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Microsoft engineering is a dead parrot

There is only one Operating System in existence which permits an email message attachment to execute malevolent code, and that Operating System is Microsoft Windows. It is grossly unfair to vilify ordinary users for daring to open an email, or an email attachment. It is NOT the user's problem that Windows allows an email attachment to execute viral or otherwise malevolent code, it is Microsoft's problem. Imagine the uproar if opening an item of snail mail caused people's electricity to shut off. Would the post office issue a statement saying "Stupid customers, they should know that when we deliver a letter it should be thrown away unopened"? Of course not. The fact is that if a user is not using Windows, they can open any email they like, without fear of viral retribution.

What a high price the end user pays for Microsoft's marketing decision to integrate Outlook and IE (previously standalone applications) into the Windows OS. This goes against all software engineering principles. Imagine a car who's windscreen was integrated into the engine. Imagine a car who's radio directed battery destroying radio waves into the car's electrics. That's the extent of the idiocy of Windows design. Microsoft were so scared of Netscape they were prepared to abandon good software engineering for an underhanded stunt that killed off a potential competitor and protect their monopoly. Now every IE exploit is a Windows OS exploit, and every Outlook vulnerability is a Windows OS vulnerability. Well done Microsoft! When it comes to innovation, the integrated security exploits inherent to Windows surely rate an 8 out of 10 toots on the bullhorn!

Posted by: whisperycat   Posted on: 11/01/05 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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