What is Microsoft's Intent

[Guest]

Anything that improves security is generally a welcome
thing but what is Microsoft's intent? Microsoft are being
a little too circumspect given that it is not unreasonable
to expect that their products should have been a great
deal more secure in the first place. Indeed some of the
issues Microsoft has had to fix are ones it created in the
first place. Maybe they are trying to deflect attention
from this point, Microsoft seem gifted at this.

It would seem that at least some of these tools should be
part of Windows to start with; others should be in
Internet Explorer. It may be cheaper for Microsoft to try
and address the problem (studies have shown more expensive
to fix software than get it correct in the first place)
and deflect criticism in this way, but it does not benefit
the user. Windows XP SP2 was, if we believe the Microsoft
publicity, all about making Windows secure. Maybe this
tantamount to admitting SP2 is not good enough.

Users need a secure Windows XP. Why Microsoft do not do
more to address the security problems with the current
software than dream up a new operating system is
puzzling. Do they think people are going to flock to buy
a new operating system given their current track record?
I think many may just what something secure and stable
that does an adequate job, not something new, overly
elaborate and gimmicky. Let's have a properly integrated
complete solution to Windows XP.

 

[whiteflyer]

I don't believe Microsoft should take all the blame for software not
being totally secure, the hackers and sypware programmers must take most
of the blame.

When a bank gets robbed we don't automaticly blame the bank for having
its money stolen. The problem is the being the most used software
Microsoft are the easiest target. If Apple or Linux over take windows
just watch all the hackers go for that.

At least Microsoft admit they have holes in their software, where as
other just bury thiner head in the sand and keep the problems out of the
public eye.

We done to Microsoft for this new program, so far no problem at all on
my XP2 machine, just please keep it free.

PS it want to be TOTALLY secure, don't connect your pc to the web EVER LOL

 

[Ordinary_MS_User_and_yes_not_affiliated_with_MS]

Give the MS guys a break, will you?

When one makes a mistake, one tries to fix it. That
is the proper thing to do. For Microsoft, for me and
for you, too, the writer of this article. You cannot
at once blame MS for making a mistake and then
again blame them for trying to fix it.

Incidentally, you seem to assume that the new Spyware
is just for XP. You even suggest it might have the
purpose of covering for XP2's failure. This is illogical
thinking, hence unfair to MS, on at least two counts.
First, the software is for Win 2000, XP, XP2 and 2003, not
just for XP(2). Second, there's no system ever invented in
the history of mankind that a determined spy or burglar
cannot break into. If there is, it will be only a
hypothetical system, of no practical use to anyone.

In my experience, all alternatives to MS products have
their own problems, too. A large percentage of MS bashing
comes from people who are just jealous of Mr. Gates.

To Bill and colleagues over at MS, don't be distracted,
keep up the good work.

 

[Chuck Davis]

-----Original Message-----
Anything that improves security is generally a welcome
thing but what is Microsoft's intent? Microsoft are being
a little too circumspect given that it is not unreasonable
to expect that their products should have been a great
deal more secure in the first place. Indeed some of the
issues Microsoft has had to fix are ones it created in the
first place. Maybe they are trying to deflect attention
from this point, Microsoft seem gifted at this.

It would seem that at least some of these tools should be
part of Windows to start with; others should be in
Internet Explorer. It may be cheaper for Microsoft to try
and address the problem (studies have shown more expensive
to fix software than get it correct in the first place)
and deflect criticism in this way, but it does not benefit
the user. Windows XP SP2 was, if we believe the Microsoft
publicity, all about making Windows secure. Maybe this
tantamount to admitting SP2 is not good enough.

Users need a secure Windows XP. Why Microsoft do not do
more to address the security problems with the current
software than dream up a new operating system is
puzzling. Do they think people are going to flock to buy
a new operating system given their current track record?
I think many may just what something secure and stable
that does an adequate job, not something new, overly
elaborate and gimmicky. Let's have a properly integrated
complete solution to Windows XP.

.

I fail to find value in this post in regards to improving
AntiSpyware. It simply rephrases past bashing.
Suggestion-switch to Apple or Linux, if you think they have
an "integrated complete solution".

 

[Spider]

My only answer to this and ALL the others that think spyware is due to
security holes, is, get a clue before you post this sort of dribble.
Security holes are taken care of as they are discovered in the form of
critical updates. Spyware is software that is no different then legit
software only it is designed to steal your information without you knowing
about it. Where is Microsoft's blame in the clueless going to Grokster or
Kazza.com and installing their software and agreeing to allow them to muck
up the PC? Now, I agree they might take advantage of security holes to
force this stuff on you, but as the bank robber analogy someone used before,
do we close down all the banks so you can no longer do any business with
them? That will sure stop the robbers won't it?
FWIW, since I've posted several messages here defending Microsoft. I am not
even close to having anything to do with them. I simply have been cleaning
this crap up for years now and have no doubt where the blame lies, and it is
not with Microsoft. I commend them for their excellent aquisition and their
willingness to get involved in the solution.