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Previous: Antivirus renewal message | Main | Next: Exit sign
September 20, 2004 05:03 PM
Broken: Windows security
Speaking of computer viruses, a New York Times article today talks about a survey of viruses and other threats to Windows users:
The survey also documented more than 4,496 new Windows viruses and worms during the most recent period [the first six months of 2004], which is four and a half times the number from the corresponding period of 2003.
That NYT article describes something MAJORLY broken - notice articles on this issue are appearing in the Business section, not in the Thursday "Circuits" supplement? That's because this is a customer experience issue that threatens the internet itself.
Spyware, adware and other general "malware" (I love the term) are ruining the experience of millions of Windows users. Those of us with Macs can sigh with relief knowing we don't have to go through what Windows users now have to go through each day.
I'm a computer consultant and my Windows users have to pay me for 2 hours more work than my Mac users so I can install the following immune system:
1) Antivirus software
2) Popup blocker
3) Spybot Search-and-Destroy
4) Firewall
In the Times article I loved how the adware CEOs justified their actions based on hypothetical "customers" who should be glad that their hidden software was helping them get tailored ads. Talk about ignorance of customer experience! Don't they get that people HATE feeling their computers are not their own anymore?
My advice to everyone these days: get a Mac. Windows is only getting worse.
Oops, the article I was referring to is not the one in the link, which appeared a day earlier. Here's the one about malware:
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/business/yourmoney/19gator.html
I agree with Alex. Anything but Windows...
I think I'd go for Linux over Mac, just because
it's free, and open source.
Boycott Microsoft products, and stop giving those source-code hogs
more money!!!
I'm typing this on Linux, so don't flame me, but even though Windows sucks and Bill Gates probably is the anti-christ, the major reason most viruses and worms target windows is the same reason that most other applications target windows. It's the biggest target.
Sure it's the softest target too, but I think it's size is the most important point. You don't have to invent anything, hacker tools to infest the dang thing are all over the net.
If you get your wish and the Mac or Linux got to be where Windows is now, the hackers would now target you. Better to let the indDUHviduals continue to use Windows and attract all the bad guys. ( the I don't have to swim faster than the sharks, I only have to swim faster than you, principle ).
P.S. This linux is bullet proof but the UI sucks, I would have bought a used Mac, but I look TERRIBLE with a pony tail.
P.P.S. Ok, now you can flame me.
Man y'all critics, aren't you? It wasn't Bill's fault that Windows was so popular! If you made software that got you millions, you'll have critics too!
Comments on this entry are closed
Previous: Antivirus renewal message | Main | Next: Exit sign
As if we already didn't know that...? :P
Posted by: thetorpedodog at September 22, 2004 05:09 PM