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In a msg of , Bill Christensen writes to Steve 
Mccrystal:
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Bill,
 BC> Could you talk your programmer friend into sending me a
 BC> "rogue" applet?  The source code would be nice.  I have
 BC> little experience in Java code, so could he comment it as
 BC> well?  I will take my chances on blowing out my system.
I'll ask, altho I doubt he'll have one.  Mind you, I didn't claim (nor did 
he) that he was writing destructive code, only that he assures me that it is 
quite possible, and being done. The fellow hasn't steered me wrong yet!
 SM>> Not in this lifetime - or at least not as long as
 SM> someone can write Java applets that run on *my* machine.
 BC> I put more faith in having a "rogue" Java applet being
 BC> stopped dead in it's tracks than  a virus checker finding
 BC> the latest virus that is embedded in an application.  At
 BC> least JavaSoft has a  chance at making applets secure but
 BC> the application programmer cannot make his application secure.
Let me see if I can clarify *my* position here a bit - I don't want someone 
writing code (any code, regardless of what it does) that runs on my machine 
unless I specifically launch it by entering the filename from the command 
line or clicking on the associated icon.
I don't like the idea that posting to a *technical* newsgroup, using my real 
name/email address, subjects me to email from everyone in the world who has 
something to sell, and I like even less the fact that accessing someone's web 
site opens me up to having them store turds on my machine, or run applets ON 
MY MACHINE without my knowledge. I don't care what they do, I don't want them 
running on my machine!
FWIW, I very rarely agree with someone elses' assessment of what is WaY 
KeWeL! I find it extremely objectionable that they would try to force it on 
me, or that a browser (or whatever) would allow it. Rest assured that I will 
disallow it as long as I have the option.  Should NS/2 at some point remove 
the option, I will remove NS/2 from my system in a heartbeat!  If, in the 
future, the only way to prevent such foolishness is to remove Java entirely, 
I will not hesitate to do that as well.
OTOH, as an American, you have every right to run your system as you see fit. 
 I reserve the same right for myself, and to make others aware of what may 
have to deal with.
-[Steve]-
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