SM> Remember the flap over the allegation that when one
SM> signed up for MSN, the  software sent Microsoft a listing
SM> of all the software on  the user's machine?  Quite
SM> possible with Java!  Now,  suppose they decided to compare
SM> that list with a  registration database, and the next time
SM> you log on it  would delete a couple of files for any MS
SM> application for  which the user was not registered! I'm
SM> NOT accusing them of  doing this, but it's also quite
SM> possible using a Java  applet. If you want to see
SM> firsthand the ammount of  background activity that can
SM> take place, use something like  Internet Explorer and
SM> Cookie Crusher to browse the  Microsoft site for 1 half
SM> hour or so.  Cookie Crusher will  beep and display its'
SM> dialog box with almost every mouse  click! 
A Java applet, that lands on your machine, does NOT have the
ability to read your disk drive, let alone write to your
drive.  A bug free Java Virtual Machine, running on your
machine, will not allow the downloaded applet code to do any
reading or writing to your drive(s).    I think you are
mistaking a Java applet with an ActiveX component.  A
malicious ActiveX component can take over your machine.  But
so far ActiveX components can only run on Windows machines
running IE.    The fact that a browser will allow cookies to
be deposited on your drive is due to the browser and has
nothing to do with any Java applet that was/ or is  running on
your browser.     
 So lighten up and let those applets in.  8-). TTFN Bill Internet
address wchriste@sk.sympatico.ca
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 X KWQ/2 1.2i X I AM serious. And stop calling me Shirley.
--- Maximus/2 2.02
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