When an MSN user sends a binary file as part of an e-mail message, it appears as an icon on the recipient's screen. To download without executing the file, the recipient must click with the little-used button on the right of the mouse. The analogy I like to use is the Unabomber. If you get a package in the mail that's wrapped in duct tape and brown paper, you'd regard it as suspic- icious. But if it's a plain white envelope with Ed McMahon's picture on it, you wouldn't think twice about opening it.
People have to be aware of what the source of information is.
Say I read on some newsgroup about a nifty Mac net toy. The MSN email security hole cited above is worse. Sending email anonymously is easy. You've been hyped enough, so we won't slap you around with any more snappy lines, witty asides, or caustic remarks. Here are the crucial sites.