Re: There Is A Better Way

From: Wings (noway_at_nowhere.com)
Date: 05/04/04 

Date: Tue, 04 May 2004 11:18:31 -0400

I thought I would visit my earlier post and see what replies I got from
my initial advice. You see, I'm here today because of *another* worm
that is making its rounds over the net. The "Sasser" worm. This one it
seems doesn't even require that I receive an email or even go browsing
on the net. Just be connected and MS says I can get it. I cannot for
the life of me understand how so many people put up with this. It has
to be that they just don't know. And reading the replies here I see
that of the 3 replies, 2 of them at least really don't know. For the
benefit of those 2, and for anyone else who may be interested in a few
facts as to why Macs are so very much more secure than Windows, I'll
try to enlighten you.

First, this article, which is a rebuttal one security analyst (former
Chief Security Officer at Network Solutions) wrote concerning an
editorial by PC Magazine columnist Lance Ulanoff. It's a good general
discussion about Mac security without going into major detail:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/12/16/windowsstyle_security_hell_stalk
s_mac/

Another article with more info:
http://www.sunspot.net/technology/custom/pluggedin/bal-mac082803,0,13534
78.column?coll=bal-business-indepth

What the heck.... maybe some of you want even more info about the
better way, so read on:
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/18/technology/circuits/18POGUE-EMAIL.html?
ex=1083816000&en=884c01d94240c10f&ei=5070

http://www.aaxnet.com/news/S990910.html

http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2004/tc2004025_4265_tc
056.htm

I think by now, if you've taken the time to investigate a little, you
may be getting the picture.

And if you noticed, I have no sources listed from any vendor of
anti-virus software. Those guys would try and convince you that you
need their product to protect your digital clock from a virus.

Cheers

In article <OiaJdiWMEHA.3052@TK2MSFTNGP12.phx.gbl>, Karl Levinson [x y]
mvp <levinson_k@despammed.com> wrote:

> Whatever works for you.
>
> Funny, my anti-virus has always protected me. I never get viruses.
>
> Is your anti-virus software set up to download updates every week, or better
> yet, every day? Is there any chance maybe it's not working? Or maybe it's
> *detecting* and protecting you from viruses, instead of letting you get
> infected? Have you tried a different anti-virus program, such as the free
> www.grisoft.com?
>
> You do know that if everyone started using Macs, you'd probably start
> getting viruses as well. Especially if you're running it without a
> firewall. A firewall is a good idea for any OS.
>

>
> A troll, maybe not.
> Misinformed...definitely.
> If you go around clicking like that, you will get something.
> It is a myth that certain brands are immune.
> Fewer threats maybe, far from immune.
> But you just keep up with the unprotected computer but do not be
> surprised when the inevitable happens.
>
> As for the rest, my computers have very few issues and low
> maintenance.
> If your Windows boxes are constantly getting viruses etc, you are
> missing one or more of the 4 necessary items on this link:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/security.htm
> And if you have them, one ort more is out of date.
> Between those 4 items and a little common sense a clean computer is
> relatively easy.
>
> Also see:
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm
>
> --
> Jupiter Jones [MVP]
> http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/

>
> "Richard" <anonymous@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:731b01c4304e$e2c91db0$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Just me being here posting this makes me a troll I guess. I've come here and
> other places looking for help with a virus, one of many that I've had to
> deal
> with the past couple of years. You know, the ones that get through your
> often-updated virus scanner and it can't get rid of. Like most of them I
> find I
> have to spend a *lot* of my time researching on the web exactly what hoops
> I have to jump through to get rid of the damn thing once and for all.
>
> I own 3 computers. Two of them run XP, and one of those 2 is used by my
> girlfriend and her daughter. The 2nd XP machine stays off the web and is
> used by me for running just *one* application (Codewarrior, a
> microcontroller software development app). This 2nd computer
> basically does what it's supposed to do with no serious problems, and other
> than the app crashing once in a while and being rather counter-intuitive I
> have no big issues with it. The one my girlfriend uses is another story. I
> spend way too much time keeping it afloat. In spite of McAfee (and Ive used
> others) standing guard it still gets viruses constantly. It is a little over
> a year
> old and I *know* that it runs considerably slower than it did when new. And
> I suppose I am to get some comfort in knowing that I am not alone.
> Everyone I know with a Wintel box has the same problems. And you
> probably wouldn't be here reading this if you were not part of the same
> crowd.
>
> There is a better way.
>
> My 3rd computer is my workhorse. I use it in my work all day every day, and
> leave it on 24/7. I have 201 applications installed on it, and I probably
> exercise 100 of them every month. I have a permanent connection to the
> web and use the web maybe half my time (and no firewall). I have no fear in
> clicking any link I see, opening any attachment in email, or downloading and
> trying out new software I find on the web. In the 12 months I have owned
> this computer I have not once acquired a virus. And not once has the system
> software crashed (yes, some apps do crash but they never take the system
> down with them). How do I do this you may ask? Well, as some may have
> guessed by now, I do it by using a Mac. Dismiss me as being a Mac-Addict if
> you like, but if you knew what I know, you would want to tell the world
> yourself. If you guys are really tired of this virus crap and want to see
> what
> it's like to actually *enjoy* using your computer, you owe it to yourself to
> find out more about what I'm saying. There really is a better way.
>
>