Business

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   Related Stories • Judge bars sales of RealNetworks’ DVD software 8/11/09   CONTACT THE HERALD Mike Benbow, Business Editor benbow@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, September 9, 2008 Business Briefly: New software would copy DVDs to PCs RealNetworks Inc. plans to begin selling software that lets people copy DVDs to their PCs, which might be convenient for on-the-go movie buffs but could incite some wrath in Hollywood. Unlike various software programs that can be used for illicit disc copying, the new RealDVD software will copy DVDs to computers or portable hard drives without taking off or altering the "content scrambling system," or CSS, encryption that is included on commercial DVDs. The software will create a full copy of a DVD in about 10 to 40 minutes, RealNetworks said, and copies saved on portable hard drives will be playable on up to five computers per user. RealNetworks Chief Executive Rob Glaser thinks the product will have wide appeal, from business travelers to families wanting backup discs in case of scratches. Officials debate cyberspace attacks Igniting a provocative new debate, senior military officials are pushing the Pentagon to go on the offensive in cyberspace by developing the ability to attack other nations' computer systems, rather than concentrating on defending America's electronic security. Under the most sweeping proposals, military experts would acquire the know-how to commandeer the unmanned aerial drones of adversaries, disable enemy warplanes in midflight and cut off electricity at precise moments to strategic locations, such as military installations, while sparing humanitarian facilities, such as hospitals. An expansion of offensive capabilities in cyberspace would represent an important change for the military. Consumer loans hit a slowdown Borrowing by consumers slipped in July to the weakest pace in seven months, reflecting a big slowdown in demand for car loans. The Federal Reserve reported Monday that consumer borrowing grew at an annual rate of just 2.1 percent in July, the slowest pace since a 1.9 percent rise last December. The slowdown reflects a tiny 0.5 percent rate of growth in the category that includes auto loans, down from a 6.1 percent surge in this category in June. Automakers reported that demand for cars fell in July to the lowest level in 16 years. Credit cards grew at an annual rate of 4.8 percent in July, up from a growth rate of 3.5 percent in June. Oil price drop OK for Kuwaiti minister Kuwait's oil minister says there is no need for OPEC to cut production, despite falling crude prices. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Aleem's comments come on the eve of a meeting of oil ministers from the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries who will decide whether to reduce production or keep it at current levels. He is part of an OPEC committee whose recommendations could affect OPEC's output decision. Correction A mixer for the Snohomish County Young Professionals Network will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Original Roadhouse Grill, 11804 Evergreen Way, Everett. For more information, call 425-257-3222, extension 210. An item in Monday's Business Calendar on Page D1 reported a wrong day for the event. From Herald news services READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Shot ends search for man sought in killing of Seattle police officer 2. Thousands honor slain Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton 3. No charge will be filed in death of Everett pedestrian 4. Rain, thunderstorms forecast for lowlands 5. Bothell steamrolls Stanwood 6. PREP FOOTBALL/SWIMMING ROUNDUP: Halfback pass for touchdown sparks Sultan win 7. More jibba-jabba 8. Obama OK's homebuyer tax credit 9. Suspect identified in Seattle police killing 10. Dana nibbles into Somers’ lead 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Gough on track to keep job • Jazz vocalist headlines NPAC • Mountlake Terrace makes football history • Tax revenue sagging, city budgets lagging • ‘Touch of Magic' show opens at Gallery North • Jackson repeats as South champs • Holiday Bazaars Calendar • Meadowdale storms back to grab title • Edmonds moves to Fire District 1 • Boeing will build, flight test and deliver 787s in South Carolina to spe ... • Snohomish County EDC promoting job growth in key industry clusters • $4 million grant to advance brain tumor research has Everett links • Providence medical center construction tops off its 12-story steel frame ... • Tulalip affordable housing project to be financed by KeyBank, Raymond Ja ... • Arlington's Lak of Ink has a growing following for Luke Kooyman's creati ... • Bank of the Northwest formed • Cascade Bank earns $1.6 million