In defense of Microsoft (and not to be heretic on this list!) but I think you're about to see a sea change of attitudes regarding patch management, updates, and security responsibility on behalf of the consumer community.
But you also have to understand that there comes a point when a company--any company--has to draw a line and say, "Look, we screwed up. Here's what we've done to somewhat correct this problem in the future. We have a long way to go, of course, but here's what we're doing to make this type of problem less of a threat in the future." With 2K, and even XP Home, which IS targeted to the consumer, there ARE tools to help. Even Red Hat is drawing a line with supportability on their desktop versions, and I know there's an uproar about that. What is YOUR recommendation for helping Windows 98 users keep updated? Let's think of ways we might all help out in this cause, because whether it's technically Microsoft's responsibility or not, we're all affected by worms. Now of course you may have your own reasons for not liking the tools Microsoft provides for updates, but I think it's a bit unfair to bash Microsoft at this point (in the past it was perfectly OK and even an enjoyable pastime) when they really *are* thinking of new ways to help people step up to the latest updates. Jonathan Hassell -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Mueller Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 8:12 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [TriLUG] Interesting shift in MS licensing pricing/policy On Wednesday 17 September 2003 10:50, Mike Mueller wrote: > (Author's mind begins to wander. �Thinks to himself.) "What does > "Microsoft Certification" actually mean? �Is virus/worm stricken > application and system software also Microsoft Certified?" (Realizing how insulting this sounds, author hastily attempts to retract insensitive comment. Author realizes that people with MCSE and other MS certifications have more integrity than the organization that gives the certification.) The whole MS wirus/worm thing is a personal frustration so I get carried away sometimes. It became personal when I learned that my dad launched the .exe in an email from what he thought was from Microsoft. This happened despite the warnings I emailed and verbally communicated to him. His computer was infected with Backdoor.Coreflood. It's not simple to eliminate. You've got the edit the Registry as part of the removal process. Now, either I have to visit and fix the computer or the computer will have to taken in to a shop to be fixed. My dad cannot fix this on his own. What irks me is that MS has no problem marketing their software to inexperienced people and taking their money, but they feel no responsibility to keeping those same user's investments protected from bad stuff. I apologize for venting my frustrations inappropriately. People with MSCE have nothing to do with my problems and should be applauded for their efforts for making a poor product perform as advertised. -- Mike Mueller 324881 (08/20/2003) Make clockwise circles on the floor with your right foot; now, without looking at your foot, use the index finger on your right hand to draw the number "6" in the air -- TriLUG mailing list : http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug TriLUG Organizational FAQ : http://trilug.org/faq/ TriLUG Member Services FAQ : http://members.trilug.org/services_faq/ TriLUG PGP Keyring : http://trilug.org/~chrish/trilug.asc -- TriLUG mailing list : http://www.trilug.org/mailman/listinfo/trilug TriLUG Organizational FAQ : http://trilug.org/faq/ TriLUG Member Services FAQ : http://members.trilug.org/services_faq/ TriLUG PGP Keyring : http://trilug.org/~chrish/trilug.asc
