E-mail flaws make usually confident users feel uneasy

Article Abstract:

Recent discoveries of flaws in leading E-mail programs are prompting some casual computer users to re-evaluate their positions on PC software security. The problem can affect a wide range of computer uses, including tax returns and personal letters. A buffer overflow error in Microsoft's Express and Outlook 98, as well as Netscape Mail, was announced in Jul 1998. Senders can embed a program in an E-mail message header, which then can mislead the receiver's OS into running a malignant program when the message is opened. A separate flaw in Qualcomm's Eudora, discovered in early Aug 1998, allows senders to route receivers to an Internet location that operates rogue code. All three vendors are presenting or are planning to present free software to fix the bugs, and no damage from either flaw has been reported. Basic precautions such as downloading program patches and deploying antivirus software can help computer users protect their systems, according to security experts.

Product defect/failure, Product defects and recalls, Product quality, Electronic mail systems, E-mail, Email, Email software, QUALCOMM Inc., QCOM, Data security, Work group computing, Workgroup software, Workgroup computing, Groupware, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP, Data security issue, Product bug fix/bug patch/maintenance upgrade, Microsoft Outlook Express, Microsoft Outlook 98 (Workgroup software), Netscape Mail Server, Eudora

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Microsoft rebuffed in bid to exclude expert in antitrust case

Article Abstract:

Microsoft's request to remove Lawrence Lessig as Internet law expert in its antitrust case with the Justice Department was rejected by Federal Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson. The software giant argued that Lessig, whom Jackson appointed to investigate and recommend a resolution in the case, published articles and made private statements to indicate a 'clear bias' against Microsoft. Jackson sharply rebuked Microsoft, saying its 'trivial' and 'defamatory' accusations 'might well have incurred sanctions' had they been made under oath. Jackson also denied a Microsoft motion to suspend the proceedings before Lessig pending an appeal. Lessig, at Jackson's request, responded to Microsoft's complaint that he equated installation of its Internet Explorer browser to 'selling his soul, presumably equating Microsoft with the Devil.' Lessig said his message referred to a song by Jill Sobule, 'Sold My Soul,' and represented 'an anticipated tease in an E-mail between friends.'

Computer Software, Software Publishers, Company legal issue, Cases, Antitrust law, Antitrust Issue

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More geek, less chic: after a tryout at Microsoft, the hip gives way to the really useful

Article Abstract:

Microsoft is reshaping its new-media products to emulate traditional productivity software packages. Emphasis has shifted from art and entertainment in favor of services that enable users to improve customer information searches and purchases. This represents a reversal from originality, which Microsoft envisioned when it founded the Red West enclave in 1995. The main reason is that Microsoft's on-line programming and sophisticated literary products on MSN and the World Wide Web have failed to attract a sufficient audience. Only 2.3 million subscribers use Red West's on-line service, while America Online has 10 million customers. Microsoft lost up to $250 million on MSN in 1996, according to Montgomery Securities. Microsoft, which denied talks of selling the on-line service, is applying the practical approach throughout its media properties. Executives outline a future that stresses 'fun' in surfing for information and applying it to daily-life situations.

Telegraph & other communications, Electronic Publishing, All Other Publishers, Management, Internet services, Online information services, Company internet strategy, Online information service

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