8A
NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2006
TECHNOLOGY
Windows virus affects Apple Computer Inc.'s video iPods
Problem should not continue, removal is possible
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN JOSE, Calif. — In another example of how mobile gadgets can carry malicious programs, Apple Computer Inc. said a fraction of its iPod players sold in the past month contained a virus that affects rival Windows systems.
The problem affected less than 1 percent of the video iPods that were available for purchase after Sept. 12, according to a posting on Apple's technical support Web site. The company has received less than 25 reports concerning the problem, Apple said.
The iPods got the virus from a Windows computer at one of its manufacturing plants. Apple said. The virus, RavMonE.exe, is known
to spread through external data storage devices when they are connected to computers and affects only machines running Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system. Security experts say the virus opens up further security holes for hackers.
Up-to-date anti-virus software included with most Windows computers should detect and remove it, Apple said.
Though the iPods themselves are not affected, nor are Apple's Mac OS computers, Apple recommended that iPod owners use its latest iTunes program to remove the virus from their new devices.
Apple iPod Nanos are shown on display at an Apple Store in Palo Alto, Calif. A virus was discovered that affects some video iPods sold after Sept. 12 when they are connected to Windows computers.
Other iPod models were not affected and all video iPods now shipping are virus-free, the company said.
Paul Sakuma/ASSOCIATED PRESS
》 PRESIDENT BUSH
New policy gives protection for space
Revisions secure problems when hostile situations arise
BY TERENCE HUNT ASSOCIATED B
ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — President Bush has signed an order asserting the United States' right to deny adversaries access to space for hostile purposes.
Bush also said the United States would oppose the development of treaties or other restrictions that seek to prohibit or limit U.S. access to or use of space.
The provisions were contained in the first revision of U.S. space policy in nearly 10 years.Bush's order, signed more than a month ago, was not publicly announced although unclassified details of his decision were posted on the Web site of the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
"Freedom of action in space is as important to the United States as air power and sea power," the policy says. "In order to increase knowledge, discovery, economic prosperity, and to enhance the national security, the United States must have robust, effective, and efficient space capabilities."
The policy says that space systems should have rights of passage without interference, and that the United States would view any deliberate interference with its space systems as an infringement on its rights.
"The United States considers space capabilities — including the ground and space segments and supporting links — vital to its national interests," the policy said.
"Consistent with this policy, the United States will: preserve its rights.
Jones said the challenges and threats facing the United States have changed in the decade since the space policy was last updated.
capabilities, and freedom of action in space; dissuade or deter others from either impeding those rights or developing capabilities intended to do so; take those actions necessary to protect its space capabilities; respond to interference; and deny, if necessary, adversaries the use of space capabilities hostile to U.S. national interests."
The White House said the policy does not call for the development or deployment of weapons in space.
"The new policy is consistent with previous national space policies in this regard," he said.
"Protection of space assets does not imply some sort of forceful action," he said. "There is a broad range of ways to protect our space capabilities" such as system hardening, encryption, maneuvering and other methods.
"This policy emphasizes that the United States is committed to peaceful uses of space by all nations and that space systems enjoy the right of free passage," National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones said.
He said the United States maintains the right of self-defense and the protection of its interests and assets in space.
"Technology advances have increased the importance of and use of space," he said. "Now, we depend on space capabilities for things like: ATMs, personal navigation, package tracking, radio services, and cell phone use."
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