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Atari Online News, Etc. Volume 03 Issue 40
Volume 3, Issue 40 Atari Online News, Etc. October 5, 2001
Published and Copyright (c) 1999 - 2001
All Rights Reserved
Atari Online News, Etc.
A-ONE Online Magazine
Dana P. Jacobson, Publisher/Managing Editor
Joseph Mirando, Managing Editor
Rob Mahlert, Associate Editor
Atari Online News, Etc. Staff
Dana P. Jacobson -- Editor
Joe Mirando -- "People Are Talking"
Michael Burkley -- "Unabashed Atariophile"
Albert Dayes -- "CC: Classic Chips"
Rob Mahlert -- Web site
Thomas J. Andrews -- "Keeper of the Flame"
With Contributions by:
Leon O'Reilly
Carl Forhan
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=~=~=~=
A-ONE #0340 10/05/01
~ Anti-Terrorist Bill! ~ People Are Talking! ~ Atari Titles Coming!
~ Net Tax Ban Renewed! ~ AOL Tracking Users! ~ Chu Chu Rocket!
~ Online Privacy Issues! ~ San Fran Bans Filters! ~ CinciClassic News!
~ Internet Case Examined ~ Xbox Parental Controls ~ Songbird News!
-* Microsoft Increases Security *-
-* Computer Industry Takes On Viruses! *-
-* FTC Shuts Thousands Of Deceptive Web Sites *-
=~=~=~=
->From the Editor's Keyboard "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
In an effort to return to normalcy, I'm going to try to refrain from
mentioning the recent attacks in the U.S. I do want to mention, however,
that there are a lot of scams and hoaxes permeating the internet with regard
to the attacks. I'm recommending that people be cautious about what they
read - especially e-mail attachments that could lead to various problems. I
also want to mention that people really need to consider the full extent of
governmental recommendations with regard to "cyber security" considerations.
Things like e-mail surveillance and other monitoring methods can lead to a
breakdown of our personal rights to privacy.
Speaking of personal rights, I've included an article in this week's issue
about a recent decision in San Francisco. Essentially, city officials have
banned all filters in city-owned computers within its public library system.
By doing so, the city is risking the loss of federal funding. I applaud the
city's decision! The government's use of strongarm tactics to attempt to
protect kids is wrong. At least in this instance. I've said it time and
time again - let parents teach their children why they should refrain from
using the internet to view pornography or other illicit topics. Let the
school system reenforce those values. Come up with a better plan to
accomplish the goal. How about a system in which children of a pre-
determined age group requiring a special library card which would authorize
computer use in libraries - issued after parental authorization. Parents
who have concerns about their children need not apply. I'm sure there are
many solutions which do not arbitrarily prevent the use of a faulty system
due to filtering software. I hope more cities and towns make similar
decisions, and not be bullied with the threat of funding being stopped.
Good for you, San Francisco!
Until next time...
=~=~=~=
Chu Chu Rocket
Guildford, Surrey - September 2001. The Reservoir Gods announce the
imminent release of "Chu Chu Rocket"; an arcade puzzle game for the Atari
STe and Falcon030.
"Chu Chu Rocket" originally appeared on the 128-bit Sega Dreamcast console
and immediately gained critical acclaim for its innovative and addictive
gameplay.
"Chu Chu Rocket" is a game for 1 to 4 players. It incorporates a number of
different modes of play including a four player battles, single player
puzzle levels and co-operative challenge stages.
The base machine for the game is the Atari STe, it was felt that this was
the minimum requirement to achieve a comparable gaming experience to the
128-bit original. The extra hardware features of this machine are used to
their fullest extent, including the blitter, extended palettes, jaguar pad
support and stereo sampled sound.
The game features graphics by "shTHREE" and new Reservoir Gods member
"neo". It also has an unprecedented 14 pieces of exclusive new Sid-Sound
music composed by the award winning "MSG".
All the original sound effects from the DreamCast version have been sampled
for this version, including all the sampled speech.
The game features 100 levels of puzzles across 4 different worlds, 25
levels of multiplayer gaming and 25 challenge stages. There are extra
secret features which get unlocked on completing sections of the game.
Reservoir Gods were formed in 1994 as a software team developing products
for Atari computers. There releases to date include the games "Double
Bobble 2000", "Tautology 2", "SkyFall", "Static" and "Bunion Canyon". They
have also created the art package "GodPaint", GameBoy emulator "GodBoy",
Nintendo NES emulator "GodleNES" and have been responsible for the disk
magazine "Maggie".
After a period of inactivity, they are now hard at work creating new
products for the Atari platform, ably supported by new members "neo" and
technical specialist "Griff" (formerly of "Inner Circle").
"Chu Chu Rocket" is set to ship in October 2001.
Further information available at http://rg.atari.org
=~=~=~=
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
compiled by Joe Mirando
joe@atarinews.org
Hidi ho friends and neighbors. Boy, am I behind on stuff.
I hate when that happens. Normal life is hectic enough. Its the other
things that come at you from out of the blue that tend to mess you up.
Of course today, that IS normal life.
Mother nature has been somewhat kind to us here in the northeast this
week. It's been warm and sunny. Of course, she's just lulling us into a
false sense of security so she can really sock it to us later on.
You may have noticed that my mood is a bit darker than usual.... Or, you
may not. There's a lot of that "dark mood" thing going around, and it
kind of gets lost in the shuffle.
You're probably in one of those moods from time to time yourself, so you
know the feeling. I guess the important thing is to just keep on keepin'
on.
Well, let's get on with the news, hints, tips, and info from the UseNet.
From the comp.sys.atari.st NewsGroup
====================
'Overdoc' asks about transferring Atari files from a PC back to an ST:
"I recently got a Atari 520ST donated, including the 3 1/2 disk drive and
also a Oceanic 5 1/4 disk drive. Since it came without any software I
would like to download some disk images from the net and transfer them
back to real Atari ST disks.
So far I found one PC tool ( stupid me forgot it's name ) that told it
could do the job, but all .msa images I tried ended up in a way that
only the directory could be read, and when loading files was attempted
read-errors occurred.
Now, is there another, safer way to transfer some disk images ?
Maybe there is some tool that will let me read a .msa image on a PC
formatted disk with the Atari's drive, copy it to ram and then write it
back to a Atari formatted disk using the Atari ST itself, and not the PC
as the other tool did ?
I know this method from the Amiga, and there it works perfect. So I
thought such a tool must exists for Atari STs, too, right?
If anyone can point me in the right direction, please don't hesitate."
Bob Retelle tells Overdoc:
"Actually "Atari format" and "PC format" are exactly the same.
That is, a floppy disk formatted on a PC can be read on an Atari ST,
and vice versa (with a few restrictions).
First of all, the ST drives are Double Density (720K) - they will
NOT read a PC formatted High Density disk (1.44 Meg).
Secondly, depending on how old the ST is, it may have a Single Sided
disk drive (if it has an external floppy disk drive, the model number
for Single Sided drives is SF354. The Double Sided drives are
SF314).
Unfortunately, it's difficult to make a PC format a 3.5 inch disk as a
single sided (360K) disk. If you have a single sided Atari floppy
drive, you may have to use a special Atari formatting program that
fixes the buggy formatting routine so the disk can be read on the PC.
I believe the PC should be able to read and write a single sided disk,
it just won't be able to format one.
Lastly, early versions of the Atari operating system had a bug in the
disk formatting routines that made the disks unreadable in a PC. The
solution to that is to always format the floppy disks on the PC, and
then they will be readable in BOTH the PC and the Atari.
One other thing to think about, the Atari floppy drive, being a lot
older, may be dirty or have gone out of alignment so it will have
trouble reading a standard formatted disk. If you can format and read
a floppy on the Atari, but get read errors from the PC disk, this may
be the problem."
Ken Springer adds:
"I don't remember exactly the difference, but although they have the
same number of tracks and sectors, something about the way the data is
stored on the floppies yielded more actual data storage space on the
Atari disks.
If I remember correctly, you just have to write the PC boot sector info
to an Atari formatted disk for the PC to read it. There were both
shareware and commercial programs to do this. I think Double Click
software had a commercial formatting program for this, but I honestly
don't remember. I probably have it in the Atari floppies I have.
As for the PC formatting a single sided floppy, that depends on the age
of the PC and the DOS version installed. As DOS gained in abilities, MS
slowly removed things from it like the ability to format a different
number of sectors and/or tracks, even tho' the instructions on how to do
it (i.e. type in the format command with proper switches) still remained
in the manuals.
That wasn't a bug. The PC needed information in the boot sector of the
floppy that the Atari didn't. Atari's formatting routines just didn't
write info it didn't need. I can't remember which version of TOS added
that to the formatting routine, but I think it was 1.04. I have a TOS
1.04 machine and could format a floppy and find out for those who might
be curious.
I would format the floppy on the PC, if you can do it on your PC.
(Win98 will not format a 360k disk, I just checked.) It's just a guess
on my part, but you probably don't have the ability to write the
boot sector information you need in order for the PC to read the disk
even if there is nothing wrong with the formatting and the disk drive.
It would be best not to use a Win95 or newer machine. Try to find one
that has Windows for Workgroups installed, or better yet, one with DOS
3.x on it. Workgroups used DOS 6.22 in it's last incarnation. Then to
double check the PC formatting, you can try the floppy on a Win95 or
newer PC."
James Haslam tells Ken:
"Actually, I think you're thinking about the Amiga formatting scheme,
which got 880K out of a disk! :)
The difference between an ST formatted disk and a PC one is the boot
sector being different. There is a program that will change the boot
sector into a PC compatible one WITHOUT destroying the data on the rest
of the disk!"
Ken Springer tells James:
"Not thinking of Amiga, but I didn't know their formatting would allow
that much data. Mac disks hold 800k, maybe a tad more, I don't remember
that either! <G>
This has forced me to boot up the old Mega 4. <G> And I think I've
been thinking about Neodesk. Formatting with Neodesk 3 gives me about
2k more space than formatting with TOS 1.04."
Steve Sweet jumps in and adds:
"Formatting is done by the floppy drive device, not the OS and so is the
same on any platform. The OS sometimes puts its own mark on things by
customising the OEM section of the boot sector, which in the case of
Atari/Dos.Win-dose compatible disks is 'MSDOS'."
Daniel Dreibelbis posts this about his latest online find:
"having just gotten my Handspring Visor Deluxe, I decided to see just
what was out there in the way of programs, and particularly those
E-Books out there.
well, I just happened to go onto the Aportis website (they make a
document reader for Palm OS) and saw they have an E-book section.
Wouldn't you know it - someone has come up with an E-book History of
Atari, from Syzergy to Hasbro, for free download! And it's pretty good,
too. Lots of info and fun facts about Atari - did you know that they
sold 350,000 copies of Tempest 2000 for the Jaguar? They also talk about
the Atari computers, from the 8-bit to the Falcon
If you've got a Palm or compatible and want to check it out, go to
http://www.aportis.com/library/index.html and click in the Computers
section. You'll need an E-book reader to load and read it.
BTW, the Visor Deluxe is pretty good, too - they've just discontinued
it, and so you should be able to grab hold of one of these for a good
price. I got hold of a refurbished one from the Handspring web site for
$119 US + free shipping. This thing has as much RAM as my TT does, and
it's turning out to be pretty useful for work-related stuff. Now I'm
getting ready to order a digital camera Springboard module for it."
'Chris' asks about setting up TOSbox:
"I'm trying to setup TOSbox v1.10a on a HP Pavilion 700 mhz Intel Celeron
processor with 192 megs of RAM and 30 gig hard drive.. The OS is
Windows ME.
The problem is that Papyrus 8 doesn't work too well and TOSbox seems to
get all the drive letters mixed up. That is when the HD is partitioned.
Anyone has had any success with TOSbox on a Windows ME computer? What
about other Windows based Atari ST emulators? Do they work well with
Windows ME? Will any of them run Papyrus 8?"
Djordje Vukovic tells Chris:
"My opinion is that TOSbox is not an optimum choice if you want to use
the emulator through Windows. TOSbox is best used in DOS. Perhaps
you should try other emulators- Gemulator or STem. I have used Gemulator,
admittedly on NT4, not ME, and found it quite Atari-compatible; in fact,
somewhat more compatible than TOSbox. It was also significantly faster.
If I remember correctly, I tried a demo of papyrus 8 both on TOSbox/DOS
and Gemulator/NT4 and it seemed to work. In what way it "didn't work
too well" for you?
Concerning drive-letters being mixed up, is it possible that maybe the
emulator was not configured properly (mounted directories, etc.)?"
Bob King asks about DA's Layout:
"All the Digital-Arts web sites seem to be down. Has anyone got the demo
version of DA's Layout for the Mac. I've looked very closely at
PageMaker and Quark, and they are not a patch IMHO on either LayoutTC
or Calamus. I'm getting PageStream 4, but rally would like to get
Layout. Layout Atari, wont run in MagicMac, or at least not for me. It
doesn't like multitasking I think. One more reason for holding onto my
Milan."
Martin Byttebier tells Bob:
"You can try this URL
http://www.zdnetasia.com/downloads/mac/swinfo/0,2000040393,20074839s,00.htm
Hmm, I surely runs in freeMiNT."
Bob tells Martin:
"I've tried it already, using Explorer, it just loops back to the same
page. I'll try it with iCab, but I think that Digital have pulled
everything or the rest of the world just couldn't care less about the
(joint) best DTP program on the planet.
As for freeMint, I run Magic on my Milan, and have to reboot it in
single task mode (Magicboot disabled) to get Layout to work. The Mac
version seemed to be inferior in that it did not have the 'Services'
'plug-ins' and there was not the use of the Mac's built in printing
drivers."
Well folks, that's it for this time around. Tune in again next week,
same time, same station, and be ready to listen to what they are saying
when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
=~=~=~=
->In This Week's Gaming Section - Infogrames To Release Atari Titles!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Xbox To Have Parental Controls!
Okage: Shadow King! Super Heroes!
And much more!
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE's Game Console Industry News - The Latest Gaming News!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
OKAGE: Shadow King Transports Players on a
Mystical Journey for THE PlayStation2
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced the release of OKAGE:
Shadow King, an engrossing 3D role-playing game available exclusively for
the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. OKAGE: Shadow King combines
traditional role-playing elements with action-packed, dramatic real-time
battle sequences, strategic gameplay and puzzle-solving that will challenge
and stimulate gamers' minds. Featuring a mesmerizing storyline with some of
the most eccentric characters ever seen in a videogame, OKAGE: Shadow King
is set to transport players on a graphically spectacular adventure this
fall and throughout the holiday season.
``The incredible story of OKAGE: Shadow King appeals to both traditional
RPG fans and action-adventure enthusiasts with its innovative design,
creative plot and unique graphical look," said Ami Blaire, director,
product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. ``Featuring a
captivating storyline, twenty beautifully-rendered environments, six
extraordinary, entertaining characters and hours of immersive gameplay,
OKAGE: Shadow King truly showcases the capabilities of PlayStation 2."
The tale of OKAGE: Shadow King takes place in a remote village called
Tenel, where young Ari lives with his family. When a ghost attacks Ari's
sister, his father unknowingly unleashes Stan, the spirit of a great evil
demon, in a desperate attempt to protect his daughter. Stan agrees to save
Ari's sister's life, on the condition that he can possess Ari's shadow,
forcing Ari to become his slave. Once resurrected, however, Stan discovers
that his powers are weak and he no longer has the ability to instill fear
and terror in those he hopes to rule. After learning several other demons
already inhabit the world, Stan is convinced that they are the cause of his
weakness and forces Ari to join him on a quest to purge the country of
these imposters. Navigating as Ari, players will find themselves entangled
in a whirlwind of myths, legends and traditions as they make their way
across brightly-colored landscapes, encountering whimsical characters,
fighting fierce enemies and deciphering the mysterious clues and secrets
spread throughout the world in which they live.
OKAGE: Shadow King introduces a unique approach to traditional role-playing
games with its stylized visuals and interesting characters, and features
dramatic real-time battle sequences in which allies and enemies fight
simultaneously. In addition, gamers will discover hundreds of attacks,
spells and weapons, and more than 150 items to collect during their
adventures through lively towns and ominous dungeons. With its combination
of immersive narrative, challenging gameplay, wonderfully animated
characters and spectacular graphics, OKAGE: Shadow King adds a unique and
exciting role-playing game to the PlayStation 2 catalog this fall.
Key features in OKAGE: Shadow King:
-- Innovative and unique approach to traditional role-playing games.
Players will find themselves enslaved by the shadow of an evil king,
thrown into battles with hundreds of enemies, engrossed in exploring
new worlds and wrapped up in trying to solve complex puzzles.
-- Six creatively developed and entertaining characters, each with their
own personality, strengths, powers, attacks and spells.
-- Hundreds of attacks, spells and weapons for players to choose from and
more than 150 items for players to collect throughout their journey.
-- Engage in enchanting conversations with unique characters, decipher
mysterious clues and riddles, unravel the secrets hidden far beneath
and discover the magic of this charming adventure.
-- Action-packed, dramatic battle sequences where allies and enemies fight
simultaneously, all set in real-time environments.
-- Hours of engrossing gameplay featuring brilliantly imaginative and
magical three-dimensional worlds with 20 different areas, including
five towns, six fields and nine dungeons.
The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates OKAGE:
Shadow King ``T" for Teen.
Cross-continent Racing Speeds to Retail as Acclaim
Entertainment, Inc. Ships `Paris-Dakar Rally'
The grandfather of modern-day adventure racing is now available to video
game players everywhere as Acclaim Entertainment, Inc. has shipped
Paris-Dakar Rally for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system.
Based upon the grueling Paris-Dakar race, which travels across 7,000 miles
of the world's toughest terrain, Acclaim's Paris-Dakar Rally captures the
essence of adventure in a high-speed interactive race of survival.
``We continue to broaden the range and appeal of our product lineup and
Paris-Dakar Rally fits ideally within that strategy," said Evan Stein,
Acclaim's Vice President of Brand. ``With the popularity of off-road racing
now at an all-time high, we believe Paris-Dakar Rally and its
pick-up-and-play functionality, will thrill racing fans and casual players
alike."
Paris-Dakar Rally offers a variety of exciting features, including:
-- 24 officially licensed cars, buggies, bikes and quads from today's
top manufacturers;
-- Each race stage has multiple routes to the check-point, yielding
unparalleled replay value;
-- Three modes of play, each with a unique set of rules;
-- Realistic vehicle damage ranging from detachable doors and cracked
windshields to devastating engine damage;
-- Fully interactive environments include real-time weather effects
and mud slides;
-- Such customizable vehicle settings as suspension height and tire
pressure;
-- Stamina pick-ups are available in each stage to boost the race
crew;
-- Officially licensed Paris-Dakar race teams and in-game sponsors;
-- More than 40 in-game FMV's taken from footage of the actual
Paris-Dakar Rally.
Paris-Dakar Rally is currently available for the PlayStation2 computer
entertainment system at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
989 Sports' Formula One 2001 Provides
Authentic Racing Sensation for American Motorsport
Fans on Playstation2
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced the North American
release of the 989 Sports' branded Formula One 2001, exclusively for the
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Studio Liverpool,
Formula One 2001 is an authentic racing simulation designed by racing fans
for racing fans. Officially licensed by Formula One Administration Limited,
Formula One 2001 includes all the race teams, 22 drivers and 17 Grand Prix
tracks of the 2001 FIA Formula One World Championship.
``It's great, definitely the best car game I've ever driven by far that
I've played over the last few years. It's the closest you're going to get
to a Formula 1 car -- game-wise anyway," remarks Benetton Formula 1
driver, Jenson Button. ``With most computer games, rivals are all the same.
This game aims to make the F1 drivers like they are in real life and I'm
impressed that the game has this variety."
To enhance the authenticity, Formula One 2001 allows players to choose
between 11 different teams, including Ferrari, McLaren (Mercedes), Williams
(BMW), Benetton (Renault) as well as the opportunity for players to choose
their favorite driver. In addition, Formula One 2001 puts players in the
driving seat by providing the user with each driver's unique attributes
that simulate their real-life skills, whether it's being aggressive,
smooth, fast in the rain or efficient in managing tire wear and car
preservation. Depending on the Grand Prix track selection, players also
have the ability to fully customize their car for optimum performance.
``Formula One 2001 features some of the most advanced automotive technology
seen anywhere, creating an intoxicating blend of speed, power and exotic
good looks," said Ami Blaire, director, product marketing, Sony Computer
Entertainment America Inc. ``As the number one motorsport in the world
today, we are pleased to bring this intense, sophisticated racing
simulation to the PlayStation 2 as a part of the 989 Sports brand."
For single players, Formula One 2001 offers Quick Race or Grand Prix modes
that cater to both newcomers and experienced racers. In addition, players
have a choice of a Single Race, a full Race Weekend or the ability to
participate in the entire World Championship. For intense competition
between players, there is a two-player mode -- which allows friends to take
on each other as well as the virtual true-to-life Formula One drivers. In
addition, there is a Time Attack mode for up to 16 players. In this mode,
one can instantly compare their lap times to those of up to 16 of their
friends by taking turns to record the fastest lap on any of the 17 tracks
provided. The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has
rated Formula One 2001 ``E" for everyone.
``Casper Spirit Dimensions," TDK'S Newest Game
for the PlayStation 2 Ships to Stores
Casper Materializes in Retail Stores Just in Time
for Halloween
TDK Mediactive, Inc. announced that ``Casper Spirit Dimensions" for the
PlayStation2 computer entertainment system is now available in retail
stores. In the game, Casper is a next-generation video game character with
full-flight capability. Casper is on a quest to save the Spirit World from
the nefarious Kibosh and his evil henchmen. ``Casper" is rated ``E" for
Everybody by the ESRB and is available now for a suggested retail price of
$49.99.
``TDK Mediactive's release of 'Casper Spirit Dimensions' is our first next
generation console release for 2001," said Vincent Bitetti, chief
executive officer of TDK Mediactive. ``The game's intense and exciting game
play, along with its sophisticated graphics and special effects help
re-introduce Casper as an all-new next-generation video game character."
Casper Spirit Dimensions will have a playable demo at over 5,000 retail
locations throughout the entire holiday season. Additionally, a playable
demo will be on the cover-mounted disk on the January issue of the Official
PlayStation Magazine.
Casper must travel to four different Spirit Dimensions in a quest to free
spirits from the despicable Kibosh. These are the Medieval World, the
Spirit Amusement Park, Kibosh's Factory, and the Spirit World. Within each
Dimension, Casper will find people in need of assistance. He will also find
many of Kibosh's dark minions who are out to stop him.
Each of the sixteen huge levels can be fully explored through 360-degree
full flight movement. They are filled with puzzles and hazards, but they
also contain a wide assortment of special power-ups that strengthen Casper
and enhance his powers. This little ghost is going to need a lot of
courage, and full mastery of his various ghostly abilities, in order to
save the spirit world from Kibosh!
``Casper Spirit Dimensions" includes the following features:
* Amazing graphics that take advantage of the PlayStation®2 computer
entertainment system
* Freedom of flight to any destination throughout the game.
* Four worlds to conquer: Spirit World, Kibosh's Factory, Spirit
Amusement Park, and Medieval World
* Four outrageous bosses for each world, including Casper's arch-nemesis
Kibosh.
* Key pick-ups that will lead Casper to bosses, extra lives, and
enhancements of his abilities.
Infogrames to Release its Largest
Playstation 2 Slate Ever for the 2001
Holiday Season
- Two New Atari Titles Among Six New PlayStation 2 Games - - Support for
PSOne Still Strong With Four New Games For The Holidays -
Infogrames, Inc. announced that its 2001 holiday line-up of games for the
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2) computer entertainment system marks its largest
PS2 slate to date, and includes two of the first titles to be introduced
under its reinvented Atari brand. Over the next several weeks, Infogrames
will release the Atari titles Splashdown and MXRider, which join the
recently released NASCAR Heat 2002, Test Drive Off Road -- Wide Open, and
Le Mans 24 Hours to comprise the Company's PS2 holiday line-up.
In addition, Infogrames continues to support the well-established and still
lucrative PSOne system with the release of four new titles this holiday
season including: Backyard Soccer; Men In Black: The Series --
Crashdown; Nicktoons Racing; and Looney Tunes Sheep Raider.
``This is our most exciting and diverse slate of PS2 and PSOne titles
yet," said Bruno Bonnell, Chairman and CEO of Infogrames, Inc. ``Our
development teams have harnessed the power and capabilities of PS2 to
deliver games that will capture the imagination and excitement of the
gaming audience. We are especially thrilled to introduce our reinvented
Atari brand on PlayStation 2 and are confident that PS2 fans will be
riveted by the graphics and challenges of these new games."
Mr. Bonnell continued, ``We also recognize tremendous value in continuing
to develop games for legacy platforms, such as the original PlayStation,
which is why we have a dynamic line-up of games for these fans, as well as
fans of next-generation consoles. The demand for PS2 and PSOne games is as
strong as ever, demonstrating customer loyalty to both platforms. We
believe that our PS2 and PSOne holiday line-up will more than satisfy this
demand ... and reinforce Sony's reputation for delivering top-quality,
innovative games."
The highly anticipated Atari title Splashdown will redefine personal
watercraft recreation for the gaming environment. This watersport racing
game has been designed to provide high-speed fun and entertainment in
realistic and exciting water-based environments. With interactive physics
objects, outstanding graphics, and the freedom to roam its 3D worlds,
Splashdown will have players feeling as if they are really out on the open
water. In addition to licensed Sea-Doo watercraft, Splashdown will offer
amazing real-time water effects, and players will be able to perform more
than 20 over-the-top acrobatic stunts. Splashdown will be available in
mid-November at most major retail stores.
Motorcross racing comes to PS2 with the Atari title, MXrider, which
immerses players in the most extreme sport around. With a large selection
of game modes, easy pick-up-and-play controls and the craziest tricks and
combos on two wheels, MXrider enables Federation Internationale de
Motocyclisme (International Motocross League) Supercross racers to face off
in five unique contests. Players can experience the excitement of
off-roading on two wheels with all three motorbike sports (Motorcross,
Supercross and Freestyle) and on 29 tracks, including official Motorcross
tracks set in real world locations, specially designed Supercross tracks,
and fantasy Freestyle arenas. MXrider will be available in mid-November at
most major retail stores.
Officially licensed by NASCAR, NASCAR Heat 2002 allows players to choose
between Beat the Heat, Race the Pro, Head-to-Head, Championship and
Single Race modes in one of the most intense racing games that has ever
been brought to a gaming console. Single Race and Championship modes put
gamers in the seat of powerful stock cars as they try to best the stars of
NASCAR on just one track or the tracks of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup
Season. More than 36 Beat the Heat racing scenarios, introduced by drivers
like Jeff Gordon, give players the feeling of a one-on-one experience with
the heroes of NASCAR as they are dropped into the most intense moments in
NASCAR competition; asking them to make split-second decisions and develop
the same skills required by real NASCAR drivers. Geared to the console
gamer and adjustable to individual skill levels, NASCAR Heat 2002 makes
every race fun, competitive action for the whole family. NASCAR Heat 2002
is currently available at most major retail stores for a suggested retail
price of $49.99.
Test Drive Off-Road -- Wide Open is the newest installment in the Test
Drive Off-Road series. The game features advanced technology enabling ``go
anywhere" environments, 15 licensed off-road vehicles and 30 wide-open
tracks in three untamed landscape locations. Moab, Utah, Yosemite, Calif.
and the Big Island of Hawaii set the stage for players to freely explore
these real-world locations by choosing the path that is best suited to
their truck while attempting to complete the course in the fastest time
possible. Test Drive Off-Road - Wide Open is currently available at most
major retail stores for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
Le Mans 24 Hours delivers the ultimate 24-hour endurance racing with new
teams, tracks and gameplay mechanics. Highlights include real-world racing
teams from the 2000 Le Mans race, fully animated pit crews and drivers, a
new track from the U.S. Le Mans racing series, and advanced artificial
intelligence. Le Mans 24 Hours boasts five challenging game styles, 12
real-world tracks and more than 70 licensed vehicles. Le Mans 24 Hours is
the only officially licensed game of the 24 Heures du Mans. Le Mans 24
Hours is currently available at most major retail stores for a suggested
retail price of $49.95.
Infogrames' four new PSOne titles include: Backyard Soccer, the first title
of the Backyard Sports franchise to appear on a console system, shipped to
most major retail stores this week with a suggested retail price of $19.99;
Men In Black: The Series -- Crashdown, an action-adventure game based on
the enormously popular animated television series, which will be available
in mid- November; Nicktoons Racing, wild, high-speed racing action with all
of the favorite Nicktoons characters, currently available at most major
retail stores for a suggested retail price of $29.99; and Looney Tunes
Sheep Raider, the classic sheep-stealing cartoon comes to life with Ralph
Wolf, Sam Sheepdog and many other favorite Looney Tunes characters
which recently shipped to most major retail stores at a suggested retail
price of $19.99.
Activision Brings All-New Web-Swinging and Mutant
Adventures To the Game Boy Advance
Some of the most popular Marvel super heroes are set to once again wield
justice and protect the innocent with the releases of Activision, Inc.'s
Spider-Man for the PC and Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace and X-Men: Reign of
Apocalypse, both for the Game Boy Advance. These releases mark the super
heroes' debut on Nintendo's new handheld video game system. All of the
games, which have shipped to North American retail stores, are rated ``E"
(``Everyone" -- content suitable for persons ages 6 and older) by the ESRB
and carry suggested retail prices of $29.99 for the PC and $39.99 for the
Game Boy Advance.
``Spider-Man and the X-Men have entertained millions of people around the
world for more than 30 years, and now they are set to bring their fans
all-new interactive adventures," said Larry Goldberg, executive vice
president, Activision Worldwide Studios. ``These releases capture the
allure, mystery and excitement of the famous comic brands with the same
rich detail and excellent gameplay that gamers have come to expect from our
titles."
Spider-Man: Mysterio's Menace lets pocket gamers live the fantasy of
Marvel's legendary webslinger with the enhanced, side-scrolling gameplay
and powerful graphics of the Game Boy Advance. When Mysterio unleashes his
illusory schemes, Spider-Man must stop his evil plan and restore life to
normal.
X-Men: Reign of Apocalypse features four of Marvel's most popular X-Men --
Wolverine, Storm, Rogue and Cyclops -- in a side-scrolling brawler as they
try to escape arch-villain Apocalypse. Two different gameplay modes --
single- player story and multi-player Versus -- provide non-stop
adventurous fun and fighting game action. Along the way, players will
interact with over 30 other characters from the X-Men Universe.
Spider-Man for the PC is the first free-roaming, 3D action/adventure game
to feature the arachnid hero. Framed by super-villains, Spider-Man must
utilize his super strength with web-slinging, crawling up walls, agility,
and ``Spider-Sense" to clear his name and capture enemies such as Rhino,
Mysterio and Scorpion. Eight main comic book locations and 30 sub-section
levels set the stage for battles and fun.
Xbox to Offer Parental Controls
Parents worried about the content of videogames designed for Microsoft's
Xbox will have the option of restricting their children's access.
The head of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox division said Thursday that its new
video game console would be the first to include a parental control that
can restrict children's access to violent or inappropriate content.
Robbie Bach, Microsoft's chief Xbox officer, said a simple setup procedure
will let parents determine what level of violent games they want their kids
to be playing, based on a standard ratings system. The control will be
available when the $299 game system debuts Nov. 15.
Most video games are rated for content by the independent Entertainment
Software Rating Board. Xbox's system will let users block games according
to their ratings, and set a password to prevent kids from toying with it.
``We're big supporters of the creative concept on a console and that people
can have a broad range of content, but we also believe that parents should
have the right tools to be able to keep track of and manage what their kids
are playing," Bach said.
Xbox developers have been working on the control for months, and it was not
adopted because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he said, although he and
others in the gaming industry have made slight modifications to their
combat-oriented games following the attacks.
Neither of Microsoft's chief competitors, Sony and Nintendo, offer parental
controls on their game consoles, although Sony's PlayStation 2 has a
password-controlled parental block on the DVD player add-on.
Microsoft initially is marketing its system at 15- to 25-year-old
``hard-core gamers" - those who will be wowed by realistic graphics and
are old enough to deal with violent content. Bach said some of Xbox's games
will be violent enough to warrant a ``mature" rating.
But P.J. McNealy, an analyst with Gartner G2, said the parental control may
help Microsoft compete with Nintendo when it tries to appeal to a younger
audience.
``Nintendo has traditional been the family friendly console," McNealy
said. ``They used to be the safe choice: no matter what kids bought for
Nintendo, parents didn't have to worry. And this helps (Microsoft) set up
to battle for that space."
Microsoft may also be trying to reassure parents concerned about Xbox's
realistic graphics, McNealy said.
``Given the fact that graphics around these games are getting much more
realistic and things like the violence levels could be much more
graphically portrayed, it's not a huge surprise that they're doing this,"
he said.
=~=~=~=
->A-ONE Gaming Online - Online Users Growl & Purr!
"""""""""""""""""""
Limited Edition CyberVirus at CinciClassic
October 4th, 2001
For immediate release:
Songbird Productions recently announced its support for the upcoming
CinciClassic gaming event with the news that a limited edition version of
CyberVirus would be available at the show.
Only 20 units of this limited edition game will be made. The game will
include eight missions, at least two of which will not appear in the future
general release of CyberVirus. Both the cartridge label and opening screens
will indicate this is the special CinciClassic version.
"I've been making good progress on the CyberVirus source code just in the
last month or so," noted Carl Forhan, founder of Songbird. "Then I found
out that CinciClassic was on for this year, and the timing seemed perfect
to support the show and get a fully playable sneak preview of the game out
there to Lynx fans.
Craig Maloney, co-organizer for the event, commented, "We were very excited
to showcase a pre-release version of Protector for the Atari Jaguar in
1999, and this year we are thrilled that Songbird is offering a
CinciClassic special edition of CyberVirus for the Atari Lynx."
CinciClassic will be held in Cincinnati, OH, on November 9-11. For all the
details on the event, please visit http://www.cinciclassic.com.
Songbird Productions is the premier developer and publisher for the Atari
Lynx and Jaguar. To keep up to date with the latest
news at Songbird Productions, be sure to visit the company web site at
http://songbird.atari.net.
CyberVirus is a trademark of Songbird Productions. All rights reserved.
This message may be reprinted in its entirety.
=~=~=~=
A-ONE's Headline News
The Latest in Computer Technology News
Compiled by: Dana P. Jacobson
Computer Industry Takes on Viruses
The FBI is teaming with the computer industry to help American companies
and regular Internet users prevent the 20 worst computer threats - from the
Code Red worm to the Melissa virus.
The FBI also announced Monday it is putting computer security tips for home
users on the National Infrastructure Protection Center's Web site with the
intention of making it a one-stop shop for home users confused by most
security terms.
``The challenge right now is that (home users) either go to a vendor, or
they go to a site that's too techie for them, so they give up," said Alan
Paller, research director at the Sans Institute, working with the
government on the project.
``This is a site that's designed for people that are regular users, and it
isn't trying to sell them anything," he said. The tips include using
updated antivirus software and being suspicious of e-mail attachments.
All the recent Internet viruses took advantage of well-known program
vulnerabilities, and the government hopes to get users and companies to
patch them before the next virus appears.
The list, compiled with the help of over 50 computer security experts,
addresses software bugs in Unix and Microsoft Windows operating systems, as
well as many common mistakes. These include using simple passwords and not
backing up critical data.
The all-purpose fix will help counter the thousands of hacking tools that
scan through the Internet looking for vulnerable computers.
``It lets (computer administrators) know the things these scanning programs
are looking for, and it will protect them the instant they put the machine
on the Internet," Paller said.
Both the list and the fixes can be found on the nonprofit Sans Institute
Web site. The institute's Paller said the Top 20 scanner can be obtained
for free by sending an e-mail to the Center for Internet Security, using
instructions found on the Sans Institute Web site at http://www.sans.org.
Paller said the fix eventually will be distributed on a CD-ROM as well.
Security experts long have said computer users should download regularly
new software fixes, known as patches, but the practice is frequently
overlooked at large companies and universities.
Many individual users are unaware of vulnerabilities in their computers and
find installing software updates tedious and difficult.
In July, the FBI and industry groups joined in a campaign to tell computer
users how to protect themselves from the Code Red worm. Their project
helped blunt the effects of the worm, which could have slowed the Internet.
The list, and the single fix, answers the problem of lack of user
awareness. The program will be updated periodically to scan for and close
new holes, Paller said. He said it also is a step closer to protecting
computer users against the many vulnerabilities in complicated computer
software.
``Because there are a thousand potential vulnerabilities, there's no way to
be successful," Paller said. ``With this, you can have success on the
first 20, then move on to the next 20."
Microsoft Steps Up Software Security
Microsoft on Wednesday announced a new initiative to help customers improve
the security of their networks after a string of high-profile viruses
targeted Microsoft software used to run Web sites.
``With the virus attacks of late and the numbers of those and how vicious
those attacks have been ... it's incumbent on Microsoft, being in the
leadership position we're in, to help drive forward the industry in this
area," Brian Valentine, senior vice president of the Windows Division at
Microsoft, said in an interview.
``We can't just sit back and think about Microsoft," said Valentine, who
is leading Microsoft's new security task force.
The announcement follows a string of worms and other security breaches,
including the Code Red worm of August and Nimda worm in September.
Those worms, which are self-propagating viruses, exploited holes in
Microsoft's Internet Information Services server software and installed
``backdoors" that left infected computers vulnerable to future hacking.
IIS, which is used to run Web sites, is sold separately and comes bundled
with Windows 2000 and Windows NT.
In addition to repeated complaints over the years by security experts over
what they say is lax security, Microsoft recently has also been singled out
by a market research firm and an insurance underwriter.
Gartner Group has urged Microsoft customers hit by the worms to switch to
Apache or iPlanet Web servers. And J.S. Wurzler Underwriting Managers'
Safeonline division is charging some companies using IIS as much as 15
percent more in premiums.
Valentine denied that the company was responding directly to those moves,
but he said they illustrated a general problem of customer confidence that
the company hoped to address.
Signaling a change in long-standing policy for Microsoft, the company said
it will deliver all of its software -- including the next version of IIS
that will be bundled with Windows .Net Server next year -- in the ``locked
down" position by default.
That means the settings will be placed in the most secure configurations
when shipped, rather than in the most ``open" position, which can leave
the computer more vulnerable to hacking, but can offer more immediate and
advanced functionality.
Under the new initiative, too, Microsoft will offer a toll-free support
line (1-866-727-2338) customers can call when they are hit by viruses and a
free CD that contains fixes for all the vulnerabilities in Windows NT 4.0
and Windows 2000, as well as software to lock down IIS.
In coming months Microsoft plans to offer a free online service that will
notify customers of security vulnerabilities and automatically download the
fixes.
Microsoft is also training its technicians to help companies secure their
networks before issues arise rather than merely respond to situations after
they occur, Valentine said.
In addition, the company also said it would continue addressing security
issues during the development of its software to minimize the number of
bugs and holes in its new products.
Security exploits are common and affect all software, but Microsoft has
born the brunt of them through the years.
The company contends that its software is targeted by virus writers and
malicious hackers because it is so ubiquitous. Critics have complained,
however, that Microsoft software is inherently insecure.
At a minimum, critics have said, the company should ship its software so
that sophisticated users can decide for themselves the security level they
want and unsophisticated users won't be caught off guard by security
problems as they did with Code Red and Nimda.
FTC Shuts Thousands of Deceptive Web Sites
A U.S. court has shut down thousands of Web sites that diverted Web surfers
from intended destinations and bombarded them with ads for pornography and
gambling, the U.S. government said on Monday.
But officials at the Federal Trade Commission said at a news conference
that many of the sites were up and running again.
According to a motion filed by the FTC last week, John Zuccarini, of
Andalusia, Pennsylvania, outside Philadelphia, owned more than 5,500
Internet domain names that diverted Web surfers from their intended
destinations and exposed them to pop-up ads.
Zuccarini did not return calls seeking comment.
According to the FTC, Zuccarini registered thousands of misspellings and
variations of popular sites such as www.cartoonnetwork.com, in a bid to
draw traffic from sloppy typists and those not sure of an exact address.
Zuccarini had registered 41 variations on the name of pop star Britney
Spears, the FTC said.
Once steered to his site, visitors would find their screens filled with
pop-up ads for everything from sweepstakes to credit cards to hard-core
pornography.
Attempts to leave the site would trigger yet more pop-up ads, the FTC said
in its complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District
of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia.
``After one FTC staff member closed out of 32 separate windows, leaving
just two windows on the task bar, he selected the 'back' button, only to
watch as the same seven windows that initiated the blitz erupted on his
screen, and the cybertrap began anew," the complaint said.
Users would often be forced to restart their computers to escape, FTC
officials said.
The scheme is especially harmful to children or employees who may put their
jobs at risk when they inadvertently call up pornographic or
gambling-related material, said FTC chairman Timothy Muris.
``This scheme prevents consumers from controlling their Internet browsers,
invades their privacy, robs them of their time, exposes kids to ads for
pornography, and violates trademark rights. And this scam, and ones like
it, undermine consumer confidence in the Internet," Muris said.
In its court action, the FTC is seeking to get Zuccarini to return profits
he has made since setting up his operation in 1998, a figure that could be
as high as $1 million a year.
According to the FTC, Zuccarini has been sued at least 63 times in the last
two years by trademark owners, celebrities or others seeking to recover
variants of their Internet domain names. He has lost 53 of those suits and
been forced to return nearly 200 domain names, the FTC said.
The district court ordered Zuccarini to take his sites offline last
Tuesday, but as of Monday several Internet domains registered in his name,
such as www.annakurnikova.com, were still functional.
While Zuccarini closed down the two ``bridge" sites that received and
handled the bulk of the traffic, he has opened up others to replace them,
said Howard Beals, head of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection.
Thus many of his domain names, such as www.cartoonnetwok.com, simply steer
Web surfers to another location with similar results.
The move could place Zuccarini in contempt of court, but officials said
they still have not been able to locate him to serve him formally with
court papers.
``It's our understanding he can operate this entire scheme from a laptop
computer anywhere he can get an Internet connection," said Marc Groman, an
FTC investigator.
Senators Move to Renew Net-Tax Ban Without Tax
Three key senators moved Tuesday to extend a soon-to-expire ban on
Internet-specific taxes, hoping to separate it from a more controversial
proposal that would allow states to tax online sales.
Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Patrick Leahy and Republican John McCain
introduced a bill that would extend for two years a ban on Internet access
and other ``multiple and discriminatory" taxes on e-commerce. The current
ban is slated to expire on Oct. 21.
The move was seen as a blow to state and local governments, who hope to tie
any extension of the ban to a measure that would make it easier for them to
tax online sales.
Under a 1992 Supreme Court decision, states cannot require out-of-state
retailers such as catalog companies to collect sales taxes unless they have
a physical presence in the state.
Many state and local officials fear a growing loss of revenues -- $13.3
billion this year, according to one study released Tuesday -- as
constituents increasingly shop online.
Internet retailers have said it would be impossible for them to comply with
the maze of state and local tax codes across the United States.
A coalition of states is in the process of simplifying their tax codes with
the hope that Congress will allow them to collect sales taxes on remote
sellers.
Senate negotiators in the Commerce Committee have worked behind the scenes
for months to reach a compromise that would help states in their effort.
In a telephone interview, Wyden said the looming deadline means Congress
needs to act to renew the current ban while discussions continue.
State efforts to simplify their sales-tax systems were not far enough along
to need attention from Congress, he said.
Wyden also said he was not convinced that states have been hurt by losses
from e-commerce, or that imposing sales taxes online was necessarily a good
idea.
``Do you want to make somebody who's located thousands and thousands of
miles away pay taxes if they have no presence in that jurisdiction other
than a Web site?" Wyden said.
A lobbyist for the National Governors Association said an extension would
just allow lawmakers to ignore the sales-tax issue.
``If you're one of the people that doesn't want to pay, what incentive do
you have to work anything out given two more years?" asked Frank Shafroth,
director of state and federal relations for the National Governors'
Association.
Shafroth said it appears unlikely Congress will pass legislation supporting
the states' effort this year, so his group will seek to prevent a straight
moratorium extension from passing on its own.
In the House of Representatives, a subcommittee approved legislation in
August that would make the ban on Internet access taxes permanent and
extend the moratorium on other taxes for five years.
In the Senate, the Commerce Committee will consider the bill. The House
bill will next be taken up by the Judiciary Committee.
AOL Clears Path To Use Web Bugs, Cookies
A recent addition to America Online's privacy policy clears the way for
the company to use online tracking tools, including cookies and Web bugs,
to compile anonymous data about its members and measure the effectiveness
of advertising.
"AOL and its advertisers may use cookie technology to determine on an
anonymous basis which advertisements members have seen and how members
responded to them," the policy reads following an Aug. 28 amendment. "AOL
and its advertisers may also use small pieces of code called 'Web beacons'
or 'clear GIFs' to collect anonymous and aggregate advertising metrics,
such as counting page views, promotion views, or advertising responses.
"AOL does not allow advertisers or their advertising networks to use these
technologies on AOL to compile profiles about the different Web sites that
a particular member visits."
Company spokesman Andrew Weinstein said the AOL Time Warner division has
not yet begun using cookies or Web bugs but could do so. He added that the
company would not use the technology to track user behavior. Rather, the
cookies and bugs would only be used to figure out how many people viewed a
certain type of advertisement.
"We do not allow these technologies to track what members are doing on the
Web or on the service, nor do we allow any organization to build profiles
about our members," he said.
The presence of cookies and beacons, also known as Web bugs and clear
GIFs, would be a first for AOL, but remains a common element around the
Web.
Cookies are bits of software that a Web site places onto one's hard drive,
allowing it to store personal information such as passwords and screen
names. Web bugs are pieces of code embedded into a site's source code that
can track user behavior while on the site. Bugs can also be used to create
profiles of site visitors. Some marketers have used such profiles for
targeting purposes, which makes some privacy advocates nervous.
In fact, the debate over Web bugs has become an industrywide issue. The
Network Advertising Initiative in the beginning of this year launched a
program to develop a standard for using Web bugs. The group, which
represents online advertisers, is seeking feedback from the Federal Trade
Commission.
From the privacy perspective, Web bugs raise concerns because they have
the ability to offer detailed information about what each visitor does on
the site. But in this case, AOL may use them as another way to count
traffic and other types of bulk data, according to privacy experts.
CNET Networks, the publisher of News.com, also makes use of Web bugs, a
practice disclosed in the company's privacy policy. According to the
policy, CNET does not "aggregate or track personally identifiable
information when using clear GIFs, only usage patterns."
"Web bugs have many, many uses, and AOL seems to lay out what they're
looking for," said Richard Smith, chief technology officer for the Privacy
Foundation. "They simply want to count how many unique visitors go to Web
pages."
Court Examines Internet Case
The Supreme Court is examining a complex Internet case that could
eventually affect the availability of online services and what most people
pay for them.
The court is expected to rule by summer on a fight over the cost of
establishing and maintaining some Internet and wireless networks.
Specifically, the fight concerns the rent that cable television companies
must pay utilities to attach wires for high-speed Internet service to the
utilities' poles, and whether the Federal Communications Commission can
control the rate.
The justices also will consider whether cellular telephone companies are
entitled to pay government-limited rates for attaching their equipment to
utility poles.
The case is one of three the court will hear this fall that deal with
lingering questions from a 1996 congressional overhaul of the nation's
telecommunications laws. Congress intended to promote competition among
telephone companies, but was less clear about regulation of then-emerging
Internet technologies.
A federal appeals panel ruled last year that the FCC does not have the
authority to regulate pole rental rates for Internet service. The FCC
claims Congress intended it to have that power.
In arguments Tuesday, several justices focused on a basic question posed by
the federal government and cable companies: If Congress wanted to increase
competition and make Internet service more widely available by inviting
cable companies to go head-to-head with phone companies in the Internet
service market, why would it have let utilities jack up the rent for poles?
``What sense would it make to say, 'Cable, if you dare go into the Internet
service business, you're off the pole?"' asked Justice Ruth Bader
Ginsburg.
With government regulation of the rates, the cable industry paid about $5 a
pole annually to string and operate its wires, said Marc Smith, spokesman
for the National Cable and Telecommunications Association. After the 11th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, one utility began charging $38 a
pole, he said.
The industry has not calculated the cost of higher rates nationwide, but
the estimate is in the billions of dollars, Smith said. For the cable
customer, that could mean an extra $1.50 or so on each monthly bill, he
said.
``The most immediate cost to the consumer is the cost of doing business"
for the cable company, whether it is providing television or Internet
service or both, Smith said.
Justices Antonin Scalia and David H. Souter focused on what they suggested
was a lapse by the FCC. The agency has not conclusively categorized
Internet service as telecommunications under its rules and definitions. The
definition would affect what rates apply.
``We're talking about the rates here," Scalia said. ``That's the fighting
issue."
Assistant Solicitor General James A. Feldman, representing the government,
replied that the real issue is not the specific rate, but whether the FCC
has the power
to regulate the Internet pole issue at all.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor did not participate. Although the court did not
explain her absence, she holds stock in companies that could be affected by
the court's ruling, including telephone companies AT&T and MCI, and several
computer or Internet firms.
The cases are National Cable Television Association v. Gulf Power Co.,
00-832, and Federal Communications Commission v. Gulf Power Co., 00-843.
U.S. Leaders Propose PATRIOT Anti-Terrorist Bill
On Tuesday, leaders of the House Judiciary Committee will begin reviewing
a draft of a bill submitted last week by Attorney General John Ashcroft
that would call for increased surveillance of e-mail and other cyber
activity by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and other law
enforcement agencies.
The new bill, called PATRIOT (Provide Appropriate Tools Required to
Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism), has apparently limited some of the
powers originally given to law enforcement agencies. But agencies will
still be granted increased authority to gather and share information
tracked through snooping technology, like the FBI's DCS1000 (formerly
called Carnivore).
Last week, members of Congress balked at the original draft of the bill,
known as the Anti-Terrorist Act, due to worries about its potential affect
on civil liberties. But according to news sources, members of both the
House and Senate Judiciary Committees worked over the weekend and into
Monday to draft a revised version of the bill.
In pushing passage of the PATRIOT bill, Attorney General Ashcroft told
news sources that the FBI and other agencies need better tools with which
to fight terrorism.
"Law enforcement tools created decades ago were crafted for rotary
telephones, not e-mail, the Internet, mobile communications and
voice-mail," said Ashcroft. Continuing with present-day surveillance laws,
he added, is the equivalent of "sending our troops into the modern field
of battle with antique weapons."
The Bush administration is reportedly pressing for quick passage of the
proposed legislation, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is still
rewriting portions of the bill in order to get it passed as quickly as
possible.
Brian Burke, senior Internet security analyst for research firm IDC, told
NewsFactor Network that the events of September 11th have driven law
enforcement agencies to aggressively prosecute anyone responsible for
interfering with or attacking critical infrastructure.
Moreover, said Burke, commercial firms will increasingly cooperate with
authorities in order to avoid being labeled "unpatriotic."
Said Burke: "This label will sharply diminish a company's ability to sell
its products, work with its partners, and/or maintain government
contracts."
In addition, Burke said, the specter of terrorism has caused everyone in
the United States to think about security on a daily basis.
Such thinking "will drive the development of security technologies,
increase their use, and change the market," said Burke. "While there are
negative implications in our analysis associated with privacy and civil
liberties, the positive aspects of improved security awareness and
heightened national security will compensate.
"The bottom line is that security is now and will continue to be a
mandatory consideration, not just a discretionary purchase."
French Caldwell, a Gartner Inc. research director, told NewsFactor that
although the proposed legislation is all well and good, it does not
address the root of the problem.
This legislation "won't make the average citizen or businessperson feel
more secure," Caldwell said. "It may track down the people responsible
[for the most recent attack], but it fails to address preventative
measures."
Said Caldwell: "The Beltway needs to get out of this reactionary mode and
become more responsive" in its dealings with the terrorist threat.
Anti-Terrorism Bills Raise Online Privacy Issues
On Thursday, both the House Judiciary Committee and the Senate Judiciary
Committee introduced their versions of anti-terrorist legislation to their
respective members.
According to a press release issued late Wednesday, the House Judiciary
Committee, headed by F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., passed its PATRIOT
(Provide Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism)
Act of 2001 by a 36-0 vote after about six hours of intense debate. A
chamber-wide vote on the measure is expected by early next week.
Meanwhile, the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday introduced its own
version of the bill, called the Uniting and Strengthen America Act of
2001.
Ranking Republican Senate Judiciary member Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said in a
prepared statement: "I am pleased to report that our agreement takes into
account each of our principled beliefs and is based on our views on the
proper balance between the role of law enforcement and our civil
liberties."
While both versions of the bill call for increased leeway for law
enforcement agencies to track suspects through telecommunications and the
Internet, the Senate version does not include a so-called sunset clause
that would oblige the legislative branch to revisit the broadened
monitoring procedures two years after its passage.
Both bills allow federal law enforcement agencies like the Federal Bureau
of Investigation (FBI) to follow foreign-intelligence guidelines when
requesting permission to wiretap suspects. Those rules are more expansive
in application than the more rigid evidentiary standards presently in
place.
Sources have noted, however, that provisions of these bills, which were
revised from Attorney General John Ashcroft's draft recommendations, still
trouble many legislators, who are fearful such points might trample
long-held civil liberties.
Bill Malik, vice-president and research area director for Gartner Inc.'s
information security group, told NewsFactor Network that the attorney
general's recommendations are not pushing the envelope with respect to
eroding civil liberties. Rather, said Malik, Ashcroft wants to update
antique laws that were designed for an era that had no prepaid cell phones
and had not heard of the Internet.
Congress passed laws in the late 1950s and early 1960s that ensured that
political structures did not have broad powers to act as they did during
the McCarthy era, Malik told NewsFactor.
"But there have been great changes since the 50s and 60s," Malik
continued. "Now gangsters can buy crates of cell phones, use them once and
discard them -- or can use prepaid cell phones that don't even have a
traceable phone number."
And information passed over the Internet, whether by text or Web phone, is
sent in tiny digitized packets that move down many separate paths before
reassembling at their destination. As a result, present wiretapping rules
that require a separate warrant for each phone number or Internet address
to be tapped cannot hope to be effective, proponents of the new laws
argue.
Malik likened the present situation to attempting to put together 100
million different puzzles, each with 1,000 different pieces.
Malik said that although the proposed laws are in keeping with the times,
exponential improvements in technology will likely lead to a redefining of
the concept of privacy itself.
Trends in surveillance technology indicate that ten years from now,
various agencies -- and individuals, for that matter -- will have the
capability to monitor people in real time.
For example, said Malik, say salesman XYZ goes to the Super Bowl with
salesman ABC, and they are digitally captured as they enter the stadium.
XYZ may be there with his competitor because they're buddies, or because
ABC is trying to recruit him.
Neither activity is illegal. However, it's reasonable that XYZ wants to
keep this information private, if only to keep from bending his boss out
of shape. But with easy and cheap surveillance everywhere, how can XYZ
maintain his privacy?
Malik went on to say that it's healthy for the nation to begin discussion
of these issues, and proposed that different grades of knowledge be
codified relative to their perceived importance.
But, asked Malik: "Fundamentally, will people accept that the concept of
privacy is fast becoming obsolete?"
San Francisco Bans Filters In Libraries
San Francisco officials have voted to ban Internet filters on computers in
local public libraries, risking the loss of some $20,000 in federal funds.
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors on Monday unanimously prohibited
Internet filters on city-owned computers used by the public for Web access.
But an amendment to the legislation excludes Internet terminals designated
exclusively for individuals under the age of 13.
The filter ban rejects regulations governing federal funding of schools and
libraries enacted last year under the Children's Internet Protection Act
(CHIPA). That law requires schools and libraries to filter Web content or
forgo federal funding. The American Civil Liberties Union and American
Library Association have challenged the law, saying it violates First
Amendment rights.
San Francisco Supervisor Mark Leno, who sponsored the ordinance, said an
Internet filter is "flawed technology," failing to block 20 percent of
objectionable Web sites and at the same time restricting access to harmless
sites.
"There is no technology yet that can differentiate between what is harmful
and what is not," Leno said. "Installing Internet filtering, I think, risks
giving parents a false sense of security that they need not take
responsibility for their children's activities...It's more important that
the library along with parents teach our children how to use the Internet
responsibly, and there's no filtering device that can substitute for that."
Leno said filters would block information related to many health-related
issues, such as breast cancer, AIDS, anorexia and sexuality. He added that
other sites, including those of the San Francisco Chronicle, Superbowl XXX
and Planned Parenthood, would be blocked with filters.
Marcia Schneider, spokeswoman for the San Francisco Library, said the
legislation passed by the board supports the library's current policy,
which is to not use filters on public Internet terminals. The San Francisco
Public Library and its 26 branches have more than 200 Internet terminals.
Schneider said that if the library loses funding from state or federal
sources as a result of refusing to use filters, the board and the mayor
would favor giving the department the equivalent of the estimated funding
loss.
=~=~=~=
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