> > > Symantec agreed that the program fit its definition of a type of malicious
> > > program known as a Trojan horse, so it included the software in its
> > > continually updated list of dangerous programs, which include viruses,
> > > that cause warnings to pop up on its customers' computers.
> >
> > In fact, this is perfectly reasonable on the part of Symantec, and if I
> > had a PIII I would absolutely want my virus detection software to catch
> > code which enables the serial number. Any such action on the part of
> > downloaded code is malicious and not in my interests, and anything the
> > software can do to prevent it is good.
>
> True, but a question well worth asking is "why doesn't antivirus
> software assume that ActiveX controls are malicious until proven
> otherwise"?
Because every copy of Win98 would be flagged as being totally ridden with hostile
trojans and viruses. (I know. "And your point being?")
