For the first time, BB feels sorry for Windows users (normally, we figure they get what they deserve). They’re trying to make headway against a whole battery of M$ bugs, bad patches, IE holes, Outlook holes, RPC holes, viruses, trojans and worms and then they start receiving spam emails like this:

From: “Microsoft Corporation Technical Assistance”

MS User

this is the latest version of security update, the
“September 2003, Cumulative Patch” update which fixes
all known security vulnerabilities affecting
MS Internet Explorer, MS Outlook and MS Outlook Express
as well as three newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Install now to maintain the security of your computer
from these vulnerabilities, the most serious of which could
allow an attacker to run executable on your computer.

The payload is, of course, the latest Outlook worm, Swen-A. You can guess the rest (if not, refer to any Windows advisory from the past five years).

The world is truly a cruel place for Windows users. Traditionally, that kind of statement applies to people running on non-Windows platforms. Windows after all gets all the latest drivers, firmware updates, software support and compatibility ratings. But in fact, practically everyone is out to get you, either through your wallet (Norton Antivirus, anyone? Office upgrade?) or through your connection. And even the stuff that purports to help you actually harms you (Outlook Express, anyone?).

Jeez, it’s a tough life. (What? You were expecting us to make a point? Not really, we’re just enjoying a laugh at the expense of an underclass.) Anyway, back to the shell prompt…