More Flaws Found in Microsoft's Vista

After a nearly 4 1/2-year wait for its launch, Microsoft's Vista has some serious flaws. The update to the Windows' operating system has a few holes that potentially enable users to exand their privileges, and at least five other problems, including a mistake in Internet Explorer 7 software code which could infect computers if users visit trapped sites. Determina, a Silicone Valley computer security firm, followed up on an initial flaw discovered by a Russian programmer, and found other problems, including a bug that would allow an attacker to repeatedly disable a Microsft Exchange mail server just by sending a contaminated e-mail message. Microsoft had promoted Vista as its most secure product, and created the system as an answer to the increase in software attacks. Microsoft shares finished Friday down 34 cents at $29.64.

• Sources: New York Times, TheStreet.com, CNN Money.com
• Related commentary: At Least Microsoft Still Has Vista , Microsoft's Vista Has Been Released: What Happens Now?, Getting Ready to Pull the Trigger on a Microsoft Sale, Microsoft: Some Serious Question Marks. Conference call transcripts: Microsoft F1Q07
• Potentially impacted stocks and ETFs: Microsoft (MSFT). Competitors: Google (GOOG), International Business Machines (IBM), Oracle (ORCL), Apple (AAPL). ETFs: iShares Goldman Sachs Technology Index (IGM), iShares S&P Global Technology (IXN), NASDAQ 100 Trust Shares (QQQQ). Technology Select Sector SPDR (XLK), Vanguard Information Technology (VGT)

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