Apple’s Mac OS is plagued by a malware known as the BackDoor.Flashback.39 – a Trojan which  targets unpatched JavaScript codes.  Apple previously released two updates to fix the loophole but they’re not about to leave it with just that.  Apple is in full-on war mode.

According to a report from ComputerWorld, Apple is developing software to detect and remove the malware from infected Macs.  Aside from that, they’re also collaborating with Internet service providers from all over the world in an attempt to disable the malware author’s command networks.

“In addition to the Java vulnerability, the Flashback malware relies on computer servers hosted by the malware authors to perform many of its critical functions,” Apple said in their post.  “Apple is working with ISPs worldwide to disable this command and control network.”

Sued for e-book pricing

Apple, together with the five big publishing houses, were slapped with an antitrust lawsuit by the U.S. Justice Department for allegedly conspiring to control e-book pricing.

“Defendants’ ongoing conspiracy and agreement have caused e-book consumers to pay tens of millions of dollars more for e-books than they otherwise would have paid,” the lawsuit said.  The lawsuit also described CEO-only meetings of publishers at Manhattan restaurants where the pricing conspiracy allegedly took place.

Of the five publishing houses, Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster Inc., and HarperCollins Publishers LLC. agreed to settle by terminating their agreement with Apple and refrain from limiting any retailer’s ability to set e-book prices for two years.  The announcement of the settlement was made by Attorney General Eric Holder.

The remaining two, Penguin and Macmillan, are said to be preparing for a court battle along with Apple.

Of the six, only Simon & Schuster was the only one to comment on the case, confirming that they have agreed to settle.

This is good news for rival Amazon.  Just yesterday, it was reported that the six big publishing houses all refused to renew their contracts with Amazon as the 2012 contracts were deemed as “stupifyingly draconian.”  But with Holder’s announcement, it looks like things are working in Amazon’s favor.

“This is a big win for Kindle owners, and we look forward to being allowed to lower prices on more Kindle books,” Amazon commented on the issue.

Turn your iPad into a MacBook

If you want a MacBook but unfortunately, due to financial constraints, you’re only able to afford an iPad, this may be a solution to your problem: the NoteBook Case.

The NoteBook Case is a case for your iPad that transform it into a MacBook.  The case has a built-in Lithium-polymer battery that allows you to charge the iPad while in use, USB port, mini USB port, and Bluetooth for the keyboard.  It’s meant for the iPad 2 but because of minimal difference, the case could be used on the new iPad as well.