It is another non-snowy morning. Surely Providence smiles down upon us!

I was checking out a couple of my favorite websites and came across this new virus warning. Once again, it seems as though MS Outlook (MSO) has been targeted for infiltration and attack, thanks to what seem to be gaping holes in its programming. It makes you wonder: If Outlook is so vulnerable, why do people continue using it? I think that it basically comes down to the convenience factor:

  • It’s packaged as part of the Windows® family of products.
  • There isn’t anything additional that one has to download to make it work.
  • It’s not terribly difficult to configure.

I’m sure that I could continue that list ad nauseam, ad infinitum… but I won’t.

To me, using MSO is also a little like using America Online (AOL). Before I start a backlash of “Why don’t you like AOL” replies, let me just say that AOL isn’t for me. I know a LOT of people who use it – and like it – but it’s just not my cup o’ tea. I use AOL Instant Messenger, because it makes it easy (easier ?) to communicate with my family and friends who use AOL. Is that hypocritical? I don’t think so, but I leave that one up for debate.

But I digress… My point was, if MSO is as vulnerable to attack as it seems to be, and with options like Netscape Communicator/Messenger (yeah, yeah, I know it’s not perfect either) or Eudora or any other email program on the market, why do they stick so fervently with MS Outlook?

Just a thought.

Peace.