According to this story from the BBC, Microsoft has announced that Outlook will be updated with security measures intended to reduce the threat from viruses.

The patch will by default prevent users from opening 37 different executable file types. It will also warn users when a program tries to access the Outlook address book and will set the default security mode to "restricted", disabling the scripting used by the ILOVEYOU virus.

One interesting quote from the story:

Microsoft was keen to point out that it was only limiting the functions within Outlook, not closing a security hole.

"Given the global impact of the ILOVEYOU virus and the growing threat of malicious hackers, we strongly believe we must take the unprecedented step of limiting certain popular functionality in Outlook to provide a significant, additional security option for our customers," said Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of Microsoft Office.

"It's a rare occasion of Microsoft reducing functions to help defeat viruses," said Graham Cluley, a spokesman for anti-virus company Sophos, "It is surprising but it is good news."

Because the patch will still allow users to open Word .doc files it will not by default do anything to stop macro viruses such as Melissa.

In addition to welcoming the new patch, Graham Cluley of Sophos echoes the sentiment that has been put forward by the technical community:

Although the patches may stop some viruses spreading, Mr Cluley said, technology was never going to solve the problem once and for all.

More important, he said, was educating people to be more suspicious: "People need to practise safe computing."

The patch will only be available for Outlook, not the cut-down Outlook Express. It should be available within the next week. More information is available on the Microsoft web site.