Web Week

Life on Mars:

On Monday morning, Nasa sends another robotic explorer to Mars, hoping this time it will send back images of the terrain. Europe's first interplanetary probe, Mars Express, launched last weekend, will reach Mars around Christmas Day.

mars.jpl.nasa.gov

www.beagle2.com

Bill's email is bad news:

A new computer virus has struck. This one is called Sobig-C, and it's planted in an email purporting to come from Microsoft - from Bill Gates himself. Watch out, though, it's very virulent, and even the IRD got caught by it. Check details at http://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/venc/data/w32.sobig.c@mm.html and keep bookmarked nzherald.co.nz/technology where we provide a regularly updated virus list.

www.ird.govt.nz/promotion/virusalert.html


A new Myst online:

Rand Miller, creator of the hugely popular and beautifully graphical game Myst is developing a new version - one that can be played against others online. See his vision at uru.ubi.com/us.

Movies for a few cents:

The British operator behind no-frills UK airline EasyJet has come up with a plan that might persuade people not to illegally download movies from the Net. He's opening cinemas that cost 20p (about 55c) admission. Book online and swipe the computer barcode to get in. The only snag is that there's no popcorn.

www.easycinema.com/general/AboutUS.aspx

And Justice for All:

Metal rockers Metallica change their tune this weekend. After leading the fight about music downloading, the group is creating a site offering downloads. The catch is you can get the stuff only if you buy the group's new album and key in its unique code.

http://www.metallicavault.com/