One of the biggest reasons for many people to switch to a UNIX desktop, away from Windows, is security. It is fairly common knowledge that UNIX-like systems are more secure than Windows. Whether this is true or not will not be up for debate in this short editorial; I will simply assume UNIX-like systems are more secure, for the sake of argument. However, how much is that increased security really worth for an average home user, when you break it down? According to me, fairly little. Here's why.
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Member since:2005-06-29
Member since:2006-02-05
Member since:2005-07-06
Member since:2006-01-12
Member since:2005-07-06
You're incredibly naive (in fact I don't think you are, this is really a bash-anything-than-Windows article, nothing more) if you think that you can fix that via software: what you're asking for is not a secure operating system (there already quite a few if you care to look besides Linux/BSD), but a cure for stupidity.
There is no way you can prevent people from harming themselves in a zillion different ways, even installing a full AI telling the user "Look, that is not a pron movie, it's a virus!" wouldn't work because how many users would choose not to believe it?
Unless, of course, you really want users treated like idiots, kept in their sandbox where only approved software could run (approved by big brother Microsoft, who else?) thanks to TPM chips and an operating system that will decide for you what you can and cannot do: is that the "future of computing" you'd like, Thom? It sure sounds you can't wait to have your hand held by Microsoft ...
rehdon
Member since:2005-07-02
There will always be people clicking on "GET FREE PRON HERE FOREVER".
Even then, these won't execute unless the player specifically tells the OS to (by setting the execute bit on). That extra step is enough for most people to go "wait a minute..."
The fact that you can make a file executable simply by giving it the appropriate file extension makes a HUGE difference as far as home users go.
Also, realize that most viruses don't wipe out directories anymore - they are used to set up spam bots and network relays, etc. These require Admin rights, and are much more likely to affect Windows-based system than UNIX-based systems.
So while you make some interesting points, ultimately your conclusions are wrong. The UNIX model is in fact better for home users, though they should of course always backup their personal files, whatever the OS (and not only because of malware - disk drives fail, that's an inescapable fact of life...)
Member since:2005-07-21
The pointis that from a practical perspective for homeusers wether or not their computer is spreading is irrelevant compared to their personal folders.
And backing up personal data is like righting perfect C++: everyone talks abotu it and knows they should but in reality no ones does so it's not worth counting on.
Member since:2005-07-07
And backing up personal data is like righting perfect C++: everyone talks abotu it and knows they should but in reality no ones does so it's not worth counting on.
They WILL lose their data then eventually. It's stupid to claim that backing up data is not a solution. Hardare, especially hard drives, will die eventually. Malware is always a possiblity but hardware failure is gauranteed.
I set up a script to back up my data every night. I never even have to think about it other then checking on my backed up data every once in a while to make sure it, and the drive it is on, is still good.
Member since:
2006-02-05
... UNIX security means viruses, adware and that sort of rubbish cannot automatically install and spread itself.
THAT'S what it's about, not a bunch of personal files you should have had a backup of anyway.