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Sebastian Anthony writes that Microsoft is setting an awful precedent by caving and issuing a fix for Windows XP. "Yes, tardy governments and IT administrators can breathe a little easier for a little bit longer," writes Anthony, "and yes, your mom and dad are yet again safe to use their old Windows XP beige box. But to what end? It's just delaying the inevitable." This won't be the only vulnerability found in XP adds Dwight Silverman. "If Microsoft makes an exception now, what about the flaw found after this one? And the next? And the one after that, ad infinitum?" Even though Microsoft has released a patch for the IE flaw, and Windows XP is included, it's time to move on really. "I don't want to hear that tired "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" line. Hey, XP IS broke, and it will just get more so over time. Upgrade to a newer version of Windows, or switch to another modern operating system, such as OS X or Linux."
(Score: 2) by mcgrew on Sunday May 04 2014, @02:08PM
I don't. Brand new computers were sold with XP preinstalled just seven years ago. Chevy is recalling ten year old and older cars for safety defects. Bugs in code are defects and security flaws that arise from XP's buggy code endangers the internet.
The hardware should NEVER outlast the operating system. When only a small number of computers on the internet are running XP, then they can drop support, but a minute earlier is incredibly irresponsible, as irresponsible as Ford was to not fix Pinto gas tanks and Chevy not fixing the ignition switch.
I can no more expect an auto mechanic to be able to secure a computer than I can expect you to be able to change a crankshaft. It's the software developer's responsibility to ensure that his code is safe.
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