Insidious Microsoft Virus

- 2000.01.11

1/11/2K: Unbelievable. That's the only word that comes close to describing this dormant virus that Microsoft engineers have placed in every non-Windows Microsoft application since 1996.

The virus exists as several separate components strewn through the Microsoft application itself and its support programs, especially OLE.

Now that Microsoft has been ruled a virtual monopoly, our source feels this insidious plot needs to be revealed - the virus can be remotely activated by Microsoft any time the user visits the Microsoft site, MSNBC, or clicks on a "Best Viewed With Internet Explorer" button.

But the virus remains dormant until Microsoft activates it. Until then, there is absolutely no sign of a virus on your computer - the code fragments are so well strewn about, nobody has yet detected them.

Worst of all, Microsoft can target this on a platform specific basis. If they want to take down anything running a 68k version of Internet Explorer, they can do it. And the virus can be set on a timer, so it may not activate for hours, days, or even months after it was enabled.

The only indication that something might be wrong, and the thing that led our source on a detailed hunt of Microsoft code, was the fact the the Mac becomes increasingly unstable every time you add another Microsoft application.

Using just Internet Explorer or Word may make your Mac a bit flaky, but load the entire Office Suite along with IE and Outlook Express, and watch your Mac crash or lock up more than before.

This is the hidden cost of Apple's $150 million deal with Microsoft - by default, this secret virus code is installed on each and every Apple computer sold today.

Our source indicates this software-specific virus may even be embedded in Microsoft's free TrueType fonts for the Mac, not just applications. (Quark users note: Microsoft's OLE code is part of your package!)

The end result is that even if the virus hasn't been activated, Macs with Microsoft applications will act more and more like Windows computers as additional Microsoft code is run. They'll develop inexplicable crashes and lockups.

No blue screen of death yet, but that could be next.

Don't presume it's bad coding just because it bears the Microsoft label. Our source claims this is a very deliberate attempt on Microsoft's part to discredit the Mac OS.

Be very afraid.

- Anne Onymus

Join us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Recent Rumor Mills

Driver Cell Phone Ban Only the Beginning, 2011.12.14. The NTSB wants states to ban texting and talking on the phone while driving, but what about the other 90% of traffic fatalities?
Buffalo Mouse Runs with Rumor Mill Concept, 2010.08.24. We thought the idea of a clickwheel mouse was off the wall when we presented it in 2004, but Buffalo Japan just introduced its own clickwheel mouse.
Microsoft Announces Cash for Clunker PCs, 2009.07.29. Beleaguered Microsoft, with declines in profits and market share, is offering cash for old computers to boost sales of new PCs with Windows Vista installed.
More in the Rumor Mill index.

Links for the Day

Mac of the Day: Mac IIfx, introduced 1990.03.19. This 'wicked fast' 40 MHz Mac trumped the 33 MHz DOS world.
February 14 in LEM history: 98: A perfect compact Mac - 00: Extended computer warranties worth the cost? - Making your PC work with your Mac - 01: Customize Microsoft Word - 02: Quadra revives a passion for computing - 03: Real world performance - DIY Pismo screen replacement - Best Mac for writing - 03: Fastest browser on the Mac - 06: 15" MacBook Pro - Impressions of a newly acquired Lisa - Finding and using free WiFi - Apple should liberate OS 9 - 07: New Mac mini cheaper than upgrading a Power Mac - 08: Falling in love with OS X
Support Low End Mac

Recent Deals

About LEM Support Usage Privacy Contact

Low End Mac is an independent publication and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc. Entire Low End Mac website copyright ©1997-2012 by Cobweb Publishing, Inc. unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Macintosh, iPad iPhone, iMac, iPod, MacBook, MagSafe, Mac Pro, Apple TV, and AirPort are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks and are hereby acknowledged.
Advice is presented in good faith, but what works for one may not work for all. Please report errors to .
LINKS: We allow and encourage links to any public page as long as the linked page does not appear within a frame that prevents bookmarking it.
Email may be published at our discretion unless marked "not for publication"; email addresses will not be published without permission, and we will encrypt them in hopes of avoiding spammers. Letters may be edited for length, context, and to match house style.
PRIVACY: We don't collect personal information unless you explicitly provide it. For more details, see our Terms of Use.

Custom Search

Follow Low End Mac on Twitter
Join Low End Mac on Facebook

Low End Mac Reader Specials

TypeStyler 11 is now in the Mac App Store!! -- Special Introductory Price of $59.95!! -- To Buy From The Mac App Store Click Here Now!! Or buy direct from Strider Software.

Don't install Parallels to play poker online! Poker Mac will show you how to download and install a native Mac poker and Mac Casino applications in minutes.

Affiliates

Amazon.com
The Apple Store
The iTunes Store
PC Connection Express
GainSaver
Parallels Desktop for Mac
eBay