If a single technology could represent Microsoft's past preference for features over security, that technology would likely be ActiveX.
Microsoft introduced the scripting language as a way to create interactive Web site components. But while many Web sites use ActiveX components or controls for that purpose, more malicious sites could use ActiveX to run code on a visitor's computer.
For years, security experts have complained that Microsoft's introduction of ActiveX merely served to give online attackers another way to breach the security of computer systems. Microsoft added more security with its Authenticode digital signatures for the components, but online attackers have frequently been able to side step the ActiveX defense.
So Chairman Bill Gates has now relegated what had been Microsoft's "Java killer" to the role of a pop-up ad--an annoyance for security-minded people. The company announced that the coming Windows XP Service Pack 2, which is focused on security, will allow consumers to block both pop-up ads and ActiveX scripting.
http://news.com.com/2452-7355_3-5165412.html

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