Risks Debated at Microsoft Trial

A government expert testified at Microsoft Corp.’s antitrust trial Thursday that the company’s design of Windows 98 had the potential for security risks.

The issue revolved around Microsoft’s built-in Web browser, which cannot be removed, although some corporate customers would like to do so.

“Are there any security issues involved in the choice of a browser or whether to get a browser at all?” U.S. District Judge Thomas Jackson asked professor Edward Felten, who heads the Secure Internet Programming Laboratory at Princeton University. “Doesn’t the browser increase the risk of penetration by a virus?”

Felten, a prominent expert on Internet security issues, said that was indeed a problem, especially in industry.

Microsoft, facing charges that it illegally used a monopoly in computer operating systems to dominate the market for software to browse the Web, has argued that a browser integrated into the operating system offers advantages to consumers. The government claims Microsoft integrated the browser mainly to crush Netscape Communications Corp., which sells a competing browser.

“If you’re a corporate system administrator concerned that inexperienced users might accidentally download a virus, you might well choose not to have a browser in order to prevent that means of spreading a virus,” Felten said.

At present, all Microsoft Windows operating systems come with a built-in browser.

Earlier in the trial, the government introduced testimony from Scott Vesey of Boeing Co., who said his firm wanted to purchase a recent version of Windows without a browser but was unable to do so.

Jackson wanted to know more broadly if there is anything else that can be done to protect computers. “Is there any way of absolutely assuring security?” the judge asked.

“There is no way,” Felten said. “There is no foolproof security device.”

On cross-examination, Microsoft’s Steve Holley asked Felten if it is true that there is no security problem if a computer is not connected to the Internet. Felten agreed.

The Justice Department and 19 states allege that Microsoft has abused monopoly power it holds in the Windows operating system.

The trial continues Monday when Microsoft calls America Online Inc.’s David Colburn as a witness. Microsoft said it will challenge the credibility of Colburn, who testified earlier for the government.