Windows XP:  Stay The Hell Away From It!

Written by:  Dan Daily 

Hi Gang!

Many of you have asked for a column on Windows XP.  I've been preparing one for about a week now.  Trying to tell the pluses and minuses about it.  Well, the hell with it.  Scrap it!  No need!

Let's Go!

.

This Just In!

FBI Warns Microsoft Windows XP Users 
By TED BRIDIS
.c The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (Dec. 22) - Consumers and corporations using Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows XP software are being warned by the FBI 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. (the rest of the article is at the bottom)



Well, I'd Say That About Covers It.  

When was the last time you saw an FBI report on a Microsoft operating system?  Can you say Never?  Where are the journals on this?  Busy taking Microsoft ad dollars?  AOL ad dollars?  Is that where?  That's why you have me gang.  Yes, even at 3:00 am.

Just like AOL with AOL6, Microsoft was aware of this months before XP's release.  They said "Don't Worry About It!"  Now the FBI is worried about it.  What do these drugged out people think???  Do they think they can just put out garbage and it's OK?  I can just see all the lawsuits!  OMG!

The new Microsoft Passport?  Want your credit card information to be hacked?  Buy XP.  It was hacked in two weeks.  IE 6?  Full of security holes.  And an operating system that if it doesn't like changes you make to your computer will shut you down on purpose?  This damned thing won't even run when it wants to!  This is the CRAP Microsoft is selling you gang!  You're kidding right?

I would guess that's all that needs to be said...

New Computer come with XP?  DON'T BUY IT!  Tell Gateway/Compaq/HP, they have Microsoft to thank.

Why is it all the newest releases of major programs I can't recommend lately?  Why is this!!!!?  You can't save your address book to your hard drive in AOL7?  They want all your addresses?  What if they get mad at you?  What the HELL is going on here?  

And now this?  

You're going to wind up with more patches then software.  "Oh, that'll run fast..." 

Just forget it gang.

  Let It, and Any Company That Would Make it Go to Hell!  

Remember what Mr. Scott on Star Trek always says; "The more you overtake the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain."  Well they stopped up BIG drains this time gang!  Just ask Steve Gibson about it gang, and he's WAY to polite... I've been following this since the beginning.  I knew this would happen.  

Gibson Research  I've mentioned his site many times over the years.  That's PC Pitstop gang.  If you have his site check your computer, make sure you have defragged drives!  It puts your computer through the ringer gang.

Maybe it's high time for a new OS.  What was wrong with OS/2 by IBM?  It's dated, but it could make an excellent OS.  This code should be freeware if IBM isn't going to do anything with it.  Trust me gang, it could be great.  Anyone know anyone at IBM?  You guys could do it.

I hope this helps you on your road.  Your Road?

Yes, Your Road To Computer Sanity

                              Danny

The Article:  Continued

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...