Marrakech - On April 8, Microsoft ended its protection for XP. Users can migrate to Vista or Windows 7 or 8.1 if their computers can support the new systems. The BBC reported that some western governments had come to expensive deals with Microsoft to maintain their XP systems. Cash machines, for example, operate on a version of XP.
In Morocco, many operate on fake Microsoft licenses because they do not have access to foreign currency to pay for Microsoft license by credit card. Many government computers also function on XP using fake licenses, as do many ordinary online users in Morocco and across Africa. Microsoft must have calculated this move very carefully, but it means that many who cannot afford it may have to buy new PCs and new systems. While Microsoft’s plan makes sense from a commercial standpoint, this decision undermines Internet access and the ability to communicate, which Microsoft and other large Internet companies were sworn to protect.
At the moment, XP still works and Microsoft will continue to offer protection for those who have protection systems like AVG.
However, as Microsoft withdraws its XP support, a new bug has appeared called Heart Bleed. The United States Government says that this could be very serious and has advised people to change their passwords. There have already been many cases of email hijacking by a gang of fraudsters who send out letters asking for money to all of a user’s contacts. Makers of hardware and software have indicated that their products have been compromised.
The United States Homeland Security has warned that it could affect webmail, cloud storage, and banking. A German IT specialist bravely admitted that he had created this bug by accident and that the strange organic life of the web virus can threaten the world. All Internet users face security risks on the World Wide Web; many may be wondering if we are indeed entering a black hole from which it will be difficult to exit.
The control and policing of the World Wide Web has been a critical issue. Until now, the United States has guaranteed the freedom of the web, but it is questionable whether this arrangement can last. The world communications setup is becoming ever more threatening at a time when clarity of communications and thought is becoming even more vital.
Edited by Melissa Smyth
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