Spyware

[10ClarionSt]

We're always being told about malicious spyware being downloaded onto our computers from various companies.

If these companies can do it so easily, who's to say that government departments aren't doing it? E.g. the police, customs and excise, DSS, Inland Revenue etc.

They wouldn't do that would they? I think they would.

[Thunderchild]

oh don't worry Micro$oft already does that for them. didn't anyone tell you about how much control our dear M$ has ovver our computers ? you want to be 100 % safe ? use Linux but that is a different kkettle of fish there is not such a wide range of programs available and it is more difficult to use

[SteveSxx]

They all have the ability to - but so what - unless you have something to hide - I say Let them waste their time (and money) trawling through the endless dross that they will find on my PC)
I assume that you don't rely on MS firewall though
and follow the advice on www.grc.com

[Aquariel]

There's been a lot of talk about MS deliberately introducing new "features" via automatic updates that allow back-door access into anybody's PC, presumably because of some US law the requires the authorities to prevent "terrorism" etc.

You would think a company like MS could put together an operating system that didn't require critical updates every month or so.

With Vista it seems they are trying to cut out the 3rd party anti-virus/firewall products altogether - does anyone really want to trust MS completely with their PC's security???