Apple' Letter to Pirate bay... and the reply

Subject: Re: Illegal Dissemination of Apple Intellectual Property
From: anakata
To: IRamage@OMM.com

> April 21, 2005
>
> VIA EMAIL
>
> NOT FOR POSTING
>
> Fredrik Neij
> Registrant of www.piratebay.org
>
> Re: Apple Intellectual Property Disseminated by
> www.piratebay.org
>
> Dear Mr. Neij:
>
> We represent Apple Computer, Inc. On or before April 21, 2005, the
> site www.piratebay.org was in the process of distributing and/or
> facilitating the distribution of a misappropriated copy of an
> unreleased version of Apple's operating system software, Tiger 10.4,
> Build 8A428. The software constitutes an Apple trade secret and is
> copyrighted.

Awh, come on, I've heard the expression "a few bad apples", but this is
just ridiculous.

> Apple has a well-known, longstanding policy of closely guarding
> information about its unreleased products as trade secrets.

I've heard that before somewhere. I just can't remember where...

> We demand that you immediately disable the torrent and/or tracker and
> prevent further distribution of Apple's trade secret and copyrighted
> material.

We demand that you provide us with entertainment by sending more legal
threats. Please?

> Apple further demands that you provide us with all information
> relating to the posting of torrents enabling the distribution of Mac
> OS X Tiger, Build 8A428, including all log files and tracker files
> associated with such torrents. Apple also demands all information
> related to the identity of the persons who created such torrent files
> and/or who uploaded the software referenced by those torrent files, as
> well as the identities of all individuals who participated in the
> uploading and downloading of Apple's software. If you fail to
> maintain the evidence of this illegal activity, you will be subject to
> severe sanctions. In particular, if you destroy or hide any evidence,
> you will be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Please produce
> all requested information by the end of the day, Friday, April 22,
> 2005.

Even if we had that information, which we don't, do you really think we
would provide it to you?

> Builds of unreleased Apple software are distributed under strict
> confidentiality agreements. Your torrent site appears to be engaged
> in a practice of soliciting and disseminating Apple trade secrets.
> This practice is grounds for both civil and criminal liability. To
> avoid further liability, you must refrain from inducing the breach of
> any Apple confidentiality agreements, soliciting Apple trade secrets,
> and distributing Apple trade secrets on your site.

...Or what? You and Hans Brix will send us angry letters? Fortunately
for you, we don't keep sharks as pets.

> Apple is prepared to take further actions to stop the sites illegal
> activities, and Apple expressly reserves its rights. I am available
> to discuss this matter at any time. If you are represented by counsel
> in this matter, please provide me with the identity of that counsel.

Instead of simply recommending that you sodomize yourself with a
retractable baton, let me recommend a specific model - the ASP 21". The
previous lawyers tried to use a cheaper brand, but it broke during the
action.

>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ian Ramage
> OMelveny & Myers LLP
> Embarcadero Center West
> 275 Battery Street, Suite 2600
> (415) 984-8783 (direct)
> (415) 984-8701 (fax)
> iramage@omm.com
>
> This message and any attached documents contain information from the
> law firm of OMelveny & Myers LLP that may be confidential and/or
> privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not read,
> copy, distribute, or use this information. If you have received this
> transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply
> e-mail and then delete this message.

It's OK with you that we post this message on
http://static.thepiratebay.org/legal/ ? Because I just did, and I'm so
afraid of you and your nice titles and shiny offices :-(.

Security Bites Podcast: Firefox 2 beats IE 7

By CNET News.com Staff

Download mp3

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that Mozilla unleashed Firefox 2 this week. Although the new browser is not a giant leap on from version 1.5, it does beat Microsoft's Internet Explorer 7 in several aspects, including security, CNET News.com's Joris Evers and CNET.com's Robert Vamosi say on this week's Security Bites podcast.

The release of the new Firefox was the starting gun for bug hunters to find security flaws in the applications. Microsoft said claims that the first IE 7 vulnerability had been found were incorrect--the flaw lies in Outlook Express instead. However, the software giant did confirm a spoofing flaw. Mozilla, meanwhile, is rebutting bug claims in Firefox 2.

The new browsers have raised some privacy questions among bloggers. Some suggest that the antiphishing filter in Firefox is a front for a data-gathering operation by Google. But no data is sent to Google, unless you opt in to do so. The phishing shield in IE 7, however, does send every Web address you enter into the browser to Microsoft.

Here's the perfect stocking stuffer: tin foil wallets. Radio tags in passports and credit cards are causing privacy concerns. The solution: Wrap your passport and your credit cards in aluminum foil.

Podcasting Software

101 Reasons: To Switch to the Mac

by Mark McElroy

Overview

You've seen lots of "how to" information...but 101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac offers the "why to"! Inside, instead of tech-talk and speed tests, 101 Reasons to Switch to the Mac offers true stories and unbiased advice from a long-time Windows user who, along with a million others in 2005, made the switch to a Mac.

The chapters explore the benefits of working with a Mac, the power of the Mac OS X operating system, and the advantages of owning a computer that "just works." The comprehensive software guide recommends great applications that make short work of everyday tasks like surfing the web, ripping music, watching movies, retouching photos, laying out brochures, and much more. You'll also find pointers to great websites packed with resources for switchers and new Mac owners alike.

Already a Mac user? This Short Cut makes the perfect gift for friends and family who haven't yet discovered the joy of switching. The next time a PC user says, "Give me one good reason to switch!" you'll be prepared...with 101 Reasons to Switch to a Mac.

Here are just a few of the 101 reasons!

*

Why Mac OS X is the World's Coolest OS
*

Yes, you can have it all—Macs Do Windows
*

Powerful Bundled Software has everything you'll need or want
*

Find out why wireless networking is easier with a Mac
*

The Macs fast performance makes it all worthwhile
*

How the Mac protects you from viruses and hackers

1. It Just Works

2. Ooohs and Aaahs

3. Macs Are Better for Beginners

4. Easy Setup

5. Faster Boots

6. Ready and Waiting

7. Greater Stability

8. Easy Software Installation

9. The Apple Store

10. They're Compatible

11. Macs Do Windows

12. .Mac ("Dot Mac")

13. Easier Wireless Networking

14. Protection from Viruses

15. Protection from Hackers

16. Productivity

17. Intelligent Monitor Management

18. Smoother Media Playback

19. Accessible Software Authors

20. Digital Photography Made Simple

21. Do More with Your Media

22. It Works Like an iPod

23. Native PDFs

24. Powerful Bundled Software

25. Blazing Fast Performance

26. The Value Question

27. Switching Is Easy

28. The MacBook

29. The MacBook Pro

30. iMac

31. Mac mini

32. iPods

33. Mighty Mouse

34. Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth

35. Airport Extreme Wireless Networking

36. Vista 2.0 Today?

37. Unix Under the Hood

38. The Mac OS X GUI

39. The Dock

40. Exposé

41. Spotlight

42. Dashboard

43. Spaces

44. Time Machine

45. Alex

46. Automator

47. Smart Folders

48. Auctions

49. Backup

50. Blogging

51. Charting

52. Chatting

53. Creative Writing

54. Customize Your Computer

55. Databases

56. Desktop Publishing

57. Digital Photography

58. Education

59. Email

60. File Management

61. Finances

62. FTP

63. Games

64. Getting Things Done (GTD)

65. Hobbies

66. iPod Enhancements

67. Launchers

68. Making Slideshows and Movies

69. Music Recording and Editing

70. News Readers and RSS

71. Productivity Suites

72. Organizing Information

73. PDAs, Palms, and Handheld PCs

74. Podcasting

75. Postage Printing

76. Presentations

77. Remote Desktop Management

78. Research Aids

79. Small Business Management

80. Spreadsheets

81. Useful Utilities

82. Voice Over IP[md]Free Phone Calls

83. Virus Protection

84. Watching Movies and TV Shows

85. Web Browsers

86. Web Design

87. Widgets

88. Word Processing

89. Apple.com

90. AppleInsider.com

91. 43folders.com

92. HawkWings.net

93. iLounge.com

94. MacFixIt.com

95. MacInTouch.com

96. MacMod.com

97. MacOSXHints.com

98. MacRumors.com and ThinkSecret.com

99. Macworld.com

100. The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW.com) and Engadget.com

101. VersionTracker.com


Switching to the Mac | Macs For Dummies

First Look at .Mac Webmail

by Steve Rubel
http://www.micropersuasion.com/2006/10/first_look_at_m.html

:: Update: This post has been revised (new text is underlined, edits are in strikeout) based on feedback from Paul Stamatiou.

Apple has officially launched a new Ajax webmail client for its .Mac members. It includes drag-and-drop functionality, a message pane, address book integration, message previews/flagging, keyboard shortcuts and more.

It's nice to see Apple start to use some of the same Web 2.0 technologies offer the same functionality that others like Google, Yahoo and Microsoft have been using had for some time. The new .Mac webmail is a significant improvement over the prior version. The search feature in particular is slick. Still, it has some huge holes.

For starters, I see no way to mark a message as spam. And there's been a lot of spam lately in my infrequently used .Mac mail account. Second, when you reply to a message that's in HTML, you can only do so using plain text. Also, there's no RSS feed integration. Too bad. That's a lost opportunity.

I don't expect .Mac to challenge any of the big three webmail platforms anytime soon. In fact, I bet some of the big webmail platforms will add gobs of non-mail features like video subscriptions to become even more essential than they are now. (By the way the new Windows Live Mail and Yahoo Mail have a lot to give Gmail a run for their money.) The new .Mac mail is an improvement - but a disappointing evolutionary one for a company that has been so revolutionary.

Here's a look at some screen grabs I took...