Slashdot Mirror
Why Microsoft Shouldn't Patch the XP Internet Explorer Flaw
Hugh Pickens DOT Com writes: "Sebastian Anthony argues that Microsoft is setting an awful precedent by caving and issuing a fix for Windows XP. 'Yes, tardy governments and IT administrators can breathe a little easier for a little bit longer,' writes Anthony, 'and yes, your mom and dad are yet again safe to use their old Windows XP beige box. But to what end? It's just delaying the inevitable.' Lance Ulanoff argues that Microsoft can't turn a blind eye the security of XP users, even though the company ended support for the 12-year-old operating system on April 8, a fact that Microsoft has been warning about for, literally, years. But this won't be the only vulnerability found in XP, says Dwight Silverman. 'If Microsoft makes an exception now, what about the flaw found after this one? And the next? And the one after that, ad infinitum?' Even though Microsoft has released a patch for the IE flaw, and Windows XP is included, it's time to move on – really. 'I don't want to hear that tired "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line. Hey, XP IS broke, and it will just get more so over time. Upgrade to a newer version of Windows, or switch to another modern operating system, such as OS X or Linux.'"
Thinks Microsoft's marketing agenda trumps internet security. Well, Microsoft needs more idiots on its side to help it rot faster.
When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
Where does the line end?
When they let go of the copyright.
“He’s not deformed, he’s just drunk!”
Where does the line end?
Either when Microsoft allows others to patch it or finally manages to make a product without so may faults that it needs constant repair.
It's been more than 10 years and Microsoft still has not managed to provide a working product.