bbcworld.com— This video shows how an XP computer copes when dialing up (yes dialing up) to the net without any firewall or anti-virus protection.
Sep 7, 2005View in Crawl 4
Funny story, Zone Alarm disabled my McAfee when I installed it, in addition, the firewall was off for a while and I'm connected to 100MB/s and oh wow, look at that, no viruses or trojans.
"OMFG ONE f**kING YEAR CONGRATU-f**kING-LATIONS.What the hell do you do during the 5% of the time when your Windows installation gets totally f**ked up?I hate it when stupid Windows fanboys think they're really cool by going against the "mainstream" *nix geeks. Just wannabe geeks who don't have the f**king courage stop sucking the massive corporate dick that is Microsoft and try something new. (Unless, of course, you have a specific Windows program your livelihood depends on.)And yes, I know you're stupid because you're exactly the kind of person the virus/worm writers target--you just told me you got infected about a year ago.Oh, and if you were wondering, I'm running GNU/Linux and have been perfectly fine ONE HUNDERED PERCENT of the time and have NEVER been infected by any virus or worm.And I've never wasted my time, bandwidth, or CPU cycles downloading, updating, or running any spyware, adware, or virus removal programs."Haha, "Windows Fanboy". Just because I use Windows most of the time does not make me in any way a Windows fanboy. My general feeling on most Operating Systems is that they all suck (This includes, but is not limited to, Windows, Linux, and otherwise). You just have to find the one that you think sucks the least and just deal with it.I have in fact tried linux, so I am not a quote "wannabe geek who doesn't have the f**king courage stop sucking the massive corporate dick that is Microsoft and try something new". I had a separate partition in which I would dual-boot both Linux and Windows XP for several months. It was nice for a while, toying around with a new OS. There were, of course, a few problems I had along the way, most of which I had solved, with the exception of a couple (namely, finding a working driver for my wi-fi connector).And yeah, there's also the thing with software. Sure, there's open source solutions for a lot of the software I use, but there's also some rather important software I use that there isn't a open source solution to. This includes most of the games I play on a regular basis. This is probably the only thing holding me back from switching completely to Linux. Yes, it's sad. I admit it.Oh, and what do I do the 5% of the time when my Windows installation gets f**ked? It's quite simple really. I reformat. Not that hard to deal with.Flame me all you want for using Windows, and trying to make a comment on how it is possible to run windows without running into a ton of problems; wether it takes a lot more work than it's really worth or not.
"My general feeling on most Operating Systems is that they all suck (This includes, but is not limited to, Windows, Linux, and otherwise)."Then learn programming and change it so it doesn't suck. The thing about OSS is that if you don't like something change it. It would be a much more productive use of your time than playing games." there's also some rather important software I use that there isn't a open source solution to. This includes most of the games I play on a regular basis."Get crossover office or cedega. They come with support and a guarantee that your game will work. Or get a life."Oh, and what do I do the 5% of the time when my Windows installation gets f**ked? It's quite simple really. I reformat. Not that hard to deal with."A reformat is a big deal, and not that simple. You wast so much time and lose all your information (unless you waste even more time backing it up and restoring it). You have to set up all your programs again, and reconfigure everything so it suits you. But seeing as you waste time playing games on a regular basis, the time issue has no meaning for you.The fact that you even have to reformat is ridiculous. An operating system should be stable enough that you can trust to leave important files and work on them. Your OS should also not leave you in a position where you need to waste hours of precious time just to get it working every time some worm goes around. Something you will realize when you get a job. (Hint: you won't get one by playing games.)
JimGardner1973, the reason Mac's and Linux don't have as many virus'/hacks is because their market share is much smaller than Windows. Sure there's still a hell of a lot of people using them, but why go after small fry?The only thing that's going to affect a bare xp system is a worm/service vunerability. i often run without my firewall on, and no AV, my system's always been fine.
on Windows"NAT router - prevents inbound unsolicited traffic (very effective security)Antivirus - mainly prevents viruses from emails and removable mediaSoftware firewall - mainly prevents unwanted outbound traffic-XP firewall defaults are not badAnti malware - mainly prevents buggy, unwanted advertising scripts-Microsoft's AntiSpyware is quite good, surprising for MS stuffOS patches, updates - removes identified vulnerabilities on OSFirefox browser - extentions like adblock are nice to havesWireless encryption - (since we're on security), often overlooked-WEP '128'bit is better than nothing, dont broadcast SSID, open > shared"on a Mac-Turn on.And yes I do agree that if Apple was bigger they would get targeted, but so far it's not the case so use a Mac.
Agreed with Farry - great summary. A complete PITA, but it does work for us poor ole Windows users.I have seen brand new Windows PCs BSOD within minutes of being connetced to an ADSL line - but I've also seen bare bones XP running for weeks on a leased line network with no firewall.
You don't need a firewall or anti-virus. Just use a secure Operating System and run only the services that you want to run. For most home users this would mean running no services. (How many home users run a web server from their desktop PC?)
"I might add that I haven't had any problems with viruses or spyware in almost a year now." - ChaosElementOh, so because of that, you're a computer guru?Haha, nah, man, I'm just playing with you. Nothing against you. It's just funny how you said all this stuff and then this was like your conclusion... random stuff like that makes me laugh.Anyway, to the subject.......
"Just because it's easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for anyone else."Well, I can't argue with you there, since I said I like it better, and never said it was easy for everyone else. :)I'd like to ask, how do I run/install/whatever a program for Linux.What files do I look for? What's the equivalent to windows exes?How do I install those files? (compile? how?)Please, I'd really would like to know, I'm a beginner at Linux and to be honest don't have a lot of time to go looking on google for it. So if you could explain, I'd appreciate it, because I've had Mandriva LE 2005, and Vectorlinux for a while, and couldn't find how to install enlightenment on Vector. Is just so backwards from Windows, it's (what's the right word)... frustrating.Got a perfect link? And please no smart ass people with the "justf**kinggoogleit.com" etc. I don't like talking to computers.
This article is freaking amazing..... I remember the innocent times of having the 'option' of anti-virus.... now it's not only mandatory for accessing the net, but add a hardware and software firewall to that equation.....
The fact that you even have to reformat is ridiculous. An operating system should be stable enough that you can trust to leave important files and work on them. Your OS should also not leave you in a position where you need to waste hours of precious time just to get it working every time some worm goes around. Something you will realize when you get a job. (Hint: you won't get one by playing games.) posted by vkkim (0) at 12:26 AM 9/08/05 not entirly true you can get a job playing game with some of the biger gameing companys lol but that would be because u took the time to learn to program ha ha ha and formating once in a while isnt a bad thing if you value that nice fast boot you get from it :)sorry but i smell something oh ya ur talking out ur buttand yes its possible to get the sasser worm in 8 seconds on a xp pre sp2 machine in about 8 seconds or less even if your useing a less comon isp
Yea i think this article is pretty much BS. I mean, I can kind of relate, I used to use Dialup, back at the same time, I used ZoneAlarm (back before the "Pro"....lol), and yea, ZA gave a lot of intrusions, which back then I didnt even know what they meant back then.But yea, XP Sp2 comes with a Firewall......USE it, it's FREE, well, you did pay for it anyways.....I dont understand why people invest money in "other" firewalls. Do they feel lonely not seeing the "OMG U R Underer Atack!" messages? lol. Windows Firewall works quietly in the background, no nags.As far as the antivirus, if people used smart computing, and didnt download dodgy EXE's, there would be no reason to need antivirus. Besides, Screensavers are so 1990...just turn the power saver mode on to make your monitor shut off after 5 minutes. Do you really need that big fish, that hairy monkey, or the talking parrot dancing around your monitor, while you aren't at the computer?
7of7Sep 8, 2005
Funny story, Zone Alarm disabled my McAfee when I installed it, in addition, the firewall was off for a while and I'm connected to 100MB/s and oh wow, look at that, no viruses or trojans.
t8_umSep 8, 2005
Ohhh srry to those who answered before. MY 3N9L1$H N0+ S0 900d. Thanks Herdzoo for the Worst commnet ever... LOL j/k
chaoselementSep 8, 2005
"OMFG ONE f**kING YEAR CONGRATU-f**kING-LATIONS.What the hell do you do during the 5% of the time when your Windows installation gets totally f**ked up?I hate it when stupid Windows fanboys think they're really cool by going against the "mainstream" *nix geeks. Just wannabe geeks who don't have the f**king courage stop sucking the massive corporate dick that is Microsoft and try something new. (Unless, of course, you have a specific Windows program your livelihood depends on.)And yes, I know you're stupid because you're exactly the kind of person the virus/worm writers target--you just told me you got infected about a year ago.Oh, and if you were wondering, I'm running GNU/Linux and have been perfectly fine ONE HUNDERED PERCENT of the time and have NEVER been infected by any virus or worm.And I've never wasted my time, bandwidth, or CPU cycles downloading, updating, or running any spyware, adware, or virus removal programs."Haha, "Windows Fanboy". Just because I use Windows most of the time does not make me in any way a Windows fanboy. My general feeling on most Operating Systems is that they all suck (This includes, but is not limited to, Windows, Linux, and otherwise). You just have to find the one that you think sucks the least and just deal with it.I have in fact tried linux, so I am not a quote "wannabe geek who doesn't have the f**king courage stop sucking the massive corporate dick that is Microsoft and try something new". I had a separate partition in which I would dual-boot both Linux and Windows XP for several months. It was nice for a while, toying around with a new OS. There were, of course, a few problems I had along the way, most of which I had solved, with the exception of a couple (namely, finding a working driver for my wi-fi connector).And yeah, there's also the thing with software. Sure, there's open source solutions for a lot of the software I use, but there's also some rather important software I use that there isn't a open source solution to. This includes most of the games I play on a regular basis. This is probably the only thing holding me back from switching completely to Linux. Yes, it's sad. I admit it.Oh, and what do I do the 5% of the time when my Windows installation gets f**ked? It's quite simple really. I reformat. Not that hard to deal with.Flame me all you want for using Windows, and trying to make a comment on how it is possible to run windows without running into a ton of problems; wether it takes a lot more work than it's really worth or not.
Closed AccountSep 8, 2005
"My general feeling on most Operating Systems is that they all suck (This includes, but is not limited to, Windows, Linux, and otherwise)."Then learn programming and change it so it doesn't suck. The thing about OSS is that if you don't like something change it. It would be a much more productive use of your time than playing games." there's also some rather important software I use that there isn't a open source solution to. This includes most of the games I play on a regular basis."Get crossover office or cedega. They come with support and a guarantee that your game will work. Or get a life."Oh, and what do I do the 5% of the time when my Windows installation gets f**ked? It's quite simple really. I reformat. Not that hard to deal with."A reformat is a big deal, and not that simple. You wast so much time and lose all your information (unless you waste even more time backing it up and restoring it). You have to set up all your programs again, and reconfigure everything so it suits you. But seeing as you waste time playing games on a regular basis, the time issue has no meaning for you.The fact that you even have to reformat is ridiculous. An operating system should be stable enough that you can trust to leave important files and work on them. Your OS should also not leave you in a position where you need to waste hours of precious time just to get it working every time some worm goes around. Something you will realize when you get a job. (Hint: you won't get one by playing games.)
flumpSep 8, 2005
JimGardner1973, the reason Mac's and Linux don't have as many virus'/hacks is because their market share is much smaller than Windows. Sure there's still a hell of a lot of people using them, but why go after small fry?The only thing that's going to affect a bare xp system is a worm/service vunerability. i often run without my firewall on, and no AV, my system's always been fine.
silentspyderSep 8, 2005
on Windows"NAT router - prevents inbound unsolicited traffic (very effective security)Antivirus - mainly prevents viruses from emails and removable mediaSoftware firewall - mainly prevents unwanted outbound traffic-XP firewall defaults are not badAnti malware - mainly prevents buggy, unwanted advertising scripts-Microsoft's AntiSpyware is quite good, surprising for MS stuffOS patches, updates - removes identified vulnerabilities on OSFirefox browser - extentions like adblock are nice to havesWireless encryption - (since we're on security), often overlooked-WEP '128'bit is better than nothing, dont broadcast SSID, open > shared"on a Mac-Turn on.And yes I do agree that if Apple was bigger they would get targeted, but so far it's not the case so use a Mac.
maldySep 8, 2005
Agreed with Farry - great summary. A complete PITA, but it does work for us poor ole Windows users.I have seen brand new Windows PCs BSOD within minutes of being connetced to an ADSL line - but I've also seen bare bones XP running for weeks on a leased line network with no firewall.
markbyersSep 8, 2005
You don't need a firewall or anti-virus. Just use a secure Operating System and run only the services that you want to run. For most home users this would mean running no services. (How many home users run a web server from their desktop PC?)
jdavisSep 8, 2005
"Microsoft's AntiSpyware is quite good, surprising for MS stuff"Thats because it wasn't written by MS! lol
achtungaSep 8, 2005
"I might add that I haven't had any problems with viruses or spyware in almost a year now." - ChaosElementOh, so because of that, you're a computer guru?Haha, nah, man, I'm just playing with you. Nothing against you. It's just funny how you said all this stuff and then this was like your conclusion... random stuff like that makes me laugh.Anyway, to the subject.......
m4tt3rSep 9, 2005
"Just because it's easy for you doesn't mean it's easy for anyone else."Well, I can't argue with you there, since I said I like it better, and never said it was easy for everyone else. :)I'd like to ask, how do I run/install/whatever a program for Linux.What files do I look for? What's the equivalent to windows exes?How do I install those files? (compile? how?)Please, I'd really would like to know, I'm a beginner at Linux and to be honest don't have a lot of time to go looking on google for it. So if you could explain, I'd appreciate it, because I've had Mandriva LE 2005, and Vectorlinux for a while, and couldn't find how to install enlightenment on Vector. Is just so backwards from Windows, it's (what's the right word)... frustrating.Got a perfect link? And please no smart ass people with the "justf**kinggoogleit.com" etc. I don't like talking to computers.
xorsystemSep 11, 2005
This article is freaking amazing..... I remember the innocent times of having the 'option' of anti-virus.... now it's not only mandatory for accessing the net, but add a hardware and software firewall to that equation.....
deathskissSep 19, 2005
The fact that you even have to reformat is ridiculous. An operating system should be stable enough that you can trust to leave important files and work on them. Your OS should also not leave you in a position where you need to waste hours of precious time just to get it working every time some worm goes around. Something you will realize when you get a job. (Hint: you won't get one by playing games.) posted by vkkim (0) at 12:26 AM 9/08/05 not entirly true you can get a job playing game with some of the biger gameing companys lol but that would be because u took the time to learn to program ha ha ha and formating once in a while isnt a bad thing if you value that nice fast boot you get from it :)sorry but i smell something oh ya ur talking out ur buttand yes its possible to get the sasser worm in 8 seconds on a xp pre sp2 machine in about 8 seconds or less even if your useing a less comon isp
r00tedOct 23, 2005
Yea i think this article is pretty much BS. I mean, I can kind of relate, I used to use Dialup, back at the same time, I used ZoneAlarm (back before the "Pro"....lol), and yea, ZA gave a lot of intrusions, which back then I didnt even know what they meant back then.But yea, XP Sp2 comes with a Firewall......USE it, it's FREE, well, you did pay for it anyways.....I dont understand why people invest money in "other" firewalls. Do they feel lonely not seeing the "OMG U R Underer Atack!" messages? lol. Windows Firewall works quietly in the background, no nags.As far as the antivirus, if people used smart computing, and didnt download dodgy EXE's, there would be no reason to need antivirus. Besides, Screensavers are so 1990...just turn the power saver mode on to make your monitor shut off after 5 minutes. Do you really need that big fish, that hairy monkey, or the talking parrot dancing around your monitor, while you aren't at the computer?
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