Microsoft: Firefox users in danger due to more frequent updates

Iria · Dec 1, 2007, 04:48 AM

Source: BetaNews
__________
The author of a controversial white paper comparing Firefox' security integrity with IE's has released an update, which now makes an even more contentious claim than the original.

Tipstaff · Dec 1, 2007, 06:18 AM

Fresh install of XP SP2, download a ton of updates to bring IE6 up to date, or a dozen after installing IE7. Plus they are all separate updates. Then, of course, let's not forget the other updates that work in tandem with the browser updates, so you have to download them too. Oh, and what if you are running Windows 2000, which a lot of business still do? Sorry, no IE7 for you.

BUT, download and install the latest Firefox, and it is up to date. AND it works on other OS'.

Hmm... tough choice.

Something that was not mentioned is that since IE is tied to the OS updater any updates for it are also auto updated, or at least mentioned to the user that an update exists for them. However, the same is true for Firefox. A point that Jeff Jones seems to have forgotten. By default it automatically updates to the newest version whenever the user fires it up on the net (which, btw, it just updated to 2.0.0.11 as I'm typing this), so it is always up to date unless the user turns that feature off, or doesn't have Internet access. How, exactly, is this a bad thing?

calidan · Dec 1, 2007, 06:27 AM

With that logic, that means Linux is more susceptible to security vulnerabilities as well.

I think it helps to have more updates and to continually develop your product versus just patching it here and there when vulnerabilities are found. Plus, that shows end users that you care about your product to continually make it better whether they paid for it or its free.

Dec 1, 2007, 04:48 AM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Microsoft: Firefox users in danger due to more frequent updates Source: BetaNews __________ The author of a controversial white paper comparing Firefox' security integrity with IE's has released an update, which now makes an even more contentious claim than the original.

Dec 1, 2007, 06:18 AM	#2
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	Fresh install of XP SP2, download a ton of updates to bring IE6 up to date, or a dozen after installing IE7. Plus they are all separate updates. Then, of course, let's not forget the other updates that work in tandem with the browser updates, so you have to download them too. Oh, and what if you are running Windows 2000, which a lot of business still do? Sorry, no IE7 for you. BUT, download and install the latest Firefox, and it is up to date. AND it works on other OS'. Hmm... tough choice. Something that was not mentioned is that since IE is tied to the OS updater any updates for it are also auto updated, or at least mentioned to the user that an update exists for them. However, the same is true for Firefox. A point that Jeff Jones seems to have forgotten. By default it automatically updates to the newest version whenever the user fires it up on the net (which, btw, it just updated to 2.0.0.11 as I'm typing this), so it is always up to date unless the user turns that feature off, or doesn't have Internet access. How, exactly, is this a bad thing? __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Dec 1, 2007, 06:27 AM	#3
calidan Frozen in Carbonite Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,409 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	With that logic, that means Linux is more susceptible to security vulnerabilities as well. I think it helps to have more updates and to continually develop your product versus just patching it here and there when vulnerabilities are found. Plus, that shows end users that you care about your product to continually make it better whether they paid for it or its free. __________________ Steam Community :: ID :: calidan "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead." - Jackie Chan