News: Microsoft spreads virus--by accident

Special to ZDNet News ^ | June 14, 2002, 9:20 AM PT | By Robert Lemos

[Bush2000]

I would suggest that Windows itself is a computer virus.

That's profound. Call the DOJ.

[Stentor]

And you wonder why Linux is doomed to always live in the server rooms with the geeks. You guys can't even make the mental leap from fear to hate.

Whistlin down the graveyard?

[Bush2000]

Whistlin down the graveyard?

Add 'em to the same list as Palm, Sun, Oracle, Novell, Lotus, IBM, Corel, WordPerfect, OS/2, and Mac...

[LibKill]

Dude, I ain't using Linux. Yet.

'Microsuck' is a put-down on the bug infested software that I am forced by circumstances to use.

Seriously, if there are alternatives to MicroSoft (TM) that have file compatability, I would like to hear about them.

But if all you have to offer is automatic defense of some of the worst software in the world (Microsoft [TM]), well I am not interested.

[Bush2000]

Methinks you are naive and the Linux snake-handlers have sold you a bill of goods. Linux and Mac and Solaris are just as buggy as Windows. http://www.wininformant.com/Articles/Index.cfm?ArticleID=23958.

[MarkL]

This really isn't anything new... Apple, Intel, and Novell have all shipped infected products...

Mark

[LibKill]

Linux and Mac and Solaris are just as buggy as Windows.

Sorry, I mistook one of your posts to mean that you were into Linux.

I am not eager to learn another operating system. I have been through too many already since I first took up the challenge and blessing of personal computers 20 years ago.

I know a couple of Linux geeks but it seems very complicated. I can't see where it will benefit me to learn this new system.

Solaris is something that I am blissfully unaware of.

I am familiar with Macs from work. They are OK for the office, but I would not have one in my home.:)

Still, I say that if another manufactorer gave me software (windows based?) that did what I wanted it to do and had MicroSoft(TM) file compatability, I would buy it with my hard earned dollars.

My major gripe with MicroSoft(TM)is the versions of Word after Office 97.

You put a picture and some text here. You do a save and everything is automatically reformatted without so much as a 'by-your-leave-sir'.

Dammit! I am supposed to be the boss, not the software.

[TechJunkYard]

This really isn't anything new... Apple, Intel, and Novell have all shipped infected products...

True. And it's not the first time for MS either.

[Bush2000]

Still, I say that if another manufactorer gave me software (windows based?) that did what I wanted it to do and had MicroSoft(TM) file compatability, I would buy it with my hard earned dollars.

Ah, Ok. I understand. Have you ever tried Adobe Acrobat?

[dheretic]

This is weaaaaaaaaaaaaak

No..... that is bad quality control. Distributing bad software is not too bad. Every company does it from time to time. Distributing a virus when you're as big as Microsoft is not acceptable. They aren't some small shareware developer, they are one of the richest companies in the world.

[dheretic]

Add Microsoft's XBox division to that as well. The XBox hacks can very well spell real trouble for Microsoft. If I buy a XBox and turn it into a DivX player they just lost $100.

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[dheretic]

Why do you insist on trying to prove your points by going to windows-centric websites? That is as pointless as a Socialist pointing to the Communist Manifesto as a good list of reasons why Capitalism ain't all it's cracked up to be.

[MarshalNey]

Is there any other supplier that produces good software with Microsuck file compatability

Try a mainstream Linux distribution (RedHat, etc...) then run WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator) to run Windows in a window :) If windows crashes close the window and restart it. A newer alternative that is comming out is Lindows, a unix distribution that runs almost all windows software. I read about it on slashdot.

[rdb3]

You guys can't even make the mental leap from fear to hate.

Well, B2K, a true geek (read: true technology enthusiast) is most certainly not a shill.

[texson66]

Payback for the World Cup match with Korea???

[rdb3]

Linux and Mac and Solaris are just as buggy as Windows.

Well!

If that's the case, Linux must be ahead of the curve (using your logic, of course) since it started in the early '90s. When the MS start? When did Apple begin? Solaris (Sun)?

Again, if "Linux and Mac and Solaris are just as buggy as Windows," Linux wins. The way you frame it, there shouldn't even be a comparison!

[Bush2000]

The article references statistics posted on www.securityfocus.com. And nobody is calling them a shill for MS, either. Don't believe the article: Check out the numbers yourself.

[Bush2000]

Add Microsoft's XBox division to that as well. The XBox hacks can very well spell real trouble for Microsoft. If I buy a XBox and turn it into a DivX player they just lost $100.

I don't think you quite know what's involved to hack an XBox, dude. You have to remove the case and unsolder/solder components on the motherboard to get it to work. If you think that's a mainstream job for just about any user, you're kidding yourself. It's strictly a geek hobby thing.

[Bush2000]

No..... that is bad quality control. Distributing bad software is not too bad. Every company does it from time to time. Distributing a virus when you're as big as Microsoft is not acceptable. They aren't some small shareware developer, they are one of the richest companies in the world.

I agree that it is unacceptable. But you will have to admit: It didn't affect anyone; therefore, the practical damage is zero. You're crying over milk that was never spilled.