk domain names is out of date, according to Nominet, the .uk domain name registry. Its suggestions for revision include the introduction of a financial deterrent against cybersquatting.

Read more on the Out-Law.com website - http://www.out-law.com/page-7619