[PCWorld]

Post your comments for 'Flashback' Mac Malware: One More Reason to Switch to Linux here

[nonseq]

Ridiculous. Give up a cohesive unified system with powerful and secure applications for the hodgepodge of distros and not quite ready for prime time programs?

Linux is great in the back office and on servers. One the desktop it's fragmented and hobbyist friendly without meeting average users needs.

Let the condescension and flaming begin!

[Kuiske]

Truth be told no OS is truly "secure" and any hacker can find an exploit for any OS rather quickly. The only reason why we don't see too many viruses on Linux is because of its small market share. If linux and windows were in the exact opposite position, you would be advocating people switch to windows. A windows machine can stay relatively secure as long as it has decent anti virus software (that is also kept up to date) and the user uses security practices such as complicated passwords and not clicking on unknown links than you can stay relatively virus free. The same thing also applies to mac OSX users as well. This whole "linux is superior because it doesn't get viruses" is a bunch of BS.

[melgross]

Excuse me, but Linux has has plenty of its own problems over the years. And having to give up almost everything that Windows or Mac users have, isn't worth it.

[WinTard]

Switching is boring. Don't limit yourself. Use them all with equal ease. There is no better or worse. Only different. What have you got to lose?

~~~~~~~~~~
A man who knows four languages is worth four men.
~ Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor

If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise.
~ Robert Fritz, 1943-present

The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1882-1945, 32nd President of the United States

Our imagination is the only limit to what we can hope to have in the future.
~ Charles F. Kettering

It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive.
~ C. W. Leadbeater

To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit.
~ Stephen Hawking

[OmarAbuzaid]

How does linux not meet the average users needs? what software does mac or windows offer that linux cannot meet the standards?

[waldojim]

PCWorld, on 12 April 2012 - 08:59 AM, said:

Post your comments for 'Flashback' Mac Malware: One More Reason to Switch to Linux here

OK, I haven't checked the article yet, but I will bet anything it is a Kathryn Noyes article. BRB.

EDIT: HOLY CRAP! Imagine that, Kathryn managed to take something like a single virus outbreak and turn it into a Linux campaign. I do hope she understands that not even Linux is invulnerable. I also hope she realizes that with increased Linux userbase comes increased threat of attack.

This post has been edited by waldojim: 12 April 2012 - 09:39 AM

[angryshortguy]

You have got to be kidding!
Linux had over 800 malware/virus threats back in 2006.
Who knows how many exist today.
I'm responsible for Linux clusters in my work, and I can't stand dealing with the elitist bunch of trolls who think anyone who asks a question is an idiot!
This so-called community of experts is actually a large group of obnoxious jerks waiting to pounce on their next hapless victim stupid enough to ask for help.

I'll stick with Windows and Apple.
At least they're usable...

[rak1948]

We have tried everything else and it did not work, so lets scare them into using Linux. I think not.

[LordInsidious]

If you are connected to the internet you need an anti-malware program. Relying on the world to fix issues or small market share for security will only work for a limited time, what happens when 1% of the market is 10 million people? Is that enough of a target for virus writers?
Also Apples 'walled garden' only applies to iOS not OSX.

[WolfButler]

I love Linux, but this is a stretch... Macs are still far more secure than Windows computers, and especially in the business world- nobody wants to deal with the hodge-podge of components that frequently change in the Linux world. I use it for my servers, and used to use it myself as my primary desktop OS, frankly- I got sick of the compatibility issues and the desktop environment changing with every release.

[artzy65]

Kuiske, on 12 April 2012 - 09:26 AM, said:

Truth be told no OS is truly "secure" and any hacker can find an exploit for any OS rather quickly. The only reason why we don't see too many viruses on Linux is because of its small market share. If linux and windows were in the exact opposite position, you would be advocating people switch to windows. A windows machine can stay relatively secure as long as it has decent anti virus software (that is also kept up to date) and the user uses security practices such as complicated passwords and not clicking on unknown links than you can stay relatively virus free. The same thing also applies to mac OSX users as well. This whole "linux is superior because it doesn't get viruses" is a bunch of BS.

That's right. In fact my Intego VirusBarrier X6 (Mac) has just automatically updated malware definitions both yesterday and today, and 4 times in the last 10 days or so. And a friend of mine, an IT expert very familiar with Linux, just rolls his eyes when anyone claims Linux has no virus or malware issues.

One more reason to switch to Linux? Um, I don't have any yet LOL

This post has been edited by artzy65: 12 April 2012 - 10:15 AM

[Dekaw]

I've met few Mac users who could install a Windows system and get drivers configured properly, and none who can configure a linux system.

I haven't used an apple system since I took an advanced programming class that used them in the mid 1980s...self-explanatory.

Linux really can't meet most desktop users needs, usually because of a variety of issues from licensing and GPU performance to a failure for things to just work. Ubuntu makes it easier for people to get started, but if you want to do anything special, like an 8 monitor setup for example, instead of a few clicks you essentially end up doing a lot of trial/error config file editing as with any other distro.

I use Linux exclusively for databases, web servers, email servers, etc., and you really have to stay on the ball with config settings and updates to avoid viruses (most virus infections are because people don't keep up with updates on windows/mac, imagine if updates required manual editing, as in linux?)...even with a security-first LTS like Red Hat, sometimes you have to get dirty with the config files to prevent a giant opening in the system when you install any software that doesn't happen to be in the main repositories (80% of what a home computer user would install)...can you see a Mac user turned linux user doing that?

They shouldn't have to.

Sorry, but recommending linux to people who don't know or want to have to do something as arduous as configure a windows PC, just a bad idea. A misconfigured linux system is far less secure than a default mac or windows system...just do a search for open proxies and open mail servers if you don't believe it.

[CuriousTom]

melgross, on 12 April 2012 - 09:30 AM, said:

Excuse me, but Linux has has plenty of its own problems over the years. And having to give up almost everything that Windows or Mac users have, isn't worth it.

[KenRay]

artzy65, on 12 April 2012 - 10:12 AM, said:

Kuiske, on 12 April 2012 - 09:26 AM, said:

Truth be told no OS is truly "secure" and any hacker can find an exploit for any OS rather quickly. The only reason why we don't see too many viruses on Linux is because of its small market share. If linux and windows were in the exact opposite position, you would be advocating people switch to windows. A windows machine can stay relatively secure as long as it has decent anti virus software (that is also kept up to date) and the user uses security practices such as complicated passwords and not clicking on unknown links than you can stay relatively virus free. The same thing also applies to mac OSX users as well. This whole "linux is superior because it doesn't get viruses" is a bunch of BS.

That's right. In fact my Intego VirusBarrier X6 (Mac) has just automatically updated malware definitions both yesterday and today, and 4 times in the last 10 days or so. And a friend of mine, an IT expert very familiar with Linux, just rolls his eyes when anyone claims Linux has no virus or malware issues.

One more reason to switch to Linux? Um, I don't have any yet LOL

I have been using Ubuntu Linux on my desktop for years. A few years ago there was an issue with finding software to use on Linux. Now there are no issues except when people insist on using MS Office on Linux. I am very happy with the performance of my laptop. Windows usually slows down after a few months on a new install. But my laptop has not slowed down at all. It performs like new 24/7. The biggest reason people don't switch is because they don't know how or just don't know about it at all. MS Office is what keeps businesses from switching. Most apps are on the net now anyway.

[nonseq]

KenRay, on 12 April 2012 - 10:33 AM, said:

I have been using Ubuntu Linux on my desktop for years. A few years ago there was an issue with finding software to use on Linux. Now there are no issues except when people insist on using MS Office on Linux. I am very happy with the performance of my laptop. Windows usually slows down after a few months on a new install. But my laptop has not slowed down at all. It performs like new 24/7. The biggest reason people don't switch is because they don't know how or just don't know about it at all. MS Office is what keeps businesses from switching. Most apps are on the net now anyway.

They shouldn't have to "know how". That, in my opinion, is why linux is great for millions like you but is not ready for primetime on the average user's desktop machine. OO.org and LibreOffice are not equivalent programs to MS Office (unfortunately) and the GIMP stinks on ice, but the bewildering array of distros create a real barrier for universal adoption. The vast majority of us don't want to futz with our computers and learn how to do something that pretty much comes working out of the box on the OSX Windows side of the equation.

For those who love Linux and enjoy working with it on their desktops, more power to you. Linux is simply not for the rest of us and we make up well over 90% of the market.

[MICHAEL6gvz]

nonseq, on 12 April 2012 - 09:08 AM, said:

Ridiculous. Give up a cohesive unified system with powerful and secure applications for the hodgepodge of distros and not quite ready for prime time programs?

Linux is great in the back office and on servers. One the desktop it's fragmented and hobbyist friendly without meeting average users needs.

Let the condescension and flaming begin!

I agree this is ridiculous to have them switch, but Linux works well on the desktop.
Its as fragmented as the web can see, but somehow it goes on and on
I have used Windows, Mac and Linux for the past 20 years and Linux works just as well, or just as bad.
Linux really is amazing considering how many different platforms it runs on.
OSX is designed just to run on Apple hardware. Windows works only well with the appropriate drivers. Linux is the most compatible across all hardware.

I'd like to make some rant and flame you, hehe, but thats to be expected.
I imagine you have not used Linux everyday and that is probably where your observation comes.
Really, when you get down to it, Linux works well. I've worked at places where a handful of users use linux, and now hundreds use it on the desktop here.
Windows and OSX work well too. Who really cares what you use?? am I right.

Consider this, I want to see you install OSX on whatever system you have thats not an Apple.... then try the same with a Linux disc.

Which OS would you have to play with and muck around with?



If anyone needs help with Linux I dont flame them, I help.

So if you need any help, let me know.

This post has been edited by MICHAEL6gvz: 12 April 2012 - 11:11 AM

[MICHAEL6gvz]

angryshortguy, on 12 April 2012 - 09:45 AM, said:

You have got to be kidding!
Linux had over 800 malware/virus threats back in 2006.
Who knows how many exist today.
I'm responsible for Linux clusters in my work, and I can't stand dealing with the elitist bunch of trolls who think anyone who asks a question is an idiot!
This so-called community of experts is actually a large group of obnoxious jerks waiting to pounce on their next hapless victim stupid enough to ask for help.

I'll stick with Windows and Apple.
At least they're usable...

Hey, I'm sorry you have had such a bad experience using Linux.
I have been using Windows OSX and Linux for 20 years.
I have never had an issue with Linux and malware or OSX and malware. Only Windows has been the OS affected by viri and malware wherever I've worked.

If you need Linux help. just holler.

thx.

[artzy65]

KenRay, on 12 April 2012 - 10:33 AM, said:

I have been using Ubuntu Linux on my desktop for years. A few years ago there was an issue with finding software to use on Linux. Now there are no issues except when people insist on using MS Office on Linux. I am very happy with the performance of my laptop. Windows usually slows down after a few months on a new install. But my laptop has not slowed down at all. It performs like new 24/7. The biggest reason people don't switch is because they don't know how or just don't know about it at all. MS Office is what keeps businesses from switching. Most apps are on the net now anyway.

In my case, there ARE software issues re Linux. Why oh why would any sane person try to shoehorn QuarkXPress via Wine or whatever, onto Linux... or switch from Photoshop to Gimp?

Geez, Louise

This post has been edited by artzy65: 12 April 2012 - 11:56 AM

[artzy65]

MICHAEL6gvz, on 12 April 2012 - 11:08 AM, said:

nonseq, on 12 April 2012 - 09:08 AM, said:

Ridiculous. Give up a cohesive unified system with powerful and secure applications for the hodgepodge of distros and not quite ready for prime time programs?

Linux is great in the back office and on servers. One the desktop it's fragmented and hobbyist friendly without meeting average users needs.

Let the condescension and flaming begin!

I agree this is ridiculous to have them switch, but Linux works well on the desktop.
Its as fragmented as the web can see, but somehow it goes on and on
I have used Windows, Mac and Linux for the past 20 years and Linux works just as well, or just as bad.
Linux really is amazing considering how many different platforms it runs on.
OSX is designed just to run on Apple hardware. Windows works only well with the appropriate drivers. Linux is the most compatible across all hardware.

I'd like to make some rant and flame you, hehe, but thats to be expected.
I imagine you have not used Linux everyday and that is probably where your observation comes.
Really, when you get down to it, Linux works well. I've worked at places where a handful of users use linux, and now hundreds use it on the desktop here.
Windows and OSX work well too. Who really cares what you use?? am I right.

Consider this, I want to see you install OSX on whatever system you have thats not an Apple.... then try the same with a Linux disc. Which OS would you have to play with and muck around with? If anyone needs help with Linux I dont flame them, I help.

So if you need any help, let me know.

OSX Lion installs beautifully via VMWare on any PC. My IT friend did that recently. Put that in your pipe and smoke it ;-)