Java, agents, and chronic infections

The continued proliferation of Java and related agent-enabling technologies creates a potential problem for practitioners that has not been fully explored in the literature. Some of these agent-enabling technologies are: Netscape versions 4.x and beyond, Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.x, OS/2 Warp "Merlin" and Mac OS/8. The potential exists for desktop systems, and servers, to become "chronically infected" with software that behaves, and interacts, in ways not foreseen by implementers or system managers. Although the infection is not necessarily a "virus" in the most common usage of the term, the infection's behavior (intentional and unintentional) may materially affect a user's system. Both theoretical and practical aspects of this problem are examined from the viewpoint of implementor, system management, and end user. Counter measures such as virus scanners, shields, and other mechanisms will be discussed.