Microsoft is planning to update its Windows platforms so that their
AutoRun features – one of the
preferred vectors for spreading the infectious
Conficker worm – does not support USB sticks, the company
announced Tuesday. In the next version of the operating system, Windows 7, AutoRun – a technology that automatically runs programs when media is plugged into a PC – only will work for CDs and DVDs. Engineers plan to extend this change to Vista and XP platforms. — DK