High Plains Thumper wrote:
> Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>
>> Why I choose Linux
>>
>> ,----[ Quote ]
>> | In the olden days I was a die hard windows man. I turned my nose up at
>> | any other operating system. Nobody uses them I said. Everyone is using
>> | windows now and that is where the money is I claimed. I talked the
>> | talk, walked the walk. I was a Microsoft guy through and through. So
>> | why did I change camps? Settle down and get ready with a cup of
>> | your favourite caffeinated beverage and I will tell my tale.
>> |
>> | [...]
>> |
>> | It all boils down to privacy. If you use windows you lose your privacy
>> | Your computing habits become part of a statistic and the big brother
>> | Microsoft dictates how you use your computer and you have no way to
>> | disable it. If you use Linux however you still have your privacy and
>> | you can make sure that your privacy is intact. Its for my privacy and
>> | control over my computing actions is why I use and advocate Linux.
>> `----
>>
>>
http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/linux/locutus/archives/why-i-choose-linux-10727
>
> That point about privacy has become more of a concern. That last article
> on on popular brand name virus checkers
Norton
McAffee
Panda (tho Panda rates highly AFAIC because their online scan traps the few
that AVG misses)
> trapping less than 50% of the
> latest
> viruses is a real concern. Something happened to my XP partition recently
> and to my laptop's 2000 installation.
>
> My son installed some software to manage the hard disks on both a few
> weeks
> ago, plus other software downloaded from the internet. I uninstalled them
> the other day, but I think the harm is done. I noticed there is a huge
> graphic black spot in the middle of my installed software list in XP
> control panel that splits the list. Command and Conquer First Decade DVD
> no longer loads and I get an invalid CD error. DVD reads fine in 2000.
>
> 2000 system seems to be "phoning home" now every time I use compose or
> reply
> E-mails. It now has a lot of wireless activity during saves, inherent
> delays in disk activity, which should not be occurring.
>
> I have the latest definitions loaded in Symantec.
>
./me gags.
Makes no difference here. Symantec is the top of the stack when it comes to
system security solutions in Windows - hence, it is also the prime target
for rootkits.
> Looks like this weekend, I will be rebuilding the XP partition. I need it
> for occasional work I bring home and games. On the laptop, I will
> probably
> blow away 2000 and load SuSE 10.x Open. Key will be if there is a Linux
> compatible driver for the wireless network PC card I have.
>
To get around this, use ndiswrapper and the win32 driver. Check the HCL
first tho, there may well be native drivers.
> Meanwhile, I am using the SuSE 10.1 partition on my desktop for on-line
> transactions. I just cannot risk any "phoning home" of personal
> information.
>
You might also find that instead of Symantec/NIS/NAV, use a much lighter,
yet much more functional antivirus package called AVG
( http://free.grisoft.com ) and for whacking other malware, Ad-Aware
( http://www.lavasoft.com ). Trust me, you'll notice the difference not
only in system performance, but also in subscription fees. Oh, and bear in
mind that Norton Avtivirus is most often the first target of trojans/worms.
AVG much less vulnerable to AV-disabling rootkits.
--
When all else fails...
Use a hammer.
http://www.dotware.co.uk
Some people are like Slinkies;
They serve no particular purpose,
But they bring a smile to your face
When you push them down the stairs.
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