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misteroriginal · 09-19-2005, 02:39 PM,

Seems like the Unix-based systems just don't get as many virus's as Windows. Like 0 out of the last 100!
http://blogs.zdnet.com/Murphy/?p=399 Happy001

bargainbloodhound · 09-19-2005, 03:41 PM,

True OS Paradise...doesn't exist. Viruses and spyware are just a minor annoyance compared to the other security flaws and holes that exist in every operating system.

I can say the operating systems on my SuSE and RedHat servers are safer than your Mac and you can say your Mac is safer than a Windows PC, but the reality is that safer isn't good enough. Any time you connect a computer or other device to the Internet you open up the possibility for others to prove that there is no such thing as a safe secure operating system and all they need is one tiny entryway.

Ask me the number of security patches we've applied to the Linux kernel on our "safe" SuSe and Red Hat servers this year (and I'm not even counting the multiple patches that apache, php, and other software components constantly require) and I couldn't tell you because it is a never ending battle to constantly apply the latest patches and stay one step ahead of the "bad" people who have discovered the security flaws/holes that exist in all operating systems and take pleasure in seeking out and destroying those machines that contain any holes.

To sum it up:

Welcome to True OS Hell! Toothy9

misteroriginal · 09-19-2005, 10:32 PM,

I agree with what you're saying about Red Hat/SuSe for servers, and the fact that we have to remain vigilant. But 100,000 windows Viruses compared to 0 on Unix based systems means comparative paradise for the desktop user.

I use a Mac because of the Unix/Video/Music software combo, which means security isn't my only concern.

It's Mandy's fault for getting me all fired up with another article about Symantec's monthly cry of wolf.