Another interesting side-effect of Microsoft's persistent attempts to suppress innovation and integrate Internet Explorer into the operating system: a cumbersome update system. The Firefox web browser, like many other non-Microsoft programs, incorporates an independent update system and performs updates whenever one becomes available; Microsoft's Internet Explorer web browser uses Microsoft Update and Windows Update systems, which are much more "intimidating." As a result, many uses refuse to update their systems. (On a personal note, when I wrote my book, I didn't accept any updates from Microsoft until the final text was in the hands of the publisher; I'd heard too many horror stories of botched Windows updates and lost data.)
I'll hazard a guess that part of the reason Internet Explorer is never released independently stems from Internet Explorer's tight integration into the Windows operating system.
The article cites a study that shows 637 million unpatched, vulnerable copies of Internet Explorer remain in use today, each one of which is an open invitation to viruses and identity theft. Remarkable. And to think that lead paint manufacturers can be sued for creating a public nuisance, while Microsoft continues to enable the flood of spam and viruses yet escapes liability.
Topics: · business · internet · microsoft
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