I am not sure if anyone has seen this but there is a huge security flaw in windows XP that could potentially lead to system compromise. Installing the service pack to XP plugs the hole or you can make the changes suggested here. This is a very big deal and should be addressed immediately by anyone running WinXP.
I have written in the past about my preferences for Linux; however, I find moments like this interesting. I am not a Microsoft basher by any means, but clearly feel frustrated by the bugs/flaws in MS’s stuff. Why is it new security flaws are found in their software all the time? You rarely hear about similar bugs in Linux. This could mean one of two things:
1. Linux has fewer security bugs.
2. Linux has just as many security bugs but the information is never publicized.
I am not sure which is right, but in all my time with Linux, I have never seen an app or the OS exhibit such a security breach as MS’ do from time to time. I think that it is the open source nature of Linux that enables hackers and developers alike to test the code long before it is finalized and released. That’s the problem with the MS Apps and OSes; they are so so huge in size and developed in such enclosed environments that it is virtually impossible to fully test them. This is understandable, but is also frustrating since it leaves many of us at tremendous risk especially since many people don’t bother to apply updates and patches to their systems.
MS really needs to address this issue; however, it is not entirely clear to how. In the mean time, be sure to check windows update frequently and install every patch ASAP.