Why Microsoft sucks at secrurity...

macuser · #1 08-28-2003, 03:35 PM

Contrary to popular belief, OS X is a more secure operating system, not because of the smaller market share, but because it is better programmed overall.

Read here:

http://www.sunspot.net/technology/cu...1353478.column

LooseChippings · #2 08-28-2003, 03:45 PM

Just about everybody who uses a computer also locks their front door when they go out, but very few think about network security.

Warnings have been plastered over forums, search engines, ISP pages and sent out by email about the latest bout of malicious code, yet still people have the "It wont happen to me" syndrome.

People complain about Microsoft but they only provided the lockable door - it is up to the user to turn the key!

macuser · #3 08-28-2003, 03:49 PM

Funny that my door closes behind me and locks itself when I leave, you shouldn't have to worry about opening an email and getting a virus WITHOUT opening the attatchment, thats rediculous. Who was the moron at microsoft who decided outlook express would except any script it got....wow.

LooseChippings · #4 08-28-2003, 03:56 PM

Just for us non Mac types please explain how the Mac OSX system works when emails with attachments turn up.

On my system, Outlook (I don't use OE) will not even display any attachments that can carry malicious code (*.exe, *.pif etc.).

macuser · #5 08-28-2003, 04:29 PM

Read the article, in Outlook you don't need to open the attachment, if you open the email it can infect your computer and propigate itself to everyone on your adress book.
Not to mention, FreeBSD is one of the most attacked, tested, tried and true operating systems there is, and that is the basis for OS X.

Thats the bottom line. I would also like to note that while I hate microsoft with a passion because of their lack of consideration for these things I do not have a problem with windows users I think that people just need to realize there are WAY better OS's out there. Linux included.

LooseChippings · #6 08-28-2003, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Just for us non Mac types please explain how the Mac OSX system works when emails with attachments turn up.

macuser · #7 08-28-2003, 04:41 PM

The same way Outlook does, BUT OS X cannot run any programs in the background without the user starting them (unlike windows), and OS X cannot install programs or put things on your hard drive without your consent(even going so far as to ask for the admin password every time you install something). Outlook will run/install things imbedded in emails, without you even knowing about it. Such things are impossible in OS X. So even if you were to open the attachment it could not run or install an application without you first giving it permission. And even then only if you are the root in the system.

beeboy · #8 08-28-2003, 05:00 PM

Yes. Windows has its faults. But the choices are almost limitless. Windows users do not have to use Outlook, IE, or media player. There are many many programs that will do the job better for free. Can Mac offer alternatives or variety? I'm not familiar with Mac at all. They do have a small market share and I know Mac hardware is expensive. Linux is the ultimate OS in my opinion. Its free, it will do most everything, its secure, virus free, and you can install it on most any PC including Mac (yellowdog linux).

macuser · #9 08-28-2003, 05:05 PM

I think linux is a great OS, and is a wonderfull replacement for windows on PCs. Part of the appeal of apples is that the software is optimized for the hardware, and there is less ambiguity, hence the innate reliability of apples. Also, in having used both OS's exstensivley I know that in the end OS X is easier to use and more intuitive, its one of those things you don't understand until you use a mac for a month (I have a few friends that agree with me now after having done the same thing).
Finally, I have a variety of options as far as email programs(eudora, mail, outlook) and regardless of which I choose none of them let programs run in the background that I don't know about it because thats how OS X is.

beeboy · #10 08-28-2003, 05:20 PM

Thanks Macuser. I've always been curious about Mac and almost bought an Imac for my first machine. One operating system optimized for the same hardware makes a lot of sense to me. And that is still a downfall of linux - not being as user friendly as windows or Macs apparently.

macuser · #11 08-28-2003, 05:56 PM

Yes and it does offer alot of the same things that linux does to people who want a more intuitive gui. Comand prompt, partial open source, safe security and reliability.