GNUstep Launchpad 1.0.1 is a minor update to version 1.0.0. Improvements include a change in the backend directory layout to support GUI backend bundles and some bug fixes to work on newer kernels and BSD machines. Its a collection of libraries for creating non-graphical tools and applications using an API based on OpenStep and the MacOS X API. Developers have noted that GNUstep allows faster development time and more flexibility than with other common application development libraries.

SourceForge has posted details on the compromise that led to cracks of several sites, including php.net, apache.org, and themes.org. Security and data integrity has since been restored and SourceForge.net services are currently online and functioning properly.

"A format string vulnerability exists in gnupg 1.0.5 and previous versions which is fixed in 1.0.6. This vulnerability can be used to invoke shell commands with privileges of the currently logged-in user."

In a move that shows strong support for open source software in Japan and Asia, the Open Source Development Lab (OSDL) has announced the establishment of a second facility outside Tokyo, Japan. The new lab will enable OSDL to increase its ability to support projects and provide Linux developers in Asia with Linux and Linux-based software development environments.

NeTraverse Win4Lin 3.0 enables Linux users to run popular Windows programs at native speeds without additional hardware or the need to dual boot, dramatically improving productivity and reducing hardware and OS license upgrade cost. Win4Lin is now available with substantial enhancements including support for the Linux 2.4 kernel, a powerful new graphical installer, full Windows networking, and an easy to use feature providing access to Win4Lin updates, and additional Linux kernels, as released by distributors.

ASPLinux 7.1 is a full featured solution for IT professionals, workstation users and developers. Customers can expect a new generation of robust and compatible Linux OS, excellent installation, services, and support. The most significant new feature in ASPLinux is the Web Hosting Solution which is pre-configured with ASPLinux OS using HSPcomplete revolutionary technology to offer hosting service that delivers ease of use and solid performance. All administration and maintenance is browser-based or feature-rich GUI interface (Windows or GNU/Linux).

Two vulnerabilities have been found in the man package that is installed by default in all SuSE Linux distributions. The first error is a format string bug in the error handling routine of the man command that can allow a local attacker to gain the privileges of the user "man" on SuSE Linux systems. The second is a segmentation fault that can be caused by the options "-S ::: foo" to the man command. On SuSE and Debian systems, the code responsible for the bug is different from the one found in other distributions and is not exploitable.

Red Hat Linux 7.1 for the Itanium Processor with the new 2.4 kernel supports the very large address space of Itanium-based systems and scales efficiently to eight or more Itanium processors running as a single system image. It is designed for developing and porting applications that require superior performance on high-end servers and workstations and is equally suited to porting 32-bit applications or RISC applications to Itanium-based systems. New configuration tools and security enhancements are also available.

Slashdot has reported that a system on SourceForge was compromised. The mail sent out to developers who may have been affected simply notes that potentially compromised passwords have been randomized, requiring users to get a new one.

Predictably, Microsoft's 'help' in turning "Britain's e-government vision into a reality" has mysteriously turned into a lockout for users of anything other than IE on Windows. Linux, Netscape and Mac can look but not touch, because the digital certificate system selected by the developers mysteriously always seems to lead to IE 5.01 or above on Windows. A detailed investigation carried out by UK magazine Linuxuser notes that in some cases non-Microsoft browsers are simply refused entry.