Uh Oh... Windows 7 vulnerable to 8 out of 10 viruses.

[NYC_SKP]

Windows 7 vulnerable to 8 out of 10 viruses

Now that we in the northern hemisphere have had some time to digest the Windows 7 hype and settle in for the coming winter, we thought we would get some more hard data regarding Windows 7 security.

On October 22nd, we settled in at SophosLabs and loaded a full release copy of Windows 7 on a clean machine. We configured it to follow the system defaults for User Account Control (UAC) and did not load any anti-virus software.

We grabbed the next 10 unique samples that arrived in the SophosLabs feed to see how well the newer, more secure version of Windows and UAC held up. Unfortunately, despite Microsoft's claims, Windows 7 disappointed just like earlier versions of Windows. The good news is that, of the freshest 10 samples that arrived, 2 would not operate correctly under Windows 7.



http://www.sophos.com/blogs/chetw/g/2009/11/03/windows-... /

.

.

,

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

1. Pfft! Only 8 out of 10

That's good for a new Bill Gates product.

[NYC_SKP]

4. Don't Worry: "Microsoft releases patch for Oct's patch Tuesday"...

Nothing to worry about... Microsoft 7 is gonna be completely different from the past...

Microsoft releases patch for Oct's patch Tuesday

Today Microsoft released an out of band fix for MS09-054 from last month's patch Tuesday. Microsoft says that the fix is not security related, yet users should apply it immediately to prevent difficulties browsing some web sites.

MS09-054 from October's release was rated critical, and Microsoft's description reads "Browse and own through all supported OS's. Easy to achieve reliable exploit. One vuln disclosed publicly." So I would not advise rolling back the previous patch as a resolution. In today's bulletin Microsoft softballs the issue by saying "Also, we’re not currently aware of any attempts to attack the vulnerabilities."

What concerns me about this is it may make people more hesitant to deploy patch Tuesday fixes with urgency. Many of our customers have strict change control policies and are hesitant to run out and deploy fixes on Tuesday afternoon following Microsoft's release. As a security advisor I emphasize how important it is to deploy the fixes quickly, and the impact of not doing so could be far worse than any minor issues that result from patching.



http://www.sophos.com/blogs/chetw/g/2009/11/02/microsof... /

In other news: Confidential Photo Released of Apple's Secret Anti-virus Treatment:

[Art_from_Ark]

114. It does sound like an improvement over his demonstration of Win98

when the system crashed

[orwell]

2. Great hype by MS...

...for essentially Vista 2.0.

I'll keep XP.

[Dogmudgeon]

3. Surrender to The Penguin

I was a developer of Microsoft applications (MSOffice) for several years.

Switching to the Linux/Gnu/BSD/Posix/Free/Libre/Open-Source world was like that scene in The Wizard of Oz, after the house lands, and when Dorothy opens the door.

The learning curve for mastering a new platform, an entire philosophy of development, the tool-chain system of working, and a couple of new languages is steep for a code monkey, far steeper than for casual users.

But I will NEVER go back.

--d!
Code Free Or Die

[Toucano]

31. +1

The Wizard of Oz analogy is excellent!

[Ex Lurker]

63. I bought a new computer last week and downloaded 64 bit ubuntu

I was a bit disappointed. For what came bundled with it, it worked fine. But it took a lot of trial and error to get Adobe Flash working, and I still haven't figured out what I need to download for streaming video. I finally gave up in frustration and went back to Win7. Ubuntu is still on my hard drive. I may go back to it in a few months and see if the apps have caught up to the OS yet, but for now I'm back with the Evil Empire. I'm not a computer novice, btw, but my initital Linux experience turned out to be more of a headache than I was willing to put up with.

[SecularMotion]

100. Don't give up on Unbuntu

There's plenty of helpful people on the forums if you're having problems.

http://ubuntuforums.org/

[comtec]

130. THe power of Tux compels you?

THE POWER OF TUX COMPELS YOU!

now make your head do a (xbox)360, spew forth in a technocolor yawn, all that evil!

THE POWER OF TUX COMPELS YOU!!!!

BELIEVE IN THE ALL MIGHTY POWER OF LINUS!

lil over the top?
And for you 'nix haters, Ubuntu 9.10 is.. um... special... stick with 9.04 >.>

[anonymous171]

5. Only idiots actually get viruses (virii?) in the first place.

[greennina]

14. Considering Outlook used to automatically install viruses...

from e-mail messages, no not only idiots get viruses. You forget that Microsoft added so many backdoors to Windows that they'll never be able to fix all of the problems they decided to create. In many cases due to their high turnover, the original people that made the decision to create some of the problems have been gone for over a decade so there's no hope of ever getting those intentional problems fixed.

[Posteritatis]

17. Using Outlook after that sort of thing became widespread knowledge constitutes idiocy. (nt)

[greennina]

21. Most companies around here fire you for refusing to use Outlook!

I live in Seattle so the Microsoft cult is very strong around here.

Even though I work for a company that makes Linux and OSX software, we're still required by the CTO, who is a former Microsoft-employee and still a die-hard cultist, to still have Windows machines on our desktop. The only thing we use them for is Outhouse.

[Posteritatis]

22. Then those companies have idiots commanding the IT folks

This doesn't conflict what what I said above at all.

Any reason for them to require Outlook, much less MS in general, in that kind of environment? Or is it just e-heroin to the guy and he'll wither and dye without it?

[Statistical]

26. Outlook was patched long time ago....

1) requires user to click Yes when third party app (like virus) tries to send email. plus user has to wait 3 seconds before they can click yes.
2) outlook can be controled by active directory policies. most companies prohibit sending .exe files.
3) outlook was patched a long time ago to prohibit auto launching of executibles and scripts when email is opened or read.

[MellonCollie]

30. Take your goddamned facts elsewhere sir/madam!

This is a thread for "LOL I'LL NEVER USE MICRO$UCKS WINBLOWS EVER AGAIN!!!" and "MICRO$HAFT IS REPUBLICANS!!!" type comments, not facts.

[krawhitham]

76. +1

[ChimpersMcSmirkers]

144. Bingo. I've had windows machines since the begining

and have had a total of zero viruses infect my systems.

Anti-virus and common sense are your friends.

[JBoris]

6. That is a link to a site that SELLS security software

... of course they will try to scare people into a sale.

There is no such thing as a secure OS anyways. Not Apple's, not Microsoft's, and not Linux based OS's.

The only secure computer is one that is offline and locked in a safe.

[Muttocracy]

7. well, with or without antivirus and antispyware programs running?

and that's a commercial ad for Sophos.

[doc03]

8. Windows 7 catches H1N1 virus!!!!!!! n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

9. Pass some of that popcorn will ya?

Oh and brought the hedonics as well.

[Touchdown]

10. Now, now! That Mac pic is going to make the MesSers make shit up about "cult members"

and other fantasies they pulled out of their asses to throw on us again. Will you ever learn?
















I won't.

[NYC_SKP]

12. OMG, that never occurred to me.

Yes it did.

[denem]

99. MACS can run Windows 7 - Dual Boot Windows or Mac OS X

[Indenturedebtor]

112. The concept of "Mac Users" vs "PC Users" is the only thing supporting Apple

Steve jobs sold you a lifestyle and an identity in a shiny pastel plastic package.

[Indenturedebtor]

11. A properly functioning Mac can only run decent programs when you have Windows running in bootcamp

But you know for paying twice as much as you would for a PC you get almost twice the performance to run I-Tunes on!

Windows is a mess but at least you can fix your own computer and you can actually run decent software... which is what I thought computers were for

[NYC_SKP]

15. I keep my Macs and my PCs separate.

I don't use any programs that required windows, and I buy Office for Mac and pull out a PC only when I have to, which isn't often.

I've replaced hard disk drives and added memory, etc., to both platforms (notebooks) and except for very high end units, like the thinkpad or Toshiba Tecra, working on Macs is simpler.

As to longevity, my personal experience favors apple products by a wide margin.

My computers are tools, and with tools I always buy the best.

Better one great tool that will last than two or more that won't.

And that's just on the hardware side.

For the OS, I can only say that I love not having to run and maintain virus preventions software, having to defrag, etc.

[Indenturedebtor]

77. If you're willing to shop and carefully select a PC you get more for the money

It's inarguable. I can build a 3 times more powerful pc for 1k, or even 4k than anyone could buy a MAC.

If you just want to do basic computing and maybe some graphic design and are willing to spend a few hundred to thousands more for the convenience of not having to let your machine run an automatic scan or defrag every 4-6 months that's up to you.

But it all depends on what people define as "better"

[Egnever]

80. Its the same hardware

LOL

[Indenturedebtor]

109. Really? Show me this MAC -

Intel Core i7 950 Processor BX80601950 - 500 bucks
Check out the most significant architectural change in the x86 architecture in 13 years, the Intel Core i7. Intel has completely reinvented their CPU design, removing the antiquated Front Side Bus and replacing it with the new Intel QuickPath Interconnect, delivering up to 6.4 GT/s. Also new to the Core i7 line is the integrated memory controller, supporting Triple Channel DDR3 Memory allowing for more maximum memory, up to 24GB on some boards, and faster access times. Located directly on the CPU die is 256KB per core of L2 cache and 8MB L3 cache shared across all four cores means the CPU can do more without having to access the main memory, further increasing performance.

-----------------------------------------
OCZ Gold Tri Channel 6GB PC16000 DDR3 2000MHz Memory - 170 bucks
The OCZ Gold Tri Channel 6GB PC16000 DDR3 2000MHz Memory triple-channel memory kit designed specifically for the impending Intel® Core™ i7 processor / Intel® X58 Express Chipset. Optimized for the Core i7’s triple channel mode, this 6GB kit ensures optimal performance via an ideal combination of low voltage requirements, speed, and latency.

Developed for enthusiasts and early-adopters, the low voltage OCZ Triple Channel solutions are the choice counterparts for leading-edge performance that won’t inhibit the functionality of Core i7 CPUs. In addition, modules are tested in matched triplets ensuring superior compatibility.

OCZ’s Triple Channel kits are 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility and feature propriety XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for the most effective heat dissipation

---------------------------------------

Take four of these at 60 bucks a pop configured with mirroring and striping for over twice the speed and automatic failover backup:
Drive Type: Internal
Capacity: 750GB
Interface: SATA 3.0Gb/s
Interface Type: SATA
Spindle Speed (RPM): Intellipower
Buffer Memory: 32MB
Data Transfer Rate on Serial ATA: Up to 3000 Mb/sec

-----------------------------------------

Two of these at 500 bucks a pop:
EVGA NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 CO-OP Superclocked Edition Video Card
The EVGA NVIDIA GeForce GTX 295 CO-OP Superclocked Edition graphics card features the power of two GTX 200 Series processors on one graphics card. This superfast graphics card delivers unrivaled graphics performance in the hottest DirectX 10 games, including Far Cry 2, Mirrors Edge, and Call of Duty 5: World at War. Combine two EVGA GeForce GTX 295 graphics cards to create a Quad NVIDIA SLI configuration and take your gaming performance to extreme levels.

-----------------------------------------

And slap a 300 dollar board in there for a total of about $2200 and you've outpaced any 4k MAC that will likely be built for at least 2-3 years. And yeah I just slapped this up here (so there are probably a couple of bottlenecks) but in a couple of months I will build my wife something like this for about 1800... the cost is going to REALLY hurt but a professional needs tools There is absolutely no argument about bang for the buck... none anywhere but on Mac fanboy sites.

[EOTE]

140. And you can slice about $800 from that by making a few changes.

Without really affecting performance. You can pick up an i7 920 for around $200. I've got mine OCed to 4.2 Ghz, very stable and I bought my 920 in February of this month for $200. The OC headroom for the 950 really isn't any better than the 920. Certainly not worth the $300 difference anyway. And you can also save a bit by getting two GTX 285s rather than two 295s. A lot of games don't have the best support for quad SLI. A single GTX 285 has access to more frame buffer than two GTX 295s (1024 Mb vs. 896 Mb), so games which require a huge frame buffer can actually run quicker at higher resolutions with two GTX 285s compared to two 295s if FB is a bottleneck. Also, you'd have the option of adding a third 285 in the future and you'd still spend less than two 295s.

I've got two GTX 285s and there's really nothing I can't run at 2560x1600 with the exception of Crysis. I've tried Crysis at that resolution and while it's playable, I generally prefer to run it at 1920x1200 with 4xAA. I almost never dip below 40fps and usually when it gets that low, it's because of my HD caching (I've yet to upgrade to SSDs). So, if you were so inclined, you could get a very similar powered system for around $1600. Even less if you wanted to go the AMD/ATI route (I can understand if you didn't want to though, the bulk of games I play are optimized for Nvidia and the only game that makes my system break a sweat is Crysis.)

[Touchdown]

18. Oooooh. Really? You must be pretty smart! Can I touch you?

Hint: Use a Mac once, then tell me about "decent programs". Don't just touch one, or see it in a picture. You have to actually use it. int: MSOffice for Mac runs better on OSX than windows. Same Win version of World of Warcrack works in OSX.

I fix my Macs all the time. There's these new technologies in iMacs called "screws". What you do with them is get this... They sell tools that actually fit one end into this "screw" and you turn them, and WOW! The iMac opens up!!!! Underneath the screen, tape, dust, is a hard drive. I replaced it, put it back together and loaded OSX on it. 30 minutes... in something that I wasn't supposed to "fix"? I'm glad your here to tell me that the computer I just upgraded can't be upgraded.

[Indenturedebtor]

74. Upgraded with a soldering iron?

No one, even the biggest Mac fans, argues about these points. You may be able to replace your hard drive... but can you set up a 6 drive raid array with 2 shotgunned graphics cards? Didn't think so.

Mac users pay for unicorns and that special feeling that one gets from being different but the same.

We all have to spend our money on something! Enjoy

[Touchdown]

84. You got no facts behind you.

Unicorns.

Right.

Not worth my time.

Oh' and to answer your question about RAID and shotgunning GCs... Yes, it can be done on a Power Mac. Can it be done on a Dell notebook? Consumer all in one from HP? Didn't think so.

Again, actually use a Mac before you go shooting off your bullshit about unicorns.

[Indenturedebtor]

113. Um can anyone set up a good raid array or graphics on a laptop?

Sorry but you don't know what you're talking about. And to compare HP to Mac is funny. HP is also an appliance... though a considerably cheaper appliance. Bang for buck - PCs outperform and deliver more software and options on every level. The new Mac OS is more stable than windows. My washing machine is more reliable than my car and even has a shinier plastic shell! But when I need to drive to work or to the beach I need something that will get me there cheaply, quickly, and efficiently.

The reason why the vast majority of IT professionals don't own or implement MACs isn't because they don't know anything about computers. Think about that for a little bit.

[Touchdown]

122. I'll grant that you know computers, but you don't know Macs.

And it's capital M, lower case ac.

Being an IT professional still doesn't negate the fact that you are trolling, and a general PIA. I'm a telecommunications tech. I work on a system vastly bigger than you. The world wide telephone network... which has it's own computers in it, called switches... every one of them are UNIX... for a reason.

My dick is bigger than yours.

[Indenturedebtor]

125. So you know appliances. Good for you ;)

It's nice to see that your arguments have devolved to comparing dick size hehe. How about this - I can take all 10 pixels of your dick and make it appear man-sized faster and cheaper on my PC than you can on your mAC

The UNIX kernel may be more stable but this still doesn't outweigh the benefits of Windows based PCs... which is why when your frames, waves, cells, packets, or whatever reach a network - they either go to a phone or to a PC running windows.

[Touchdown]

127. eh' You're still a troll.

Marketing is why they go to PCs... No other reason. You need to keep a job, so a shitty computer is necessary for you. Maytag Repairman you're not.

[Indenturedebtor]

128. Heheh you don't even know what kind of IT I work in

Information technology is a pretty broad field.

And I don't think you can call me a troll for responding to a troll thread and a bunch of troll posts that bash PCs. If I was bashing PCs with you - you wouldn't be calling me a troll.

[Touchdown]

135. Your entire list of responses here is trolling for Mac hate.

Some of us like the computers we use. We don't have he problems with our systems that most Windows users do. It's our choice. Why is choice a bad thing? Why must everybody use the same system?

I used Macs in journalism school, I got used to it, I learned what to do with it, and I just continued to use them the rest of my life. I use a Windows XP system at work, and I find it to be unnecessarily complicated, tedious and illogical. I prefer my computer at home. What the fuck is it to you?

Cost is relative. If a little more up front cost allows me to actually use my computer instead of fighting with it, then it's worth it. As a photographer who's got actual billable hours using my Mac, the idea that you say it's just an internet appliance is mis-informed and insulting. A Hyundai can get me to where I want to go, but My BMW gets me there in style, comfort, confidence and excitement that no Hyundai can match. Sure PCs are cheaper. That doesn't make them a better value.

[Indenturedebtor]

141. Um the ENTIRE thread was started to knock PCs

Not everyone must use the same system, but I STRONGLY disagree with the assertion that Macs are better. You don't see PC users running around starting threads about why they think Macs suck, so take your own advice and quietly pay your tithe to Rama Rama Jobs

[Touchdown]

143. Oh' yes I do. Windows Borg exploit every and all problems with Macs, and the threads abound.

3 or 4 on a single "hack" into Tiger 10.5 where they were given passwords before they hacked into the Mac.

The threads are just hard to find, because there's so few problems with OSX, that when one does occur, it's news. You might not see them, but they're there quite frequently. I also think your lying. You probably participate in the gang bang when you see them.

You never complained that we think they're better. Had you said "I STRONGLY disagree with the assertion..." in the first place then few of us would have called you to the carpet on your bullshit. Instead, you said Macs are surfing appliances that need a Windows co-boot to have decent software. A woefully ill informed statement from a troll who's never even touched a Mac. You are not to be taken seriously if you come across as THAT ignorant of a computer system when your trying to bash it.
You came on with the insults and defensive posturing of someone who isn't quite sure his choices are all that, and pissed off that Apple's existence makes you sorry for your poor choices. Kind of like a closet case getting mad at an openly gay man. "Try to act more straight! You're embarrassing me!"

They're better for me. I know them. I know their capabilities, and I know where everything is at in them. It works for me. Everything I need or want to do on a computer I can do on a Mac. EVERYTHING, does not mean shooting zombies with a mouse click. Why waste my time to learn something else, especially when that something else is less stable, slower and less elegant just because "everybody else has this"?

I never suggested to you that you should buy a Mac. That "take your own advice..." drivel is mere projection on your part. You are the salesman here. Rama Rama Jobs makes a good product and I feel no shame or resentment for paying for quality.

[Jamastiene]

88. Soooooo, if you use your Mac so much, why does it have dust on it?

"Underneath the screen, tape, dust,"

And if Macs are so perfect, why is yours held together with tape?

[Touchdown]

92. Because I'm busy using it, not manhandling the box like Windows users do.

The tape is that magnetic foil covering shit that tells the tech that you've been in it. At 4 years old, the warranty is long gone anyhow.

I never said Macs are perfect, but apparently you think your insight into gotcha games is.

[Jamastiene]

94. There you are,

proving once again that some Mac users have no sense of humor.

[Touchdown]

104. That was humor?

Really?
Like Bruno Kirby in Good Morning Vietnam humor, or Andrew Dice Clay humor?

Since I'm a Mac user, you'll have to tell me.

[rd_kent]

34. please explain "decent software"

Not sure what you mean. I am a new Mac user and it seems to run everything just fine. What has impressed me the most is the ability to install a new program, or a printer, or a removable disk, or anything else, and IT JUST WORKS. No uninstall/reinstall, no problems, it just works.

I used a PC since 1997 and I have had my Mac for 2 months now, and I am convinced, Mac is superior in EVERY way, even Itunes.

[Indenturedebtor]

75. Hey if all you want is an appliance that can surf the net

Macs are great for twice the price

There are about 50 times the available applications for PCs. Macs are great appliances. Hell I have an iphone because all I want from my phone is Pandora and for the damn thing to work. It was expensive but it's great. Now if I had money to burn and only wanted to play about 1/10 of the games on the market and didn't want to overclock my pc or anything I might buy a mac next time around.

But I expect more from my machines, and the occasional virus scan doesn't phase me.

[nadinbrzezinski]

82. Ok fanboy, if you want your PC for gaming

you get a cookie. There is simply more games for that.

If you want your computer for GRAPHIC DESIGN, the Mac is a superior platform

If you need your machine as a CREATIVE Writer, mac is better too.

If you need it for the enterprise...well then, given all the issues with VISTA companies are gun shy about Seven... and depending on WHAT they need the machines for... some have actually already moved to Mac.

So here is the question. WHAT do you need it for? That will determine what you get, or should get.

This household has an XP box (WILL NOT go to Seven until SP 2 or we have no choice, too many bad nightmares from Vista) and a Mac, the one I am posting from. And you know what? I have spent exactly an hour working on the Mac (to do an upgrade or two) over the course of three years. I have spent more than six months with viruses, issues with Vista, downgrading to XP, on the other machine... which is exactly a waste of time.

So if Mac got their act together and we had all the games in a MAC platform, guess what? I'd kick the other one to the curb, or just damn it make it a LINUX or UNIX server.

[Indenturedebtor]

105. I work in IT - here are some thoughts

you get a cookie. There is simply more games for that.

*** Yes there are considerably more games

If you want your computer for GRAPHIC DESIGN, the Mac is a superior platform

*** The only thing that makes Macs "better" for graphic design is that they have a lot of little shortcuts that Windows doesn't have. Keyboard shortcuts.. YAY! Guess what - I will be building my wife a 3 times more powerful PC than what she could have on a MAC period. With that she'll be able to produce higher resolution images, work with more files at once, etc. Graphic design craves power above all. This goes back to the whole overclocking, shotgunned GPU's, and general bang for the buck. Oh and I can use my old OS, case, case fans, etc when I build her the new machine. Oh and I won't have to pay a few hundred dollars just to buy her fonts for the damn thing... widows comes with a lot of them.

If you need your machine as a CREATIVE Writer, mac is better too.

*** Oh? Why would that be?

If you need it for the enterprise...well then, given all the issues with VISTA companies are gun shy about Seven... and depending on WHAT they need the machines for... some have actually already moved to Mac.

*** Vista is bloatware. Companies still purchase XP for any multitude of reasons. First among them is cost, secondly you don't have to train your entire workforce on new goofy file management systems, etc. Further - if you work in IT a lot of people know how to tweak their apps just so, etc. On top of that, many companies have native built applications for time tracking, etc etc etc. This would all have to be reimplemented. Companies also would have to replace nearly their entire software suite. This idea of companies completely retraining their workforce or suddenly deciding that it would be great to have to find a special little apple store when something breaks is ridiculous. I don't know of a single company small or otherwise that have done this... yes it would make the news. Oh but they could pay full price for Windows to run it in bootcamp and still be in WINDOWS.... that's a good idea

So here is the question. WHAT do you need it for? That will determine what you get, or should get.

*** Agreed.

This household has an XP box (WILL NOT go to Seven until SP 2 or we have no choice, too many bad nightmares from Vista) and a Mac, the one I am posting from. And you know what? I have spent exactly an hour working on the Mac (to do an upgrade or two) over the course of three years. I have spent more than six months with viruses, issues with Vista, downgrading to XP, on the other machine... which is exactly a waste of time.

*** If Macs drop by price by about half they will probably climb to 30% of marketshare. At that point you're going to have to learn how to protect yourself from viruses. Personally I have to deal with a virus about once every 6 months, and it takes about 20 minutes, or I get a reformat going before I go to bed. Please see below:
*** 1) Firewall on your router
*** 2) You didn't actually win a prize just cause "Brenda" says you did
*** 3) No those herbs won't actually make it bigger so don't click that link either
*** 4) Run a free anti-virus anti-spyware software like Super Anti Spyware

So if Mac got their act together and we had all the games in a MAC platform, guess what? I'd kick the other one to the curb, or just damn it make it a LINUX or UNIX server.

*** Not me but it's your money and your choice.

[Touchdown]

93. More idiocy. Here's what's been done on "appliances that surf the net"

This is what people use your "real computer" for...

[Indenturedebtor]

110. Teeheehee did you work on any of those movies?

Do you think that such work isn't possible on PCs? What are the advantages again of doing graphic design work on Macs? Do tell... please keep in mind that I know the answer

[Touchdown]

123. Not in Hollywood. Just know that certain SFX houses use a

Mac base to build their custom CGI systems, and build their software custom as well. There has to be a reason why almost half go with a Mac system when filming and editing. The rest use Silicone Graphics systems, Sun systems, and a few Windows thrown in for good measure.

Can those be done on PCs? Probably. Why don't they? Ummm, stability, or the fact that Apple has a close relationship with Hollywood and they talk to each other... enough for them to provide the SFX houses with what they need.

[Indenturedebtor]

126. Some good reasons and probably true

For the consumer though I don't think that there's really a benefit when it comes to graphics. I've looked into it pretty carefully for my wife because my 7 year old gaming system is barely cutting it for her design classes Time to upgrade!

[stanwyck]

138. If you're a graphic artist, creative director, or photographer

please, please do not send me your PC files.
There really is a huge difference in the creative world between Mac users and PC users.
And we want the Mac users here. (yes, I'm supposed to be working.)
PC files are a big, red flag that the user has no idea what he/she is doing.
Keep your Paint and Play children's programs and output to your home laser printer.
We don't want your amateurish files clogging up our queues to our presses when there are real artists out there working in real programs with real computers.

[Pavulon]

70. Fusion. This machine is running autodesk software

next to safari. very quickly. Oh so done with Windows. To each his own.

[Indenturedebtor]

111. I've got nothing against Linux - if you can implement it to your needs GREAT

It's overpriced computing appliances with reduced functionality and cutesy little pastel colors that I take issue with.

Mac lives and dies on it's marketing campaigns and it's ability to convince people that 2 hours of maintenance every 6-12 months is worth reduced performance and over twice the money. Mac sells an image...

[Pavulon]

116. It is a POSIX kernel. I use LINUX (rhel, unbutu) vm's and Wintel vm's

on a laptop with 8GB of memory and it all runs just fine. It is basically a self contained development environment. I have run through two generations of MacBook Pros and not had any maintenance issue. On the other hand I have traveled the world with them and they take a beating.

Again, you can run x terminals to RISC computers and do just about anything on a mac you can on any other POSIX system. All but the highest end laptops feel shitty compared to a mac. Keyboard, display are all superior in all but the equal priced options from HP, Dell, etc.

It is all about what works for you.

[Indenturedebtor]

118. Meh I took a Toshiba Satellite through 9 countries where it was

thrown from the top of a minibus, sat on (dozens of times), rained on, exposed to the wrong voltage (yeah I'm stupid), and on and on and on. Damn thing still runs 4 years later without a whimper... and it's Windows Me Worst operating system ever!

[Pavulon]

120. The IBM X/T class took a beating

it ran with a broken case and later beer spilled in the keyboard. I decided to wash that out with rubbing alcohol and then leave it in dried rice before turning it in. IBM has at least 10 different screw types in that case. It booted from that, but never was the same. Blamed the customer, said they dropped it. I run 64bit xp for a gaming system. Macs for design work and general use.

me was shitty. vista is the me of its day. 7 in beta ran like..OSx. they are similar in "feel"

[Indenturedebtor]

121. Lol good idea with the rice... sucks it didn''t work!

I agree with your assessment... 2k was the best they've ever made.

[TicketyBoo]

131. What is this deal about

"pastel colors"?

Sony and Dell are the only companies I know of that are offering colored computers these days (unless you count iPod nanos and shuffles).

[PJPhreak]

13. Here,try this....

[Posteritatis]

16. XP, however, is vulnerable to 14 out of 10 viruses. It's an improvement. (nt)

[Jamastiene]

89. Your numbers are off.

It's 20 out of 10 viruses...

[Statistical]

19. "and did not load any anti-virus software"

Wow. Computer with no AV can be affected by viruses? Well color me pink.

Then again this company trying to sell AV kind forgets that Microsoft provides free AV in MSE - Microsoft Security Essentials.

Strange they didn't test Windows 7 w/ MSE installed. Maybe their sales dept wouldn't like those results.

[rd_kent]

36. My Mac has no AV. No viruses.....

Dont need it....

[Statistical]

38. You mac has less than 5% marketshare.

Malware, and virus writers go for the biggest return on investment.

Spend hundred hours writing an exploit that affects 90%+ of the computers on the internet or do the same amount of work writing something that affects 5%.

The idea that macs are magically immune to viruses is a falsehood.

[rd_kent]

42. For whatever reason, mine is "magically immune".

I guess I WANT people to keep buying PC's then.

[Statistical]

46. I don't have cancer therefore my genes must "magically be immune".

Guess I can cancel my health insurance.

[rd_kent]

48. Yeah, you do that. I dont care, just keep using a PC.

Really, if thats what you like, then great! Keep using it. I like Mac, you like PC, no problem.

[TrogL]

64. They're not "magically immune" - the UNIX OS was built with security in mind

Windows was designed to be "user friendly" - a GUI stuck on top of a single-user kernel - DOS (cmd.exe). Nothing significant has changed since DOS 6.2.

Apple made an extraordinary decision to throw out their kernel in favour of a UNIX-based one. UNIX was developed in a University environment full of mad hackers (aka. "students").

[Statistical]

65. So windows NT -> XP -> Vista -> W7 is GUI running on DOS?

"Nothing significant has changed since DOS 6.2."

lol. you lost any and all credibility right there.

No need to respond you Microsoft hatred has cause you to jump to such a stupid conclusion don't bother trying to defend it. It is obvious to all how false your accusation is.

lol.

Most Viruses today are the user doing something stupid like installing a "free mp3 downloader" = trojan or clicking on an attachment in an email = malware.

There is nothing the OS can do if the user insists it wants to install this program/application.

AV protects the user from user stupidity. By matching the signature of "free-mp3-downloads.exe" to a known worm/trojan it intercepts the user's actions and alerts the user to their stupidity "warning virus found in free-mp3-download.exe".

No-one interested in system security would think unix is magically immune to user stupidity.

[MyNameGoesHere]

97. Please do more research

before spouting off. The Unix OS had no such thoughts in mind when it came to life in the late 60's. I doubt at that time they were worried about someone loading a virus via punch card. It was essentially created for a single need by AT&T and distributed chiefly among government and universities. Perhaps you are thinking of the inferior Linux OS whick LOOKS like a posix compliant OS but is NOT Unix. And about Windows architecture being the same as it was in ODS 6.x I cannot even fathom to where to begin on that lie.

[hobbit709]

98. Unix was originally written by people

that wanted to see how many three letter commands they could come up with.

[Touchdown]

124. It's the way my company works. We're the original 3 letter acronym.

AT&T... now at&t. Everything in my job is an acronym. It gets old.

[Touchdown]

90. So what? How does marketshare negate the fact that Macs get few, if any viruses?

It doesn't matter how little market share is, or why Macs don't. Macs still don't get the viruses that Windows users get. Why doesn't change that fact.

This "market share" talking points all you Windows boys bring out like magpies has always been the biggest red herring non-issue ever spoken.

[nadinbrzezinski]

83. My Mac has a free virus suite on it and I STILL run it once a month

call it a habit. I have yet to find a friend though.

[Jamastiene]

91. How do you know you don't have any viruses if you don't have an AV to tell you?

[DainBramaged]

20. Gee ya think SOMEONE is trying to sell anti-virus software???

You have LOTS of free choices out there, and I am POSITIVE that eventually, MSE will become native in Windows 7, and then these folks will be at a dead end.


What's the saying, believe half of what you see ........

[NYC_SKP]

25. Yeah, true, that was 8/10 viruses without loading any additional software...

...and it was written by a software company, Sophos...

BUT, this is a fun read: http://www.pcpro.co.uk/blogs/2009/11/04/why-windows-7-h... /

And, it's good to know that Microsoft is TRYING to make 7 less vulnerable: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355099,00.asp

[Occulus]

78. I took the time to actually read the MSE license

and I did not like a couple of the provisions therein. And no, it's wasn't the part about crippling the OS if MSE detects an invalid license.

[HopeHoops]

23. What a SHOCK!

Who would have EVER thought that M$ would release an operating system that was full of security holes?

[City of Mills]

24. Antivirus company makes claim for the need for antivirus software - news at 11.

[PVnRT]

27. Or, you could not be a moron and get free anti-virus software

[SpiralHawk]

28. Windows = Republicon software from a Republicon corporation

[Toucano]

33. Agreed.

Progressives who buy and use MS software are contributing to conservative think tanks.

[PVnRT]

37. Yes, I'm sure everything you buy and use

is organic, free-range and made by progressive non-profits, right?

[Toucano]

41. If changing the topic can assuage your guilt, go right ahead.

You might be surprised.

By the way, not being able to correct everything that is wrong with the world is no excuse for not correcting the things you can.

[PVnRT]

45. There is no guilt to assuage

If, however, your life is so hollow that you have to accuse everyone who isn't exactly like you of being evil and supporting evil, hey, knock yourself out. You'll fit in nicely on the modern DU.

[Toucano]

57. Facts pinch a little sometimes.

Microsoft has given your money to The Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute, and The American Enterprise Institute among others.

You know this.

If you want to continue purchasing this company's products, you are contributing to those institutions. That is your choice. Feed the beast and defend the beast if you will, but you have an alternative.

I never said anything about "evil".

[SpiralHawk]

43. You betcha

[Mudoria]

55. What a shithead lol

[MellonCollie]

29. Shitty scaremongering article; UAC worked exactly as intended

The title of the Sophos article should have been "OOOGABOOGA BUY OUR ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE SOFTWARE OR KITTENS WILL DIE!", or "If you infect your OS it's going to get infected".

* If the malware was designed to run at user-level, it'll run without a peep from UAC (UAC only prompts the user when something's needing admin-level privileges).
* If the malware was designed to be run with admin privileges, and the user clicked 'Yes' to run it when prompted by UAC, then no wonder the malware ran successfully and did its dirty work (this isn't a UAC flaw; it's user stupidity).
* If the malware was designed to be run with admin privileges, and the user clicked 'No' when prompted by UAC—but the malware still ran with admin privileges—then THAT would be something to get worked up about; that would be a flaw.

The fact that Sophos didn't go into detail about the methodology used in the test would lead me to believe that the malware ran using the first 2 scenarios I mentioned.

[cliffordu]

32. BWAHA aha haha HAH AHA HA aha hahah HA HA AH AHA HA

Fucking Ballmer and Gates.

[DainBramaged]

47. So you really believe everything you read???

[NYC_SKP]

67. I have been accused in this thread of posting spam. Reply #35

If and when I post spam, it will be abundantly clear, doncha know...

[Dreamer Tatum]

35. How is this not spam? nt

[NYC_SKP]

68. Oooh, Busted!

[Nye Bevan]

39. I bet the 2 viruses that cannot infect Windows 7

are constantly tormented and ridiculed by all of their fellow viruses. What kind of wimpy virus us unable to infect *Windows* for goodness sake?

[Ilsa]

40. Over the last week, I couldn't help but wonder if MS is sabotaging my

current system, Vista, on my 2-3 year old machine.

Or maybe the universe has been conspiring against me.

[DainBramaged]

49. Install MSE and save yourself

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[EOTE]

44. Wow, 8 out of 10 virii can infect Windows if the user allows it to.

And if the user doesn't even have a modicum of antivirus on the computer. Color me shocked. And from a antivirus company none the less. It's a good thing sophos.com is out there to protect me. Funny, I've been using Windows 7 for about a year now and haven't had a single virus, and that's including the Windows 7 beta. Hell, I haven't had a single issue on the now 3 computers it's running on in my house. I guess I'm just super lucky.

[Toucano]

59. I am not a Windows user and I sure would never defend Microsoft.

But this article is bullshit for the exact reasons you cite.

:cheers:

[nc4bo]

72. I know one thing, I'm sick and tired of cleaning viruses from people's computers.

All of them from people who either had outdated trial AV software on the boxes or were too lazy to install any AV, etc. at all. Many of these infections are totally preventable.

It's ridiculous to place the entire blame on the OS when the user him or herself is an ASS.

[Better Believe It]

50. No anti-virus software installed??!!! Whoever runs a computer without such software ....

shouldn't be surprised by the results!

Do most people also operate a MAC and Windows Vista without anti-virus software and expect to be immune from virus attacks?

[Statistical]

52. Maybe not most but some do and that includes people in this thread.

[TicketyBoo]

132. I use a Mac

and I've not run anti-virus software for over 12 years.

You know when you get those pop-ups that say that your computer is infected, and "Download our software now!"?

Well, whenever one of those things pops up, I feel sorry for all those Windows users who have to wonder if it's true. With my Mac, I know it isn't. Probably most of you here are sophisticated enough to know that's a scam, but I know there are a lot of people who don't recognize that fact.

(I know I could block pop-ups if I wanted to do so, but I've never done that, either.)

[TCJ70]

54. It's amazing to me that people are so used to needing...

...AV software, that the expectation of out-of-the-box system security is so low. There's something to be said for writing good software that doesn't require the use of third-party protection programs.

[Statistical]

56. Well Microsoft has been sued a couple times for bundling software with windows.

User downloads THIS_WILL_DESTROY_YOUR_COMPUTER.EXE and double clicks it. No way the OS can prevent that. The user has permission to run programs, the user is running a program.

Now an AV like Microsoft Security Essentials will match the signature of "THIS_WILL_DESTROY_YOUR_COMPUTER" and prevent the application from running despite the user's stupidity.

Should Microsoft simply make MSE part of Windows? Of course.
Would all the AV companies sue for monopolistic tactics destroying the AV industry? Well what do you think.

[Statistical]

51. Microsoft provides free antivirus for XP, Vista & Windows 7

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials /

Guess that is why Sophos needs to rely on scare tactics to get people to buy unneeded "protection".

Microsoft provides free AV protection but lets "test" it without free AV running. Wow a virus! How shocking.

[Feron]

53. Just for you.

[DavidDvorkin]

58. Perfect!

Thanks.

[Better Believe It]

60. Is Apple virus free without anyone using 3rd party anti-virus software?

I doubt it.

I use Norton AV on my Vista PC.

And the Vista system works really well. Tried a late beta of Windows 7 and it won't run much of my software so I'll stay with Vista for awhile, at least until Window 7 comes out with a service pack.

[MilesColtrane]

61. I have been virus free for eight + years.

I've owned two computers during that time, a G4 and a G5.

I used to have Norton AV back when I had a Performa, but it was just taking up room.

[DavidDvorkin]

62. I don't plan to find out

I dislike Macs intensely, and I really despise those commercials. That's why I liked that graphic.

[nadinbrzezinski]

85. Yes... I got a free one as a bad habit acquired from my WIn days

But there are simply no viruses written for Unix... or worms, or trojans or the rest.

Now my XP box... let's not go there ok

[TicketyBoo]

133. Yes, it's true.

Macs are really, truly virus-free. (Thus far.)

[Indenturedebtor]

115. Dude that is the best forkin clip EVER!

I'm sending that to all the MAC fanboys I know RIGHT NOW!

[Odin2005]

66. This is BS.

[NYC_SKP]

69. Probably. I wouldn't know. My last seven computer purchases were Macs, and my PC runs XP.

I stumbled on the article, thought it would provoke discussion, never heard of Sophos.

Heard of Norton, McAffe, etc.

Nonetheless, arguments over OS and hardware designs are always enlightening.

For my money and my applications, for ease of use and quality of manufacture, I choose Macs.

[Indenturedebtor]

119. You wouldn't if I built you a computer n/t

[nc4bo]

71. Rut-roh Shaggy, Service Packs 1 thru 15 coming up shortly. nt

[Occulus]

81. You do understand that more patches more often equals a better OS in the end, right?

Ubuntu has application updates every few days, and I just today upgraded the whole system.

The problems occur when the OS isn't updated regularly.

[nc4bo]

101. No, I didn't know that.

I am not bashing MS, just stating the facts sir.

[upi402]

73. really?

i am shocked, shocked i tell you

[ohheckyeah]

79. Well, this is really a good thing.

The heads of Linux and Mac users would have exploded otherwise - it would have been messy.

[LatteLibertine]

86. Wonder if that was true for

32bit and x64. Some viruses don't or won't execute on an x64 OS.

I'm staying away from Win 7 until I'm sure they've fixed that data corruption bug.

[MellonCollie]

95. Enlighten me...

What "data corruption bug"?

[Statistical]

107. Two possibilities. The one in OS X or the one in his brain.

[Jamastiene]

87. Do you realize what kind of MAJOR PROGRESS that is for Windows?

ONLY 8 viruses ran? The fact that a whole 2 viruses couldn't bring the computer to its proverbial knees is ASTOUNDING.

[specialed]

96. considering that

1. windows is the most used os in the world and 2. provides some of the most used dev tools out there then you are going to see the greatest number of viruses designed around the win kernel. You don't see linux or mac kernel related viruses because they don't have the user base

I own pcs & macs, I use win7 / Visual Studio , Debian / C++ , and snow leopard/ X code for various development projects.

[LanternWaste]

102. Coke v Pepsi, 21st century style. I did love the cola wars...

Every windows or apple thread invariable turns into a Coke v Pepsi commercial, 21st century style. I did love the cola wars...

[rucky]

103. Damn anti-vaccers!

[roamer65]

106. "Swiss Cheese" (aka Windows) always has security holes.

It's as constant as the North Star.

[Renew Deal]

108. BREAKING: A machine without anti-virus got infected when viruses were loaded on it.

[Indenturedebtor]

117. Seriously... "Man who doesn't believe in condoms and likes prostitutes acquires disease!"

Stop the presses

[OldEuropean]

129. 64 bit security!

What most people don't know is that 64 bit Windows Vista and Windows 7 introduced alot of kernel hardening measures - but also these changes prevents the antivirus programs from intercepting certain possible malicious actions. That means 64 bit Vista/Win7 is more resistant against exploits but the antivirus software is less effective on it. This especially affects behaviour blocker such as ThreatFire. Malware writers will of course find dirty methods to achieve the bad things they want to do - while the antivirus companies are bound to the legal APIs of Windows.

Unless Microsoft put these missing API hooks into the next service pack, 64 bit Vista/Win7 will be less secure than 32 bit on the long run.

The "test" by Sophos is rubbish of course. UAC can be bypassed by malware anyway. And if they would pick real zero-minute samples, Sophos antivirus would miss 80-90% of them aswell!