by Beverly Rosenbaum
From: Elaine Williamson joyjoy@hal-pc.org
Subject: E-Mail Bag
My default browser is Netscape but I have recently installed a new open source browser also from Netscape called Mozilla. This browser is very reliable and easy to use. Is there a chance Hal-pc will begin allowing people to connect using Mozilla? If you want to find out more, the URL is www.mozilla.org. You may use my name and address if you want.
Editor: I tested the new Mozilla browser myself recently, and found it to be much less resource-hungry than either Internet Explorer or Netscape. At installation, it imported my Netscape bookmarks automatically, and I found the included cookie manager invaluable. I checked with HALNet tech support, and they confirmed for me that anyone may use any browser they want with HALNet. The problem is not that “it won’t work” but rather the lack of support from the volunteers on a wider range of browsers. There are many different browsers, e-mail programs, and even newsreaders. But current members of the volunteer staff are familiar with only Internet Explorer and Netscape (4.xx series). If someone wants to use Netscape 6.x or Mozilla or Opera, it would be fine, but the MEMBER should know how to use and setup those programs on their own. Otherwise they may have a hard time finding a volunteer who could help them. On the other hand, this would be an ideal opportunity to expand our support, if you or other members can provide some assistance for additional programs. That would be a most welcome addition to our volunteer support group.
Executive E-Mail
From: Bill Gates
<3_34049_29E72DBB-059B-D011-A46D-0000F8600A96_US@chairman.microsoft.com>
Subject: Trustworthy Computing
Editor’s Note: recently Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates sent out a 2,000-word message. The following is only an excerpt, but you can read it in its entirety at www.microsoft.com/mscorp/ execmail/2002/07-18twc.asp. The Microsoft White Paper on Trustworthy Computing is available at www.microsoft.com/PressPass/exec/craig/05-01trustworthywp.asp, or you can visit www.microsoft.com/ billgates/ to read more of his thoughts. You are invited to register to receive future executive e-mails. (Read on.)
I’m writing to you, as a reader of one of Microsoft’s customer newsletters, about an issue of particular importance to those of us who routinely use computers in our work and personal lives - making computing more trustworthy. Trustworthy Computing involves a lot of things - reliability, security, privacy and business integrity.
Before I share my thoughts about this in more detail, I want to give you some context on why I am sending this email. This is the first in an occasional series of mails that CEO Steve Ballmer and I, and periodically other Microsoft executives, will be sending to people who are interested in hearing from us about technology and public-policy issues that we believe are important to computer users, our industry and everyone who cares about the future of high technology. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that Microsoft is more open about communicating who we are and what we are doing.
As I mentioned at the outset, you are receiving this email as a recipient of a Microsoft newsletter. If you would like to hear from me, Steve and periodically from other Microsoft executives in the future, please go to register.microsoft.com/subscription/subscribeMe.asp?lcid=1033&id=155. We will not send you another executive email unless you choose to subscribe at the link above.
THE TRUSTWORTHY COMPUTING FRAMEWORK
Trustworthy Computing has four pillars: reliability, security, privacy and business integrity. “Reliability” means that a computer system is dependable, is available when needed, and performs as expected and at appropriate levels. “Security” means that a system is resilient to attack, and that the confidentiality, integrity and availability of both the system and its data are protected. “Privacy” means that individuals have the ability to control data about themselves and that those using such data faithfully adhere to fair information principles. “Business Integrity” is about companies in our industry being responsible to customers and helping them find appropriate solutions for their business issues, addressing problems with products or services, and being open in interactions with customers.
Creating a Trustworthy Computing environment requires several steps:
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We are doing everything we can at Microsoft to make software as trustworthy as possible. By building awareness, through collaborative work and with a long-term commitment, I am confident we can and will create a truly Trustworthy Computing environment.
Bill Gates
We look forward to hearing from you! Send your questions or comments for this column to brosen@hal-pc.org, putting “E-mail Bag” in the body of the message. Names and addresses are printed only with permission, so please include your preference.
E-mail me at webmaster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.
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Last modified: 2002:10:10