Security Flaws Afflict New Microsoft Operating System

Computer security experts are saying Microsoft's newly released computer operating system, Windows Vista, contains potentially serious flaws.

According to a New York Times report, the alleged flaws follow Microsoft's many attempts to improve security in Windows Vista, which was redesigned to lessen users' exposure to destructive programs from the Internet. The program, which replaces Windows XP, is currently available only for businesses but will be offered to consumers next month.

The reported vulnerabilities aren't good news for Microsoft, which said Vista would make computers more secure, powerful and graphically dynamic, especially when combined with other products Microsoft is releasing simultaneously.

Among the concerns cited in the report is a Russian programmer's description of a flaw that allows users to maximize privileges in Vista and all of Microsoft's recent operating systems.

Meanwhile, Determina, a Redwood City, Calif.-based computer-security firm, said it found a serious error in the software code underlying Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser version 7, the Times said.

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Microsoft officials say the flaws are under investigation.