[ossig] M$ Car

[CY <cyhoong@pc.jaring.my>]

Today's focus:  Microsoft warns of more sleepless nights ahead

By Linda Musthaler

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We've all heard the story about Bill Gates talking at Comdex a
few years ago about the progress that the computer industry has
made in the past two decades. Comparing the computer industry
with the automobile industry, Gates said, "If GM had kept up
with the technology like the computer industry has, we would all
be driving $25 cars that get 1,000 miles to the gallon."

And the story goes that GM came back with a good-humored
response claiming that if it built cars like Microsoft develops
technology, we'd all drive cars that crash twice a day for no
good reason, that force you to reinstall the engine from time to
time, and that had airbags that would ask "Are you sure?" before
deploying.

We can all crack a smile over that story, but what if you were
to receive a letter such as the following from a major
automobile manufacturer?

Dear Driver,

We are contacting you today to make you aware that we have
discovered three critical vulnerabilities in the engine of your
car. While there have not yet been any accidents proven to be
related to these vulnerabilities, there is the possibility that
your car could crash if the conditions are right. We strongly
encourage you to visit your dealership immediately to have your
engine checked for problems. What's more, we recommend that you
have a mechanic inspect your car daily to verify that your
engine is safe for use. In fact, you should subscribe to a
"mobile mechanic" service that would automatically send a
mechanic to your home to check your engine before you start your
car each day.

You should also protect your friends and neighbors by requiring
them to take these steps to inspect and protect their cars each
and every day. To make this easier, we have set up a new Web
site to assist drivers: roadhog.com/youarescrewed.

We encourage you to get your engine fixed right away. We thank
you for your patience, and we want to work with you to protect
you and your car from these kinds of safety problems.

Thank you,

Big Automotive Corporation


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