Now that the Internet Explorer browser ships as part of the Windows 95bundle, Microsoft Corp has deemed it necessary to add a cautionary addendum to the operating system license. The following additional terms apply to Microsoft Internet Explorer, it says, in bold capital letters. The software may contain support for programs written in Java. Java technology is not fault tolerant and is not designed, manufactured or intended for use or resale as online control equipment in hazardous environments requiring fail-safe performance, such as the operation of nuclear facilities, aircraft navigation or communications systems, air traffic control, direct life support machines, or weapons systems, in which the failure of Java technology could lead directly to death, personal injury, or sever physical or environmental damage. We can only hope that the addition is a ploy by Microsoft to give people the Java jitters. At the very least we sincerely hope that this warning is not the only thing restraining the power industry from throwing together a few applets to control their nuclear facilities.
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