A mining company is to systematically explore the Falkland Islands for gold and diamond deposits for the first time. Since Windows XP was launched late in 2001, Microsoft has issued dozens of software "patches" for holes in the code which could potentially give outsiders control of a PC. The releases now come in a monthly cycle ­ unless the problem is very serious, in which case the patch is released at once.Most recently the software giant issued a patch for Internet Explorer, the web browser used by about 80 per cent of surfers around the world, to close a hole that allowed "phishing" ­ letting scam artists create web links that appeared to link to real banks, but were instead fakes designed to capture people's bank details.. Indeed, some Scottish renewables would receive a subsidy that other renewables, anywhere in the UK, would not," Sir John said.He argues that such a move by the Government would mark a step away from cost-reflective charging for transmitting energy.

This system allows companies that generate energy close to existing grids and in built-up areas to charge less than remote areas with a sparse population and little transmission infrastructure."Cost-reflective charging is one of the cornerstones of the electricity generation market. For competition to flourish, companies need a stable regulatory environment without Government interference and should be able to compete on a level playing field," Sir John said.. The computer giant Microsoft was searching yesterday for the person who released the secrets of its Windows operating systems on to the internet. First came the computer virus MyDoom ­ the world's fastest-spreading electronic bug ­ which was able to infect all versions of Windows, making them vulnerable for hackers and spammers to steal details and send junk e-mail. Then, on Tuesday this week, the company announced a "serious vulnerability" that could let someone remotely take control of machines running Windows. He expressed doubts that additional subsidies will boost further renewable energy development and said extra subsidies, wherever they are directed, would amount to higher bills for all energy customers throughout UK."A great deal is already being done to encourage renewable generation There is no evidence that further investment would result.

So far, Scotland has been earmarked for such additional subsidies.Sir John Mogg, chairman of Ofgem, has hit back at these proposals, saying that subsidies worth £485m are already in place to encourage renewable energy. Brascan, which has 9 per cent, has teamed up with Canary Wharf founder Paul Reichmann, who also has a 9 per cent stake, as well as Franklin. They have indicated that they will not sell to Morgan Stanley, potentially threatening its plans to sell off the Canary Wharf estate if it wins.However, one source close to Morgan Stanley said: "We are not convinced that they would want to retain their minorities. Under the scheme of arrangement approach, Mr Glick was not able to use his shares because he was part of the group making the offer.. There's always a lot of bluff in these things."One big benefit for Morgan Stanley in changing its offer structure is that its ally, the US investor Simon Glick, would be able to vote his 14.5 per cent stake in favour of the deal.