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NYT Security Tip - Choose Non-Microsoft Products
Giorgio Maone writes "The New York Times article 'Tips for Protecting the Home Computer' follows a story we recently discussed about the proliferation of botnets, and contains some statements which may sound quite unusual from mainstream press, especially if targeted to home users: 'Using a non-Windows-based PC may be one defense against these programs, known as malware ... Alternative browsers, like Firefox and Opera, may insulate users ... NoScript, a plug-in utility, can limit the ability of remote programs to run potentially damaging programs on your PC'."
Funny, where I come from, we call that the "don't use insecure products" solution.
Let me put it to you this way: I sell Windows software for a living. Not Mac-ware. Not yet. . Still, I recommend to everyone I know that they get a Mac. I can't, in good conscience, recommend Windows. Malware, yes, that's certainly a huge problem. DRM issues in Vista are another (such as degrading audio if unsigned.) Ridiculous license terms are another (no virtualization for home? Change your hardware, lose your authorization? ridiculous!) Constant reboots and restarts are another. Incorrect configuration out of the box is another - not just privileges, but what is running and what is not, what is turned on and what is not. As near as I can tell, the key Microsoft OS policy is "Wreck the user's day. Every day."
I've fallen off your lawn, and I can't get up.
For some people that's the only benefit they care about.