Shocking privacy concerns abound

Shockwave has a new problem and both halves of the Wintel computing juggernaut--Microsoft and Intel--have been besieged by new security holes in operating systems and processors. And the developments could not come at a worse time, amid full-scale privacy protests.

Macromedia patching Shockwave privacy hole The company is working to fix a glitch in the Shockwave animation player that was sending users' private information back to the company. New security hole found in Windows 98 update A problem in Windows 98 can leave private information vulnerable to interception by Web sites, according to a programmer. Microsoft confirms Windows NT glitch update The company is working on a patch for an obscure flaw in its corporate operating system that would allow unauthorized access to data. How serious is Pentium III's privacy risk? news analysis Is the new chip, with its controversial ID number, this generation's Edsel? Probably not, but Intel could learn a lesson from the way it has been promoted. Intel privacy flap spreads to notebooks Intel releases a fix for some notebook chips that contain a version of a processor serial number feature criticized by privacy advocates. Software claims to undo Pentium III fix Canadian software developers have created a program that can obtain the Pentium III serial number despite recent protections. Groups press agency on Pentium III Consumer watchdogs will meet with the FTC, asking for an investigation into the chip while keeping an eye on the latest Microsoft privacy flap. Is no privacy the price of personalization? news analysis Portals have evolved into the flashy cousins of ISPs, offering a host of free services--but the traffic peaks that come from being broader service providers also bring an array of legal traps.