Security for all

Found on Computer Times on Sunday, 09 May 2004
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Microsoft's increasing concern over information security has translated into its decision to bite the bullet and make its upcoming SP2 (Service Pack 2) security patch available to all users - including those using pirated copies of its Windows XP software.

"It was a tough choice, but we finally decided that even if someone has pirated copy of Windows, it is more important to keep him safe than it is to be concerned about the revenue issue," he added.

The most visible changes SP2 will introduce to XP is the new Windows Firewall, a renamed, upgraded version of the ICF (Internet Connection Firewall) firewall system that shipped with the original Windows XP, and the new aggressive attitude towards security updates and controls.

Besides these two changes, there are many other under-the-hood security features aimed at "stopping malicious code like worms, phishing attacks like websites that hijack web browsers to trick users into giving out personal information, and improving security against the buffer overrun attacks favoured by virus-writers," said Mr Goffe.

Protecting pirated copies? Oh please! MS wouldn't let them download SP2 if worms would destroy pirated versions. The reason is that infected XP machines keep on spreading worms; and most users won't even notice. The other "features" you would expect by default. They do it again: bundle their software, trying to expand their user control. MS has been in troubles for exactly that, and now they force users to install their firewall, their popup blocker, their media player and their browser update. Will they never learn?