Microsoft has announced a proactive stance with regard to Y2K viruses. There has been speculation that a large number of year 2000 viruses will be unleashed on the Internet at the turn of the year. Microsoft is working with nine vendors of anti-virus products to provide free downloads and anti-virus updates to users of Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, and other products through the transition to 2000. The free downloads are available through December 31, 1999 at www.microsoft.com/y2k.
Unfortunately, Microsoft's concern about viruses does not extend to Hotmail. Recent tests reported in the October 25, 1999 issue of Information Week, identified 56 viruses running around the Hotmail system- despite Microsoft's assurances that all is well. It appears that a provider of free e-mail cannot justify spending money on virus scanning and anti-virus efforts.
