Linked by Thom "Slakje" Holwerda on Sun 27th Jul 2003 19:04 UTC
Misinterpreted. I think that is about the best word around to describe the reactions to my previous article. Whether it has been misinterpreted due to people only reading what they want to read, due to an unclear choice of words on my behalf, or other factors, I am going to try it again. I will try to explain my position, again. Now, more stable, the code has been rewritten from scratch!
Permalink for comment
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
To read all comments associated with this story, please click here.
//Obviously Windows is target for a lot of viruses. Since they more than 90% of the market and Linux not even 1% sure viruses is on Windows side. BEsides, many viruses are written by Zeals who just plain hate windows.//
This is a common misconception. Most people write viruses to take down servers not someone's home machine. There is no fun in that. Unix/Linux/BSD owns the server market, espicially webservers yet more windows machines get hacked and get infected with viruses. Windows is too careless in letting arbitrary code to run. This along with the tight integration between several programs (office, outlook, ie) and the kernel creates a perfect breeding ground for viruses.
//But if Linux (not very likely as it will allways be 5 years behind) ever see a market share of let's say 20%, viruses will become a lot more common. Just like viruses for MacOS has been a smallish problem, this is something that comes with market share.//
Linux is not 5 years behind, not even close to it. It is very much on the same level if not better. I believe that some of the easier distributions are just as easy to use and install as Windows. That's besides the point though. What is more advanced about the Windows kernel that the Linux kernel is 5 years behind?
//I think the point of installation which also people keep buggering about is sort of silly. To maintain a Linux system is simply hell, and Windows feels easy. Joe Sixpack doesn't care if things get left behind in registry.//
Do you have any experience with maintaining a Linux machine? I left windows because of the maintnence issues. Maybe your experience has been better but that doesn't make it fact. For me Windows has destroyed my computer several times. Many programs won't uninstall, dll's from other software break the system, and programs tend to always find a way into the system tray. Inexperienced users never delete any of the 50 million icons off of the desktop and they never remove items from the system tray. After a while the system becomes unusuable. I love trying out new programs but with windows it's not a good idea to install and uninstall programs over and over unless you plan on doing a reinstall of the entire OS. That has been my experience and the biggest reason for my switch.
//The good thing though about Virus for Windows is that it's quite obvious where you should go to solve the problem. WIth Linux, you don't have a damn clue whatsoever what to do. That wouldn't just concern viruses, that would concern pretty much whatever happens.//
Where do you go for viruses? If you have thrid party software that will help you, until your subscription expires. Most people never update their subscription. On the other hand there is always a place to go when you have a problem with Linux. It's called the internet. It works wonders when you have a problem. You can even get a hold of a real live guru on IRC if you need to.