Microsoft representatives countered this recommendation, claiming that "0.02% of internet sites" were affected by the flaw.

Microsoft representatives have made regular appearances at various open source and Linux conferences for many years.

Microsoft representatives bought a Toshiba laptop computer at a local store.

A Microsoft representative indicated that the action was taken to assure "the integrity of the service and protect our partners and users."

Microsoft representatives declined comment; messages for Vermeer executives were not immediately returned yesterday.

(Microsoft representatives declined to discuss the matter in detail.)

A few days later, a more senior Microsoft representative explains that you do not actually have to use this E-mail program.

Microsoft representatives said the company had not seen the suit and would not have a comment until they had examined documents.

Here's what a Microsoft representative had to say.

We received a message from a Microsoft representative via this particular person who contacted us first about this.