Outlook and OE (was, re: responding to virus question)

[Kathryn Frech <lib@STNY.RR.COM>]

On 29 Nov 01, at 19:22, Anna Russell <Alibrarian@AOL.COM>
wrote:

> What are Outlook and Outlook Express ? Sorry I have never heard of
> these.

Outlook and OE are the two very widely-used email programs.
They are Microsoft products that has been packaged with
Windows and Internet Explorer software for several years.
(Outlook is the higher-powered "business" version of the
program.)

Since it's packaged with other MS products, many people
use Outlook or OE rather than seeking out anther email
client. (Though there are some excellent free and low-cost
ones available.) This is a problem because the programs
are very prone to security loopholes and have had many
_many email viruses (worms) targeted at them. And while
MS does issue security bulletins and updates when new
security problems are found, most users neither
subscribe to MS security bulletins nor regularly install
the needed updates and tweaks needed to reduce the
problems.

So there are a lot of security problems with the programs,
and a *lot* of viruses/worms which use Outlook/OE to
spread themselves.


--
Kathryn Frech, Librarian
Seton Catholic Central H.S.
Binghamton, NY  USA
http://www.tier.net/scclibrary
email: lib@stny.rr.com

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST, etc.) send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu   In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml
 See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
    http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=