OS makers: Security is job No. 1
Look beyond the bells and whistles, and make sure the security’s tough.
That’s the attitude of operating system makers, who aren’t just focusing on features such as snazzy graphics and better networking tools when revamping products. Now they’re also providing sturdier defenses.
The new generation of OSes includes improvements aimed at keeping data more safe. Microsoft, long the target of hackers’ efforts and resulting customer ire, has promised anti-spyware and other tools in the upcoming version of Windows, code-named Longhorn. And while they aren’t as aggressive about marketing their security efforts, Apple Computer and Linux-seller Novell recently released updates with an eye to stronger defenses.