I’ve commented on QuickTime’s myriad security problems before: The ill-conceived features like putting a JavaScript interpreter in a media player, the four different systems that Apple has for distributing security patches ([1] the check for updates menu on the player, [2] the Apple Update application [3] Apple’s web site, [4] MySpace), and how no update seems to make it onto more than two of those systems, although you can never predict which two, the "Update" application which weekly attempts to install commercial software onto my system, something I classify as a Trojan Horse (especially when the commercial software in question itself seems to have security issues). This morning’s news was the last straw: Yet another Java security hole in QuickTime.
I just don’t need a media player that can handle the 1% of media I encounter which isn’t already supported by Windows Media (which has its own security issues from time to time, but at least there’s never a question as to how to stay current with security patches) or Real Alternative. Not when it requires more effort to keep it something close to secure than the rest of the apps on my computer, combined.
Goodbye, and good riddance, QuickTime.
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