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Microsoft to ditch Messenger Service in XP
The Messenger service in question is a data exchange mechanism for networked computers, which by the way, has nothing at all to do with the Microsoft's instant messaging service. Because of the recent security problems the service has caused, Microsoft, quite wisely I might add, have decided to program the next update for Windows XP, to turn off the service.
The next update, Windows XP Service Pack 2, is expected some time in the first half of 2004, and along with switching off the troublesome Messenger service, Microsoft have also made plans to make the Internet Connection Firewall, built into Windows XP, to be turned on by default, which at the moment it isn't.
[blockquote]The decision comes as other companies have attacked Microsoft for including a feature that home PC owners largely don't use and that has been the source of security problems. Network administrators worry that the vulnerability in Messenger could be exploited by an online vandal to create a fast-spreading worm similar to MSBlast or Slammer.
Last week, America Online revealed that it automatically turned off the feature for nearly 15 million of its customers. The drastic step was the latest move to quash the effects of the flaw for AOL, which first started filtering out Messenger data nearly a year ago.
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[link=http://news.com.com/2100-7355_3-5098603.html?tag=nefd_top]The full story[/link]
The next update, Windows XP Service Pack 2, is expected some time in the first half of 2004, and along with switching off the troublesome Messenger service, Microsoft have also made plans to make the Internet Connection Firewall, built into Windows XP, to be turned on by default, which at the moment it isn't.
[blockquote]The decision comes as other companies have attacked Microsoft for including a feature that home PC owners largely don't use and that has been the source of security problems. Network administrators worry that the vulnerability in Messenger could be exploited by an online vandal to create a fast-spreading worm similar to MSBlast or Slammer.
Last week, America Online revealed that it automatically turned off the feature for nearly 15 million of its customers. The drastic step was the latest move to quash the effects of the flaw for AOL, which first started filtering out Messenger data nearly a year ago.
[/blockquote]
[link=http://news.com.com/2100-7355_3-5098603.html?tag=nefd_top]The full story[/link]
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