Screaming Penguin - Source Does Matter

There is an interesting article in InfoWorld today about Windows and viruses. See: Java maven says Windows is uniquely virus susceptibleResponding to critique from Java evangelist James Gosling, Microsoft's Jim Allchin suggests businesses put in "process restraints on getting code." He contends that this is a better solution than changing the technology of the underlying operating system to enhance security. From his perspective, I am sure it is. After all, the security model lies at the core of an operating system, and changing that fundamental a portion of Windows 9x and NT would involve considerable expense. This would mean raising prices, which might lead to a drop in market share.In a bit of sweet irony, Allchin says, "It's the movement of code that opens you up to this issue." This from the company that gave the world Word and Excel macros, VBA, and a way for programs in documents to propogate themselves via MAPI, Outlook, and Exchange. Perhaps, Mr. Allchin should re-examine his position... After all, a savvy IT manager could take this as a recommendation that folks turn to POP3 or IMAP4 and Netscape Messenger (or other non-Microsoft mail technologies).