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Friday 13 February 2004
Microsoft code leaked on web
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The software company Microsoft has admitted some vital information about its computer systems has been leaked onto the internet. It says the source code for the Windows operating system is being illegally distributed. This report Duncan Bartlett: |
Listen to the story
Microsoft tries to keep the code for its Windows operating system a closely guarded secret. It's the equivalent of computer DNA and the firm fears if it falls into the wrong hands it could be used to infiltrate millions of computers worldwide. More than ninety percent of the world's PCs run Windows.
The code which has appeared on the web appears to be the basis of Windows 2000 and Windows NT. But massive programs such as Windows are complicated and difficult for all but the most sophisticated hackers to understand.
The other threat to Microsoft is that rival software firms could copy parts of the code and use it in similar programmes. Microsoft says it has contacted the law enforcement authorities to investigate how the data leaked out.
Earlier this week the company said that a critical flaw in the latest version of Windows could leave PCs vulnerable to hackers. It has urged home users and firms to download a free software repair patch from its website to fix the problem.
Duncan Bartlett, BBC
Listen to the words
code
a computer code is the statements written in a programming language that the computer later uses
computer DNA
the computer equivalent of human DNA which provides the blueprint of each individual
run Windows
use Windows to make their computers work
appears to be the basis of
seems to be the most important element of
massive programs
large and complex programs with thousand of lines of code
sophisticated hackers
people with an advanced knowledge of how to illegally gain access to information on other computers
rival software firms
competing companies selling computer programs
leaked out
became know to people outside Microsoft
vulnerable to hackers
open to attack from hackers
software repair patch
a piece of code you download to your computer to solve a problem
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