Reading The Tea Leaves To Figure Out Security Risks For Mac And Linux
from the just-wondering... dept
For years, every time we run a story about some virus or spyware related story, someone has to pop up in the comments acting as if they're brilliant saying "just get a Mac" or "just get Linux" as if that solves everyone's problems. The reality, of course, is that many people are unable to do so. However, with stories of Mac and Linux worms on the loose, there's suddenly a discussion about how unprepared those platforms might be. This may not be true. Both of the worms weren't particularly dangerous (if at all), and mostly got hype because such things are so rare. Which brings up one of the biggest myths we keep hearing about Mac and Linux security: that there are no security attacks because the market is so small. Considering just how high profile it is when any weak attack shows up, you'd think that the prestige factor alone would have more than compensated for the smaller market size ages ago. So, while the "just use a *blank*" crowd may get annoying -- they may have a point. As if to underscore this, it's worth noting that we don't hear the various security firms hyping up just how important it is for you to get their latest Mac/Linux offerings. There are security/antivirus type offerings for both, but instead, the stories those firms are pushing are all about mobile security -- where viruses remain just about as risky as those found on Mac and Linux boxes. And, we already know how willing the various security firms are to hype up products over fears that may not really be there. So, if even the itchy trigger finger security firms don't seem to be talking up the threat of security threats on the Mac and Linux platforms... perhaps even they realize the likely risk just isn't that big. Either that, or maybe we spoke too soon, and the security firms will seize on this opportunity to promote new products. Update: And... just like that we get stories of a new zero-day exploit hitting OS X.
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I don't intirely agree.
So i consider your sugestion, that the vulnerabilities on Linux and Mac are less risky, to be poorly argumented.
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Re: I don't intirely agree.
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true, but
How's that for an insightful comment?
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Re: true, but
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Re: true, but
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Re: true, but
LOL How can it suck if over 90% of desktops use it?
Ninety percent of companies used to have typewriters with keys that jammed.
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Re: true, but
To those of you using coherent sentences with somethign to back up your arguments: good for you.
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No Subject Given
But Cmon... windows is soo expensive!! you are supposed to pay for QUALITY!!
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12 years of Linux
I've been using Linux for 12 years now
without any antivirus software
and without any malware problems.
For me the proof is in the pudding.
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Re: 12 years of Linux
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Re: 12 years of Linux
My Windows PC in the time of 6 years has been reinstalled over 10 times due to crap.
My mac, same no viruses or crap.
I think the saying "Just Get a Mac" or "Just get Linux" is legitimate and not just out of someones ass.
I am another proof to you.
(YES I DID SPELL CHECK THIS TIME with GOOGLE TOOLBAR) so fuck off!
>>
I've been using Linux for 12 years now
without any antivirus software
and without any malware problems.
For me the proof is in the pudding.
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Spellcheck
Evidently Google Toolbar cannot make your posts more intelligent, or even help with grammar. Try proper capitalization and use of parenthesis:
"Yes, I did spellcheck this time with Google Toolbar, so fuck off."
Or the proper use of possessives:
"[...] out of someone's ass." (Notice the apostrophe)
The line "My Windows PC in the time of 6 years has been reinstalled over 10 times due to crap" is particularly telling when paired with "Just got AVG (free) antivirus for linux" - one must be particularly intelligent for using one of the most virus-infested platforms without a virus scanner.
Or, if you did have a virus scanner for Windows, where did the "crap" come from? I've ran an Windows XP system for 3 years now. The only crashes I've ever experienced have been with buggy drivers from Realtek (solved after replacing onboard Audio with a real sound card), beta versions of nVidia drivers, or some stupid off-by-one pointer error in programming (which Visual Studio keeps from crashing the system anyway.)
A Windows box, especially an XP box, is easy to maintain. Just make sure you have a virus scanner (AVG Free at http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1), a firewall (ZoneAlarm at http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid= dbtopnav_zass) and maybe even some anti-spyware (Windows Defender at http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx). They are all FREE (as in beer) and, even if you try, it is almost impossible to destroy your system with these programs properly set up and running.
"I am another proof to you."
Yes. Yes, you are.
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what operating system is before for me?
there is nothing more that I use the PC for.
the cost was less than $600 shipped from dell with windows XP reinstalled.
what operating system is before for me?
i can already do everything that I use my computer for - should i get a different operating system just to be "safe" or can I continue to do the things the way i have been doing them for the past 4 years now.
note: I have never had a single problem with my computer crashing or needing windows to be installed. nor have i ever installed any professional production software other than genuine Microsoft or other items legitamently purchased through major a retailer.
please suggest an operating system that would allow me to be much more productive and could create more time for me. i am quite computer literate, but my problem is that i prefer to NOT monkey around with computers as much as i possibly have to.
thank you in advance for any advice you can provide.
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Do what's best for you
Be an educated user, the platform will become irrelevant.
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Re: Do what's best for you
Right on brother.
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Re: Do what's best for you
>platform, remain educated about issues that may
>compromise your platform.
>
>Be an educated user, the platform will become
>irrelevant.
That's the gospel truth if I ever heard it.
>I've been using Linux for 12 years now
>without any antivirus software
>and without any malware problems.
>For me the proof is in the pudding.
I've been using Windows since it was created. I use no anti-virus software whatsoever, and I never catch any viruses (despite being online all the time). I've run systems out of my home that host servers (web/game/ftp/etc) and are on 24/7, without any crashes or needs for reboots.
Using a good firewall and not being an idiot are all you need to protect yourself. Building/Configuring your system properly and not installing crap is all you need to have a rock-solid, stable machine. The "proof" is in knowing what the hell you're doing (and most importantly, knowing what the hell NOT to do). Like Jimmy said... use whatever works best for you, so long as you're an educated user...
...there is no "better" platform, there are just "better" users.
WATYF
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Re: Do what's best for you
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Re: Do what's best for you
Be an educated user, the platform will become irrelevant.
Absolutely. Use what you need, and keep it patched and secure.
For the record, I run Linux on my laptop, but because I'm usually on a public network, I have both a firewall (configured via Guarddog) and an anti-virus program (KlamAV) running at all times, AND I keep up with security patches. Weak security practices increase the risk of getting hacked / infected, regardless of your OS.
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fee amatuer sex bbs
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No Subject Given
I dont think there ever really will be a market for fixing Linux flaws because it just takes care of itself naturally (people fix it, and distribute fixes quickly).
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get a clue (and maybe a Mac, while you're at it!)
For the record, I use all three platforms, and recommend that anyone use the one that best fits their needs. (And this doesn't mean they have to choose a single platform, any more than a carpenter must choose between a chisel and a plane.) Some businesses are held captive to some extent by bad decisions they've made in the past, but in many (probably most) cases Mac or Linux would be a far better choice than Windows, and unwillingness to admit past mistakes is one major reason for continued reliance on Windows.
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