Post by: () on January 27, 2004, 11:15:58 AM
Post by: marie on January 27, 2004, 02:39:35 PM
You ABSOLUTY MUST HAVE THE UPDATES. If not, pretty much immediately you can expect after going online to be infected with blaster, and a score of ...I believe at last count possibly 65,000 different viruses (don't quote me on an exact figure, as I cannot remember!)
Also a necessity, not an option is Norton Antivirus for sure!
Hope this helps you out.
Post by: Barticus on January 27, 2004, 02:48:05 PM
Home vs. Pro, the LONG version
Post by: tacit on January 27, 2004, 02:49:22 PM
QUOTE(Nutterbutter @ Jan 27 2004, 5:15 PM)
What's the differance , if there is any in the two OS's. does anyone have the answer to this question... Also after installing Widows XP Home or Pro, do you really need to do the updates, Service Pack 1, but i am told that is what Bill requires you to update so he can gather your information on you and your computer.
The primary difference between the two is in networking. XP Home offers no user-level networking security whatsoever; if you share a volume, it's available to your Mom, to me, to anyone on the Internet, everybody. XP Pro offers much more sophisticated user and share level security.
XP Pro offers better compatibility with NO domains and so n as well.
You abslutely, positively MUST install all the available critical updates. The updates and service packs are Microsoft's way of implementing security fixes. Every time some hacker finds a way to walk into your computer and take it over, Microsoft releases a patch; if you don't install it, you're at risk. After installing any version of Windows, immediately run Windows Update and install any update listed as "critical." Then do it again. And again. Some patches have additional flaws of their own which are fixed by subsequent patches.
It pays to be very, very clear on this point: If you install Windows and do not run the Windows Update, there is a very, very high probability you will be either infected or compromised when you go on line. I cannot stress this point enough. The problem is so bad, I have known people to get a brand-new computer, take it home, get online, and then get hacked before Windows Update can finish running!
Post by: () on January 27, 2004, 02:56:21 PM
Not all that fond of XP, WINDOZE, but that's what i have right now.
I was considering the Pro version, but I don't like XP much and am shopping for a decent Mac 700mhz G4 or higher at a good price. If you have any site where they sell good Macs at bargin Prices, let me know guys and gals!
Post by: Paddy on January 27, 2004, 02:56:46 PM
Windows XP Comparison Guide (Microsoft)
As for the security updates - do install them. However, they won't save you from viruses per se - they only patch the holes in Windows (and Exploder) that some of the viruses exploit. Viruses can (and will) take you down even with the security updates particularly if you (1) use email on a PC and (2) fileshare, unless you get yourself some good anti-virus software, are diligent about keeping it updated and are extremely careful about opening any email attachments, since obviously somebody will get the latest worm BEFORE the anti-virus folks have time to issue a fix. If you never go online with a PC, download anything off the net, use email or use anyone else's disks, you might be able to get away without anti-virus software or updates to XP.
Hope that helps.
Post by: Epaminondas on January 27, 2004, 04:10:43 PM
You have a PC, you are concerned about privacy and virus issues, and you are considering upgrading/changing your OS/platform.
Hmmm . . .
Sounds like an ideal time for you to consider taking a look at Linux.
Consider:
A. Mac OS X is a window manager running on top of *nix.
B. Linux distributions are window managers running on top of *nix.
Linux does have the advantage of likely being able to run on your current machine - likely faster than Windows XP. You can also dual boot with Windows, if you like.
And Linux is free.
Choices:
(1) You can buy a whole new (used) Mac - and buy new MacOSs as they come out. Plus purchase utilities and utility upgrades. Plus purchase applications and application upgrades. Or -
(2) You can install Linux on you current machine for free - with all utilities and applications you will likely need included for free. And later - upgrade OS and applications together, for free.
Easiest place to start is the Knoppix distribution of Linux. Knoppix runs entirely off a CD - you do not have to install it to your hard drive - it will not disturb what is currently on your hard drive.
If Knoppix runs, you know that your hardware will handle Linux and you can get a taste of the current state of Linux. Web browsing, word processing, printing, email and instant messaging should all be pretty easy. More advanced things are - more advanced.
As to the audio-visual creation areas where the Mac excells?
The answer to that one is easy. Buy a Mac.
Though the GIMP may be an adequate alternative to Photoshop for non-professional use.
If you go the Mac route, consider a $50 KVM switch - that way you can hook two computers up to one monitor, one keyboard, and one mouse. This reduces costs and desktop clutter and allows the transition from one system to the other to be gradual and easy - you just switch between computers during the transition period instead of switching over cold turkey.
Knoppix review
Download Knoppix free
Knoppix CD - $2.49 delivered
Post by: marie on January 27, 2004, 05:55:49 PM
"A high volume system like [Windows] that has been thoroughly tested will be by far the most secure," Gates told the audience at the Developing Software for the future Microsoft Platform conference at London's Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. "To say a system is secure because no one is attacking it is very dangerous," said Gates, referring to operating systems that have a smaller share of the desktop market, such as Apple Mac OS and Linux.
WHATEVER....
Maybe viruses are created for windows to teach Bill to get his $%$#% together, before making BILLIONS off the unsuspecting users.
Quote from Symantec Blaster worm write up, this was actually "writen" if you will, into the virus:
The worm contains the following text, which is never displayed:
I just want to say LOVE YOU SAN!!
billy gates why do you make this possible ? Stop making money and fix your software!!
Post by: kbeartx on January 28, 2004, 09:24:01 AM
{the emphasis is mine}
[Rant]In theory, I agree with Billy, but here's the rub...IMO, Win-Doze is quite obviously insufficiently tested for the Real-World conditions for which it is marketed and used.
If it was thoroughly tested before commercial release, it would NOT require the number and frequency of Updates and Patches that MS spews out almost daily.
And then they (the MS Spin Machine) have the chutzpah (unmitigated gall) to imply that users and admins who fail to apply these patches in a timely manner are somehow the problem, when it is really MS's unwillingness or inability to re-engineer their inherently non-secure OS that is ultimately to blame for all this![/Rant]
- kbeartx