[wplug] Fwd: [PittJUG]: [Fwd: Why XP Should Give Java Developers the Jitters]

[Luquilla Hughes]

FYI, The latest info from the Java community;

JAVA Community User Group Alert -
Why XP Should Give Java Developers the Jitters

Subject:
Alert - XP Security Settings Could Disable Java Applets in Web Browsers and
Email

From:
People for Open, Safe and Secure Internet and Email (POSSIE)

Date:
July 18, 2001


Have you seen today's Wall Street Journal article regarding Java, "Microsoft
Pulls Back Support for Java, Dealing New Blow to Rival Technology"?

Unpublicized changes to security settings and their definitions in the 
current
beta of Windows XP could deny millions of users email and web browser access 
to
Internet content enabled through Java applets.

In XP, the default security settings in Outlook and Outlook Express will
automatically block Java applets in user inboxes.

In addition, XP's security definition changes will block Java applets in
browsers when administrators opt for high security settings.  Previously, 
Java
was not blocked in high security mode - a setting routinely used by IT
administrators to protect corporate networks.

Because Java applets are generally considered to be safe, POSSIE asserts 
this
move is unwarranted and unfair.

POSSIE also asserts that the livelihoods of some of the world's most 
innovative
software developers will be hurt if Microsoft maintains its current plans to
wrongly categorize Java as a security risk in Windows XP.  If XP's security
settings that wrongly categorize Java continue, the real risk will be to
innovation and open competition.


THE FACTS

- To date, no Java applet has been linked to a large-scale virus outbreak 
via
email or on the web.

- Java applets are generally considered to be secure, since they execute in 
the
sandbox.

- This measure will limit Outlook email to basic text and graphics.

- If browser default settings are changed to high security, users will be 
unable
to view common web page components created with Java - from stock and sports
tickers to electronic forms and animation.

- Microsoft is not placing restrictions on sending Word, Excel and other
Microsoft Office files as email attachments.  A prevalent security risk with
Word and Excel files is that they are used to transmit viruses through 
embedded
macros.


HOW YOU CAN HELP

POSSIE urges members of the Java community to act now.  Alert everyone you 
know
in the Java community.  Make phone calls, talk to co-workers and contact 
your
Congressional representatives.  Most of all, let Microsoft know you think 
the
disabling of Java applets in XP is unnecessary and unfair.

Send an email to the corporate office of Microsoft by going to 
www.microsoft.com
and clicking on "Contact Us."

For more information, visit www.POSSIE.org or call (678) 477-1161.


_________________________________________________________________
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