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Microsoft released two security updates for its Windows operating system Tuesday to patch flaws that could give attackers new ways to install malicious software on a victim’s computer. The update fixes critical flaws in the Microsoft XML Core Services used by Internet Explorer and other programs to render Web pages. The second update fixes a less-critical bug in the Windows Server Message Block software used by Windows to share files and print documents over a network. Hackers routinely use Web bugs such as these XML flaws to infect Windows machines.
SAP on Tuesday confirmed that it has hired former Oracle applications executive John Wookey, and said he will be charged with organizing SAP’s various on-demand offerings for large enterprises under a single strategy. IDG News Service first reported Wookey’s hiring on Monday, citing a source with knowledge of his plans. Wookey will be an executive vice president at SAP. Wookey was a key executive in support of Oracle’s ongoing Fusion Applications strategy, which will combine best attributes from the company’s various business software lines into a next-generation suite.
One Laptop Per Child confirmed it will start selling the XO laptop through Amazon.com on Monday. The XO laptop will be sold through Amazon in the same way as the G1G1 program, where a consumer donates US$400 for two laptops, with one of them delivered to a child in a developing nation. Only Linux-based XO laptops will be available through Amazon. A Windows version will not be sold.
Facebook said that use of its mobile products has tripled since the beginning of the year and the popularity of some features has surprised the company. Use of Facebook mobile products has grown from 5 million active users at the beginning of the year to 15 million. Mobile phone users can access Facebook using a browser and the mobile Facebook page or through dedicated applications. BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm and Windows Mobile devices have Facebook applications that were created by third parties. People can also send text messages from their phones to update their status.
…And those are the top stories from the IDG Global IT News Update, brought to you by the IDG News Service. I’m Sumner Lemon in Singapore. Join us again later for more news from the world of technology.