Microsoft Releases Desktop Search

[arsenal]

MS Beta

Basically the same thing as google, but from microsoft.

Also a ZDNet Australia article about the security risks that these desktop searches pose: ZDNet


Foad Fadaghi, senior industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan Australia, said that most viruses are designed to harvest e-mail addresses and other personal information from an infected system. He warns that, because desktop search tools can index and categorise that information, virus writers are likely to start exploiting the technology.

"Desktop search products are very efficient at harvesting data, so it wouldn't be surprising if exploits are sought by malicious coders. Any software that can index and capture data on a users PC will be subject to virus and Trojan exploits. It is just a matter of time," said Fadaghi.

[Mr. Ski]

So let me ask the question... is there any money in writing viruses or is it simply disaffected programing geniuses out for a few kicks? "Let's cost the system millions, and ruin everone else's experience!" Fun...

I swear, between viruses, pop-ups and spam there are days I don't even feel like turning my computer on sometimes. :angry:

[arsenal]

With Virus's, it is more of an underground branging rights thing. Alot of the viruses out right now, are just varients of MyDoom and Sassar.

With Spam and Adware and that kind of stuff, yes there is alot of money to be made. I remember reading something in the news paper about guy from calgary that was a spammer. He was making a 6 figure salary, just sending out spam.

If you follow the "best practices", you should be ok.
Those include:
Use a firewall, both a hardware (if possible) and software. Hardware firewall is easy as using a router. Windows XP SP 2 comes with a fairly decent software firewall.
Use Anti-virus
Use a pop-up blocker. Google bar is pretty good, or use a different browser like Opera or Firefox.

And you should be good to go.