nephill@ecn.ab.ca wrote:

> It sounds like you shutdown your whole network when windows is running.
> Most viruses (commonly written for the most popular OS) won't know what to
> do with linux. As well, a virus should need to obtain executable
> permissions before bieng able to run.

Mainly it's not that viruses are written for the most popular OS, but for
the easiest target, which happens to be Windows. Windows is in need of
some redesigning to make it more resistant to viruses in the first place.

> I disagree with the other poster on this point: you should make every
> effort to make windows as secure and as functional as possible.

Exactly. I also agree: if you use an OS, make it secure as you possibly
can.

> Enable firewall included in XP. Possibly install Zone Alarm (firewall that
> screens outgoing programs) Install an anti-virus (AVG (grisoft) is free
> for 1 computer). Make her a "user" instead of "administrator" (disallow
> users from installing programs). Try to find a program of video driver
> that will allow her to use multiple desktops under windows.
>
> The point is you will eventually run into a brick wall of artificial
> restrictions imposed on the OS by Microsoft; they cripple their own
> software so they can charge more for the "professional" or "server"
> versions. Many linux distros try to emulate windows. This is stupid. Linux
> has to do things Windows can't. (personally, I find the ability to run
> from read-only media promising)

I agree. Linux tries to imitate Windows too much, and to imitate something
is to eventually become it. Linux does need to capitalize on its
strengths.

> It also takes a lot of effort to make windows secure, meaning that it is
> NOT easy to use. IMO menu based interfaces are easy to lean, but hard to
> use: they get in your way once you learn where everything is.

Well Linux can be a pain to secure as well, unless the Distribution you are
using did the work for you :D

> If you want specific functionallity in the near future, you have to pay
> for it. Volunteers take time. Part of the problem is large companies (with
> money) implementing either proprietary or patented standards. IMO, it is
> too easy to get a patent.

Also true. Supposedly, Microsoft patented home entertainment.

> The problem is naive users are being conditioned into risky behavior. It
> is common to see web-sites request that you install "free" software to
> view a site. When a malicious site tells people to do the same thing, most
> users don't question it.

Yeah, I'd think most of Microsoft's bad rap would be ignorant users and/or
users that have been conditioned into thinking and doing wrong. The rest
of the "blame" goes to Microsoft for failing to protect the ignorant that
they like to earn money from.

--
BOFH excuse #236:

Fanout dropping voltage too much, try cutting some of those little traces