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Well maybe you're not, but there are literally hundreds of millions of systems that are.

It is through their neglect that worms, viruses, and sometimes spam, proliferate -- sucking up valuable bandwidth, compromising security and destroying valuable data on a regular basis.

I refer of course, to those who run older and/or unpatched versions of software such as Windows, Outlook, Sendmail and other bits of code.

Although the people who write malevolent code to exploit the many flaws and security holes in older versions of software can't be excused, perhaps its time we also started apportioning some blame to those who can't be bothered maintaining their computer systems to an adequate standard.

If I'm not allowed to drive a car with worn brakes or any other safety defect that could place other road-users in jeopardy, why should I be allowed to use a PC that may well become a breeding ground for viruses or worms and a relay-point for spam?

Of course we all know that 90% of the time the problem isn't deliberate neglect but simple ignorance.

How is Middle-aged Mrs Smith supposed to know that her PC, loaded with an OEM version of Windows ME, needs a hundred and one patches to fix up all the holes it currently exhibits?

Microsoft decided to solve this problem with Windows XP but, as the enlightened know, sometimes those automated updates can cause a lot more problems than they solve. And how many people on dial-up connections have become so annoyed at the delays and impact on their websurfing this the automatic downloading of a large update produces, that they've disabled it anyway?

Perhaps ISPs could help?

Maybe, immediately after authentication, an ISP's computers could interrogate their clients' PCs to determine the version and revision of OS they're running -- sending a warning email if it's known to contain security holes.

Likewise, ISPs might want to spend more time promoting the installation of the many low-cost (or free) firewalls that help keep domestic PCs safe from external hacking attempts.

One could argue that it's not an ISP's job to do this -- but one could also argue that if they don't take a proactive stance then they can't complain when their data-links become saturated by customers' infected PCs spewing copies of viruses, worms and spam.

Maybe it's time to demand that PCs pass a "fitness" check before they're allowed to cruise the information superhighway?

If any Aardvark readers have an opinion on today's column or want to add something you're also invited to chip in and have your say in The Aardvark Forums or, if you prefer, you can contact me directly.

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