The Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer is a free downloadable software tool from the Redmond folks which runs on Windows 2000 and XP and scans for missing security hot-fixes. Kind of like a sniffer dog for vulnerabilities. Of course if you find any holes in your system you will still need to fill them by downloading the required patches, but it sounds like a useful tool nonetheless. [courtesy of Dr Dave]

An excellent and well observed article from Cory Doctorow which clearly sets out one of the main reasons why the current knee jerk drive to protect and restrict intellectual property use through litigation is a dangerous and ultimately disastrous act. In summary, the only way that innovative development works properly is when users are encouraged to experiment with technologies. No-one anticipated how important the telephone, PC, VCR or even the Web would be to their industries and the world in…

I think that this Piddle Poop n Putt set is for real. Nah, can’t be. [via MajorGeeks]

Tired of staring at your face in the mirror? Why not try staring at someone else’s face on screen, whilst trying to extricate their nose hairs. Yes it is mildly disgusting – but funny.

OK I take it back. Flash is great, Flash is good, Flash is fun. To be precise this Flash based darts game is awesome. I lost badly to a guy called Mark last night in a fun filled online multi-player match. Sniff. He’s obviously been wasting his time on the game for far too long. Hint – those who have no idea of what darts is should maybe start with this site. [via Metafilter]

This ‘ere new OQO Transmeta powered gizmo seems to be attracting a fair amount of media attention. I tend to agree with Mike at Techdirt that it’s not a bad design if looked at as a core component of a Lego brick type of computer that you can configure at will.

I’ve got to say that this is definitely the ugliest and probably one of the most comprehensive Windows tips and tricks sites around. Literally thousands of tips spread out over a hideous blue background. But what a resource!

Whew, they don’t get much smaller than this (but of course they will!). The Cubik is a 1.3 megapixel camera which stores up to 99 photies in 16MB of RAM. $169.00, USB connection and keyring sized. What more can I say? [via Blogdex]

Toshiba has just announced a 1.8 inch 5 GB hard drive which is Bluetooth enabled. The Bluetooth Pocket Server will be able to store, upload and download data, music and video from PDAs, mobile phones or any other devices which use a wireless Bluetooth connection. This is super cool if you want to carry around lots of information (or even your music collection) and play it on multiple devices without having to transfer it across each time. Simply connect up…

Could this be the future look and feel of an Internet connected, online oriented Microsoft Office .NET? Some people think so (while others think it could be a bit of a spoof). Judge for yourself. Personally I think that it could be very close to what Microsoft would love to happen, a world where you paid them for hosting all sorts of online services which you accessed through their software front end.

The PC Mods site is the place to visit if you’re really into modifying your personal computer. No, I mean really modifying it, with lights, snazzy brushed aluminium cases, anodised blue knobs, that sort of thing. This is not for those who have a life, it is for those who have a screwdriver.

What about this funky concept three wheeler Mercedes? Uses an A class engine, goes over 100 mph but only does around 60 miles to the gallon. But quite a looker.

Volkswagen has unveiled a concept car which will give 235 mpg fuel consumption. The amazing thing is that the vehicle is completely street legal and was actually driven to the presentation along 2 autobahns. The tiny diesel engine gives a top speed of 120 kph. No news on potential pricing though, if and when any retail models arrive. [via Metafilter]

You’ve played the rest, now play the best. Extreme croquet, the ultimate test of human endurance. OK so you don’t actually get to play on the lunar landscape, but some of the group’s exploits are not that far off.

It looks as though the folks at Thrustmaster are really trying to 0wNz the game controller market. The three beauties displayed above represent the pride of their Playstation peripherals – a fighting arena for kick ’em up games, a skate board for…er..skate and snow board games and an ‘interactive football pitch’ for footy titles. Ranging from �30 up to past �60.00, these things look great in the brochure, but seldom work as well as anticipated. I’ve…ahem…had a go at the…