Posted on 12/23/2001 6:55:43 AM PST by TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!
Link and quote, above.
But you really don't even know about consumer protection laws?
Happens every day.
And when caught, those people get sued/prosecuted. Do you really think that if an auto dealer sells you a car in which the radio doesn't work, you have no legal recourse?
Really?
Interesting . . .
And "not allowing anyone from outside to take total control of you machine" is clearly a fundamental part of the 'purchase of an OS' transaction.
This is a serious, significant ommission on the part of MS.
Why do ya'll want MS to be immune to the law?
Lots of people have provided advance warning about the dangers of having raw sockets in Windows XP and making that the default option. What advantages does even Microsoft see for insisting upon this "feature"?
The key word here is "legally." People sell crack every day, commit prostitution every day, drive while intoxicated every day. Last I heard, these acts were still illegal.
The monitor drivers under all the traditional 32-bit architectures were one area that the code still was done with a 16-bit architecture. WYSIWYG.
This allows for the multiple monitors under Win2k and the ability to "terminal emulate" the monitor.
IN ADDITION!! The Keyboards can be "epromed" into thinking that there are additional items and that allows for a keyboard logger.
While the NSA, CIA, FBI, USPS, and other investigators will not steal your credit cards the "villians" will.
Laughing...
Be careful and have a merry xmas.
The average computer user is not a techie. They want to plug in a new printer or scanner or webcam and have it work the same way a toaster or a televison or a lamp works, without having to go down to the basememnt and reset a circuit breaker. Microsoft's error is not one of intentions, but of poor implementation. Yet, again.
I have a sneaking suspicion that if he keeps it up, he'll have a golden opportunity to explain himself to everyone -- in a rather public venue.
I can't comprehend the mentality that compels someone to take continuing potshots at an 800 lb behemoth, with little if anything to back up his attacks other then bile, venom, and an open hatred of said behemoth and anyone who defends it -- and, (ahem) a *clear* loyalty to said behemoth's competitor. Especially when said behemoth has demonstrated repeatedly that it is not averse to initiating litigation against its attackers.
This should be entertaining. If my guess is correct, that is.
Personally, like with Clintonistas, I am fully convinced MS defenders know what they're saying isn't true.
I don't believe anyone here on FR is unaware of basic consumer protection laws . . .
They just use the Clintonista, "Oh, yeah? Prove it!" defense to everything said. We could say that grass is green and they'd ask for a linking proving it.
The goal is to find small details to argue about, thus avoiding discussion of the real topic.
In my opinion, of course.
There ya go . . . threaten your critics with lawsuits you can't bring.
More good MS defense.
A year ago, a person could support Microsoft and still be a legitimate conservative/libertarian. Now, in order to continue defending Microsoft, one has to wear a tinfoil hat.
By TED BRIDIS, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Consumers and corporations using Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows XP (news - web sites) software are being warned by the FBI (news - web sites) to take added steps against hackers who might try to take advantage of major flaws.
The bureau's National Infrastructure Protection Center said Friday that, in addition to installing a free software fix offered by Microsoft on the company's Web site, consumers and corporations using Windows XP should disable the product's ``universal plug and play'' features affected by the glitches.
The FBI did not provide detailed instructions how to do this. Microsoft considers disabling the ``plug and play'' features unnecessary.
The company acknowledged this week that Windows XP suffers from serious problems that allow hackers to steal or destroy a victim's data files across the Internet or implant rogue computer software. The glitches were unusually serious because they allow hackers to seize control of all Windows XP operating system software without requiring a computer user to do anything except connect to the Internet.
Outside experts cautioned that disabling the affected Windows XP features threatens to render unusable an entire category of high-tech devices about to go on the market, such as a new class of computer printers that are easier to set up. But they also acknowledged that disabling it could afford some protection against similar flaws discovered in the future.
The FBI also warned professional computer administrators to actively monitor for specific types of Internet traffic that might indicate an attack was under way.
It acted after bureau and Defense Department officials and some top industry experts sought reassurance from Microsoft that the free software fix it offered effectively stops hackers from attacking the Windows XP flaws.
The government's rare interest in the problems with Windows XP software, which is expected to be widely adopted by consumers, illustrates U.S. concerns about risks to the Internet. Friday's discussions came during a private conference call organized by the National Infrastructure Protection Center.
During the call, Microsoft's experts acknowledged the threats posed by the Windows XP problems, but they assured federal officials and industry experts that its fix - if installed by consumers - resolves the issues.
Microsoft declined to tell U.S. officials how many consumers downloaded and installed its fix during the first 24 hours it was available. Experts from Internet providers, including AT&T Corp., argued that information was vital to determine the scope of the threat.
Microsoft also indicated it would not send e-mail messages to Windows XP customers to remind them of the importance of installing the patch. It said a new feature of Windows XP can automatically download the free fix, which takes several minutes, and prompt consumers to install it.
``The patch is effective,'' Steve Lipner, Microsoft's director of security assurance, told The Associated Press.
Officials expressed fears to Microsoft about electronic attacks launched against Web sites and federal agencies during the Christmas holidays from computers running still-vulnerable versions of Windows, participants said.
Several experts said they had already managed to duplicate within their research labs ``denial of service'' attacks made possible by the Windows XP flaws. Such attacks can overwhelm Web sites and prevent their use by legitimate visitors.
Another risk, that hackers can implant rogue software on vulnerable computers, was considered more remote because of the technical sophistication required.
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On the Net:
National Infrastructure Protection Center: http://www.nipc.gov
Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/security
Hahahahahaha.
Does Santa know you're so bad? You're gonna get coal for Xmas.
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