At long last, BitWise 1.0.4 is available to download from the download page. I'm sure that many users will be seeing the new web site for the first time when they go to download the new version. :) Now it's time for me to take a breather after a new web site and new client in the same week.
In other news, it seems that my previous post may not be accurate inasmuch that the list of blocked file types may be overly zealous. A long-time BitWise user has pointed to an alternative list of extensions that doesn't include the really benign types like .txt files, especially since some of the workarounds given on various forums is to rename a file to readme.txt and then have the other user rename it. Unfortunately, no one has found a Microsoft-provided list, so it's not really known what exactly is on the list. However, if people just rename files to get them around the filters, then the filters aren't very effective, are they?
Ahh, but I think the main issue with the extensions that were blocked was to prevent ignorant users from simply executing the file, and risking some sort of viral infection. If the file is sent as a .txt, it cannot be executed until it is renamed back to its proper extension - so I think this does serve a rather good purpose.
But, what's to keep a worm from simply telling the ignorant user to rename and run the file? I'm sure someone could make it sound pretty convincing...
I think that newbies wouldn't know how to change the extension of the file. By default Windows hides the extensions of files, anyone who is wise enough to view extensions, is wise enough not to run such files.
I know it's not 100% "anti-virus" proof, but I'm betting it would probably prevent 75% of the incidents.