That approach has proven less than successful in preventing teen pregnancy, but Microsoft is hoping teen sexuality and email viruses have little to nothing in common. These hopes stem from the company' s newest attempt at remedying security flaws in its Outlook email program. An array of file types including program execution files, batch files, Windows help files, Java, and Visual Basic scripting files will all be blocked, along with photo CD images, screensavers, and HTML application files. Microsoft says the new security feature is an attempt to protect its customers from possibly harmful viruses. With all the damage that was done worldwide to organizations and individuals, we felt we needed to do our part to stop the spreading of these viruses.
Some experts see the move as a quick fix though, lacking long-term applications.
Whether delivered via attachments or other means, viruses are of major concern to individual email users and companies alike. As many as 1 in 400 emails contains a virus, says MessageLabs , a virus watchdog. Considering those numbers, Erbschloe says, Microsoft's approach to security issues has been disappointing. They build their programs as if we don't live in a wired world. I'm not an anti-Microsoft guy, but when you see a product with so many weaknesses you try to find an alternative.