Re: Microsoft distributes free CDs in Japan to patch Windows

[Roland Perry <nanog () internetpolicyagency com>]

In article <3F4A10AF.7080903 () brightok net>, Jack Bates
<jbates () brightok net> writes
> Which is why Microsoft should issue a software equivelant of a recall. Systems 
> shouldn't be sold vulnerable without at least a patch CD.

Perhaps Windows could be delivered complete with a package whose
function was to firewall off everything except the update site (or maybe
employ some kind of VPN), and deny a more general Internet connection,
until sufficient updates had been downloaded?

The next step would be to find a secure way for Microsoft to turn that
firewall back on again remotely, if a sufficiently serious update was
required. (This could case havoc is misused, so some care would needed!)

Meanwhile, in the UK it's commonplace to buy monthly computer titles
with a CD (of useful shareware and demos) mounted on the cover. If these
don't already include the most recent Microsoft patches, perhaps they
should.
-- 
Roland Perry