|
Bill Gates: Priority for Software Security
by Arie Slob
Hello Windows users,
In an email to the 40,000 Microsoft employees, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates announced that the security of Microsoft products should be considered a top priority.
The email made its way to the Associated Press, and has been widely published in various news media this past week.
Microsoft has announced on more than one occasion that it would pay more attention to the security of its products, but results haven't been all too apparent.
But from reading this email it seems that the company really want to make serious work of securing their software.
The email not only contains phrases such as "When we face a choice between adding features and resolving security issues, we need to choose security," but also more clear text such as "We have done a great job of having teams work around the clock to deliver security fixes for any problems that arise. Our responsiveness has been unmatched -- but as an industry leader we can and must do better. Our new design approaches need to dramatically reduce the number of such issues that come up in the software that Microsoft, its partners and its customers create. We need to make it automatic for customers to get the benefits of these fixes. Eventually, our software should be so fundamentally secure that customers never even worry about it."
Paul Thurrott writes: "Interestingly, employee compensation and bonuses will now be tied to how secure products are, probably the clearest sign that Gates is serious about the new plan" ...it would be, but I have no information confirming this.
Like many others, I would say that it's about time that Microsoft start taking security more serious. I will also say that it will probably take a long time before all of Microsoft products will be 'more' secure (I also don't think that 100% security will be possible). Microsoft's new operating systems consist of millions of lines coding, over 30 million of Windows 2000 & XP if I remember correctly, so debugging them will be a monumental task. Just as well that Windows 95 is no longer supported, and that Windows 98/98 SE and NT 4.x will "retire" by next June year (source).
Rose City Software
|
|
"I just installed TweakMASTER... the difference is AMAZING. I use DSL as well as modem (just to see the difference with both) I love THIS, No problems what so ever. AOL surfing is a lot more fun now. I feel like I got a whole new computer. I have installed it on 2 systems so far and I am
tickled pink. I have two more computers to install it on. I am using AOL 5.0. Thank you for allowing me to test this, I think I fell in love with it."
-- Naomi Alvarado, USA
|
Recent Support BBS Postings
What is YOUR favorite piece of software?? - General Discussions
Stop Netscape 6 from sending info to Alexa Netscape Navigator
Welcome to the Security/Virus Forum (Resources) - Security/Virus
IBM Deskstar Drives - Hardware
Service Profile Damaged - Windows 98
Free Software! - Quicken 2000 Deluxe
|
Why Do Over 10,999,999 People Like You Trust Quicken with their Money?
Take control of your finances quickly and easily. Balance your checkbook, create a budget, track spending, savings, and investments, and schedule payment reminders. Plus, organize all your tax information and prepare to file your taxes. Plan for future spending such as college or retirement. Video tutorials make it easy & fun! Quicken! It's easiest way to organize your finances! For Windows.
We are giving this great product away for FREE! Limited Quantities. Order Now!
|
Web Site Updates
These pages were added/updated in the past 2 weeks. Information on previously updated/added pages is available on the What's New? page for 1 month.
InfiniSource.com
Added: Intel & AMD Launch Their Fastest CPU Processors
Added: Market Watchers Fear Memory Prices On The Rise
Windows-Help.NET
Added: Bill Gates: Priority for Software Security
|
Highlights
Intel & AMD Launch Their Fastest CPU Processors
Based upon completely new architectures, Intel & AMD promise better performance than ever.
Read Full Article
Market Watchers Fear Memory Prices On The Rise
If you haven't packed your system with memory yet, don't wait too long!
Read Full Article
How to Use System Files to Create a Boot Disk to Guard Against Being Unable to Start Windows XP
This Microsoft Knowledge Base article describes how to guard against a situation when it is not possible to start Windows or any other operating system on your computer. This situation can occur when Windows is installed on a computer that has an Intel x86-based processor and the boot record for the active partition or files that are required to start Windows becomes corrupted.
Read Full Article
GeekVillage.com
If you are running your own Web site, or Web-based business, you should definitely visit GeekVillage.com!
Tell a friend about this Newsletter!
Need Help with Windows? Ask questions here!
FREE E-mail address!
FREE Software!
Web Site
Windows-Help.NET
Support BBS
Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows Me
Windows 2000
Windows XP
InfiniSource.com
IRC Info
'Net Humor
Search Engines
Shareware Links
Software Store
TechFiles Index
Web Design
Rose City Software
RCS Summaries
Be a Beta tester
List With Us
Subscribe Free
|
19 Jan. 2002, Vol 5 No. 3
