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Wired article, Microsoft Blows It Again [wired.com]
Microsoft acknowledged a critical vulnerability in nearly all versions of its flagship Windows operating system software. The disclosure was unusually embarrassing for Microsoft because it demonstrated a serious flaw in the company's powerful new computer server software, billed as its safest ever.
In the same story...
Cisco has flaws, too:
Cisco Systems said it has warned customers of a software flaw that could allow attackers to stop the flow of data through its routers.
And, in a not unrelated story (;)) on ComputerWorld...
Homeland Security Department to buy Microsoft software [computerworld.com]
PS - Turn on your pop-up blockers before clicking the Wired link....
The hotly debated TCO of one platform versus another of course could point either way (depending on which camp you are in) so it's not like the government made a bad decision. However, if they *don't* patch their systems in a routine, timely fashion, then they bought the wrong platform, as far as I know, Linux requires less frequent patching. ;) Plus it's easier to automate the updates.