Our business has essentially 2 offices. The shop-front, based in the Epicorp Building in Acton. And our back-office (where all the really hard work is done), at my home.
Our home computer is primarily used for managing the finances and ensuring that Agileware complies with all the various TAX, GST and other Government requests. Our home computer runs Windows 2000 Professional and some basic business applications. It does the job.
Whenever, I use this computer I always take the opportunity to check for any security updates for Windows - just as a matter of course and basic maintenance. I use the computer on a weekly basis and always download a collection of updates - without fail.
Ran the system update feature on Tuesday and noted that there were 3 critical updates available. No worries, I think - download and install. Reboot and she’ll be fine mate.
It’s now Thursday night and on our home computer again, I find no less than 4 critical security flaws are ready for download. So what? You may say, however each one of these notices as well as the others which were download on Tuesday stated:
Microsoft: “A security issue has been identified that could allow an attacker to compromise your [Microsoft software] and gain control over it.”
So that’s 7 (or more) “critical - attacker compromise” updates within one week. Should I be concerned?
As a consumer, it is troubling that my computer and more importantly that my data is at continual risk and requires continual maintenance by Microsoft. I certainly would not accept this type of issue & maintenance on my car (and I drive a Mitsubishi - so I’m OK with some risk link1 and link2). So why is it different for computer software?
Diverting slightly, working in the same office as a Mac user has really opened my eyes and challenged an established paradigm of acceptance for computer software failings. The Mac just works - no wonder Mac users are fanatical about their OS. Small wonder too that so many Linux developers are now using the Mac.

I think our next hardware upgrade will be Mac.
Update 16/10/2004: Slashdot.org had an interesting article on an interview with Bill Gates. “Question: Speaking of security, Internet Explorer has had well-publicized holes… Gates: Understand those are cases where you are downloading third-party software.”. This insightful comment from a Slashdotter was very highly rated.