Linux users soon will be able to play DVDs on their computers without having to break
federal law, reports PCWorld.

While the whole beta is approximately 1.5 gigabytes, the base installation is
500 megabytes. This includes the basic operating system, networking
software, X Windows (graphical interface software), the Mozilla and
Netscape web browsers, and the KDE and Gnome desktop environments.
Due to the size of the installation, you will need to be on a fast least Internet
connection such as DSL to have a reasonable download time. From LinuxPR.

As more
individuals build their own Web sites, some
privacy advocates now question requirements
that the site owners disclose their personal
contact information. MSNBC reports.

AsiaBizTech reports that the selling point of Melco’s new venture is
customization. The company will install
applications and set up menu screens according
to specific customer requests.

InfoWorld.com reports: The battle between KDE and Gnome heated up again with the announcement of the newly formed KDE League.

LinuxPR announces: The League will focus on promoting the use of the advanced Open Source
desktop alternative on PCs, workstations and handheld devices by
enterprises and individuals and on promoting the development of KDE
software by third-party developers.

Weekly development news from LWN.net.

ZDNet has a story detailing the opinions of various RIAA executives, among which is Hilary Rosen, the RIAA’s CEO, who claims to not like to sue people.

The New Scientist reports that Internet users may soon be able to control sattelites in space. Sattelites are being launched to orbit the planet in such a way as to cause mass damage and we, the user, may get our chance to poke at them if all goes well.

NW Fusion reports on the upcoming specifications for the secure use of XML.