[Fsfe-uk] AP: Windows - More Flawed Than Ever

[Paul Mobbs]

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http://go.hotwired.com/news/technology/0,1282,60832,00.html/wn_ascii


Windows: More Flawed Than Ever 

Associated Press
WIRED: 02:20 PM Oct. 15, 2003 PT


WASHINGTON -- Microsoft warned consumers Wednesday about four critical new 
flaws in its popular Windows software as the company shifted to monthly 
alerts for serious problems that could let hackers break into computers.

In particularly embarrassing disclosures, Microsoft acknowledged problems in 
its technology to authenticate software publishers over the Web and in its 
Windows help and support system. 

The company said it did not believe hackers were yet exploiting any of the 
vulnerabilities it announced.

Microsoft said last week it will begin issuing monthly warnings and software 
patches, responding to frustration from technology managers who must apply 
sporadic patches each week across hundreds of computers inside corporations.

The company said it expects to release future warnings on the second Tuesday 
or Wednesday of each month. It has promised to rush out an emergency patch 
midmonth if it determines hackers are actively breaking into computers using 
a flaw it can repair immediately.

Separately, Microsoft began offering Windows XP users a single, convenient 
patch that combines 22 previous updates. It was aimed at customers who 
haven't diligently applied every software patch or who recently bought a new 
computer or recently installed Windows from scratch.

All four of the most dangerous new vulnerabilities affect versions of Windows 
2000, which is commonly used by corporations and government agencies. Three 
of them also affect other Windows versions, including Microsoft's flagship 
Windows XP software, popular among home users, and Windows Server 2003 for 
businesses.

Microsoft shares rose 55 cents to close at $29.07 in Wednesday trading on the 
New York Stock Exchange.





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"We are not for names, nor men, nor titles of Government, nor are we for
this party nor against the other but we are for justice and mercy and
truth and peace and true freedom, that these may be exalted in our nation,
and that goodness, righteousness, meekness, temperance, peace and unity
with God, and with one another, that these things may abound."
(Edward Burroughs, 1659 - from 'Quaker Faith and Practice')


Paul Mobbs, Mobbs' Environmental Investigations,
3 Grosvenor Road, Banbury OX16 5HN, England
tel./fax (+44/0)1295 261864

email - address@hidden
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