This is mainly because mallware (etc) is not "ok" it is a VIRUS...
The legal definition of a virus goes along the lines of "any program or script (etc) installed without the user's consent or knowledge for any malicious or purpose to cause the computer, it's files, or user some kind of distress.
SOunds like any of the mallware, etc, stuff that is out there...
Then we should be asking ourselves, what is Microsoft's culpability in this situation?
How much share do they have in this problem?
They have given us an operating system that allows this kind of thing, and they now admit that it is destroying our data, our ability to use the computer, etc...
And we had to pay for it...
I could create a bicycle using my own patented technology...but that wouldn't give me the right to sue every company making bicycles because they are "similar"...
One would have to use my technology to make the case...
Or every car namufacturer would be in violation of eachother's patents...
Back in 1997/98 I wrote dozens of letters to the government and to the controlling entities of the TLDs...
My idea was to create a TLD called ".XXX" or ".SEX".
At the time I worked at Microsoft, testing the Operating Systems. One of my tasks was to verify the IE Filtering worked. It was one of the only times a person could surf porn at work, and not get fired.
In my testing, I found that the filtering worked less than 10% of the time. So my reasoning in writing the letters was that these TLDs would allow porn manufacturers and distributors to freely "do their thing", while allowing simple filtering programs to block any.XXX or.SEX TLD.
Now, my idea is stuck. The keep brining it up for consideration, and they keep smacking it down.
I think I know what is happening...our Government is so HOT to have an enemy that they will do anything to find one. Not terrorists, not Iraqis, not even Big Business can provide as many enemies as the American People.
This is why they keep casting their nets...they want to find email, web sites, search results, anything to have an enemy to go after.
This "problem" could have been resolved 10 years ago, yet it is still "stuck" in debate. It isn't about solving the problem, it is about fighting an enemy.
Remember the good old days?
DR Dos
Norton Defrag
others?
Microsoft has stolen its share of code, and been slapped around for it. However, even when they get caught with cookis from the cookie jar (stuffed up their @$$) they deny it, even as the proctologist removes the evidence...and they pay off the dogs with bones covered in the fat from their dishonesty.
--and you can quote me--
--E
We are told, when getting Vonage, that 911 service may not be available
A: If the internet goes down
B: If the power goes out
Then there is the difference between E911 and 911...
I think several people have already commented that you should keep Fire/Police/Ambulance on the SPEED DIAL as well as 911.
Just about every week you see or read a story about a 911 operator hanging up on someone or getting facts wrong, or a disconnect on the line.
We aren't helpless, and that is all 911 has done for us. We rely on it instead of thinking for ourselves...
Then Cell Phones, well, they have a worse reputation than Vonage with 911. You call, and some operator MIGHT answer, if you have signal...
And if there is the "general" operator, they will want to know what city you are in so they can TRANSFER you to that locality.
Then you have to know the address or close intersection or mile marker...
If you ask me, this will be blown up to make Vonage look bad, but in reality, the 911 service is more relaible via POTS or VoIP than it is on a cell phone.
Here was my cell phone 911 call:
Operator 1: 911 what is the emergency?
Me: A van is starting on fire, there is lots of smoke
Operator 1: what city are you in?
Me: Kirkland, Washington...
Operator 1: Would you like to be connected to Kirkland 911?
Me: um, sure...
(now the van has erupted into flame)
Operator 2: 911 what is your emergency?
Me: A van is burning in the parking lot...
Operator 2: would you like to be connected to Kirkland Fire Department?
Me: uh, sure...
(flames have now engulfed the entire engine area, the fuel line has ruptured and gass is burning in puddles under the van)
Operator 3: Kirkland Fire Department, is this an emergency call?
Me: yes, there is a van burning in the parking lot, it might explode
Operator 3: Please call 911
Me: I did, they sent me to you
Operator 3: Where are you located
Me: (address)
Operator 3: Ok, we will dispatch a unit to your location...
Simply, if Google is already paying for a T1 line or an OC3, or whatever they are paying for, they are paying for a specific bandwidth.
Why would I buy an OC3 only to be limited to DSL speeds? Unless I pay 3 or 4 or more times what I was originally paying just to get the full use of a line that I would have expected to provide full use anyway...
This won't fly.
People will find other ways, or simply stop using the internet. They will set up private networks, or a "peer to peer" internet (which makes sense) and Google would have to provide their own way to interface, most likely, through a different or private vendor of services.
The best and easiest way to nip this one is to simply STOP USING AT&T...cancel your home service, cancel your cellphones, cancel your long distance, cancel anything that AT&T is providing for you. If enough people move from AT&T to whatever other service provider, AT&T will change their mind.
I have had lengthly discussions with some of my old workmates at Microsoft, and my new ones here (at a "Microsoft zomby") and they always try to laud how Microsoft OS is so much better and more secure. We even have some Linux servers here.
When I start hearing about all this, I simply say, "See Secunia (http://secunia.com/) and then come talk to me."
Basically, Secunia breaks it all down to # of vulnerabilities. Then they break that number down to # of critical, etc.
While some versions of Linux have more vulnerabilities, they have far fewer CRITICAL vulnerabilities than Windows. And the Time to Fix the vulnerabilities in Linux is measured is in days, not weeks or months as it is in Windows.
All the reporting is done. Graphs and colors, enough to appease any "higher management" or "executive"...
What if we all stopped using Telco...or at least everyone that could stopped using it?
What if we all went to a cable provider? WHat if we all moved to VoIP from Vonage over our cable connections?
What could Verizon possibly do about it? The Cable company isn't TELCO but still provides IP...and they give you better bandwidth...
We can shut this all down in a hurry if we quit paying Verizon.
I pay for an internet portal. I used to use QWest, but have gone to Comcast.
Either eay, I am paying $45 to access the internet.
Google is paying for their internet access as well. They are using something along the lines of T3, DS3, or OC3 connection(s) which also cost money.
Both Telco and Cable companies are using the lines for dual access, one for POTS lines and DSL the other for Cable TV and Internet.
I don't pay for Cable TV as I have satellite, but I don't/can't use Satellite Internet. I don't have a POTS line because I have VoIP, and I don't use DSL.
I know the telco is worried about their $$, but they should provide internet service and VoIP and skip the POTS crap. Even if someone doesn't use the DSL connection, it wouldn't hurt the Telco to charge the $30 a month for VoIP just like they do for POTS. They simply wouldn't give you a DSL Modem, only a VoIP modem.
Either that, or cable providers who offer internet need to support highter bandwidth, like the DS3 and OC3 and higher...then we could cut Verizon and QWest (etc) out of the internet portal picture...
They complain about a free lunch, but as far as I can tell, everyone is paying for their access and usage of the phone lines...just because VoIP and other services directly come into conflict with what Verizon and QWest provide, shouldn't make any difference...the internet is one large marketplace...
If they limit or restrict access, then they will be engaging in unfair business practices, or forcing alternatives to their service, which will further bomb their bottom line.
We would end up hitting both of the little robot rovers we sent up there, ending any future hopes of getting more data from them...
Leave it to NASA to come up with this "great idea"...
What a bunch of Rocket Scientists...
I visit a lot of Security websites (its my job) to learn about the latest security threats to systems under my care. One of the best I have found it Secunia http://secunia.com/
Secunia has a listing of all Computer Operating Systems and their vulnerabilities. It also tracks the severity of those vulnerabilities, and how long it takes to get them fixed.
When comparing the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems to other systems, it appears that, while Microsoft doesn't have the largest number of vulnerabilities, it has the highest severity of vulnerabilities and it takes Microsoft longer to fix the vulnerabilities than it does, say Red Hat Linux, for instance.
My question is: How accurate is Secunia's perspective on the security, vulnerability, and patch-up process of Microsoft's family of computer operating systems?
AND, if their information is accurate, why does it appear that Windows is more security-challenged than its competitors, like Red Hat, when it comes down to severity of the vulnerability and the time required to patch the vulnerability?
I have seen lots of comments about the TCO of Windows being less than that of Linux, but I cannot believe it for a couple reasons.
1. When a User buys Windows XP they spend $160+ and this number only goes up for 64 bit or multi proc. systems.
Linux is free for all versions.
2. It can take all day to install Windows, get it configured, and install all the drivers and user tools, like Office. My time is worth $80-$100 an hour.
Linux installs without the need for other drivers, and comes with Office.
3. You have to purchase Office for Windows, at a cost of over $160. Add to this all the retail spyware and anti-virus softwares to make the system secure.
Linux has Office (free) and does not need any of the anti-virus or spyware softwares.
4. To set up a Server with Windows, you must purchase Server at a cost of over $400, and take all the time to set up DHCP, Active Directory, Permissions and Policies, and my time is still $80-$100 an hour.
I can set Linux up as a Server from the same disk as I can set up a client, without much more time or effort.
5. When Windows wants an update, it must be rebooted, causing downtime of my server(s).
The only down time Linux requires of me is for the replacement of hardware.
So, my question is, if I can run the TCO of Linux as substantially lower than Windows, how is it the Microsoft Sponsored Studies always show the opposite?
What are you or are you not counting into the numbers to make the difference?
The reason that newer technologies fail is the ability of the criminal to adapt to all the security flaws inherant in every new technology...
The only way to be secure is to use more than one security technology...
For instance, you have cards that are read by proximity detectors...all I have to do, as a bad guy, is get a reader and scan people as they walt past me...store the data, and copy it into new cards...bingo!
What we need is more security, not more technology...
For instance, a smart card credit card that has a thumb print scanner pad built in. When you process a transaction, it powers the card, scans your thumb, asks for a PIN, and you complete the transaction. The odds of someone else being able to crack the thumb scan AND the pin go down...
All of these systems can also use handwriting analysis, face recognition, etc...
RIFD is waiting for the right moment to be "scamed", because it is a "reader" technology...get a reader, get an identity...
So, lets say I go out and buy a DVD movie...
And I go out and buy a CD of music...
Then I go out and download every scene on that DVD from KAZAA or (insert your favorite file sharing thing here)...
Or I download every song off the CD from (share system)
Have I broken the law?
How do they know that I didn't buy it, how do they know that I don't have rights to make copies or download copies of something I have purchased...???
Hmmmm...methinks that something is smelling, and it wasn't beans and cabbage...
If you spend any time at Secunia, you will find all of the leading Operating Systems listed.
One of the things you will notice, is that not all Operating Systems are created equally.
Windows XP is here http://secunia.com/product/22/
and Redhat 9 is here http://secunia.com/product/1343/
With the biggest difference being in HOW CRITICAL THE SECURITY DEFECTS ARE and HOW MANY ARE STILL UNPATCHED
Funny, that...
Windows and Linux neck and neck? Not according to these numbers.
WHile working at M$ I interviewed for permanent positions 4 times, was accepted for one position, but passed it up for another offer at another company...
They don't interview you for the job, they interview you for the company...
I am a software test engineer, and was a test lead. My group was small, but we were all contractors.
When I interviewed for a permanent position with my team, I was interviewed by another team, a team of developers.
None of the questions I was asked was team lead related, test related or even my project related...
If I had gotten the position, I guess I wouldn't have known about anything we were doing (like the gal they hired) - maybe I wasn't the right person for the job, after having worked on that team for 4+ years...?
Why does the ACLU care?
If the ISP MUST make a service available, there is nothing that states that I must use that service.
This is just another attempt of the side of the ACLU to stretch their stupidity...
If they really wanted to do something, they should tackle the illegal gun laws that strip citizens of the Right to Keep and Bear arms...you know, the second amendment...
But the freaks at the ACLU are only after whatever gets them the bucks...dirty b@$t@rd$...
I have to disagree...
With a live CD they are assured that they don't have to DO anything to their current OS, and if they don't like Linux, they can simply remove the CD...
Further, when Joe and Pam realize that Linux can do everything that Windows can do (and more) and the price is what, $0.00, I can almost guarentee that they will stick with it.
I think this kind of approach (book and cd) is the perfect way to introduce people to Linux...now if we could only figure out how to distribute the book and everything for free...
So, according to this interpretation, I can have drugs, offer them, but as long as no one buys them, then I can only be charged with possession?
What about INTENT? Possession with INTENT to sell?
This could be a bad thing for the law...
So lets skip ahead a year or two...why not make a DLP system that sits on the desktop, and uses the same technology as the cinema DLP system, which can produce Trillions of colors...
Clear, crisp, perfect...
I believe it will only be a matter of time until the CRT is gone forever, and LCD, Plasma, DLP will be the choice...
But for me, give me the good DLP system...the new ones come out this year...they will be following the cinematic DLP systems, with 3 DLP chips...
FANTASTIC!
I am a professional Security Consultant. This is what I do.
Most universities, schools, workplaces, SOHOs, and many homes are all "under secure" and could use help.
The problem is $$...my services and services of people like me do not come cheap.
So fix it, and just be secure - Firewall, backups, etc.
I know I came into this chat a little late, but I hope to put some ideas out there...
Because VoIP is basically like a computer phone, and I know other Telcos have been in trouble for this, but can't you just BLOCK the incomming "v-spam"??
And, don't IP addresses usually tell what COUNTRY the computer or service is located in?
WOuldn't it simply be possible to BLOCK all of the Over Seas countries IP addresses that "v-spam" you?
I think there is a way to stop "v-spam" before it happens by doing just that...if enough people block India and China IP Addresses from their VoIP service, maybe the problem will simply go away?
Slashdot Mirror
Since when do you have to be a journalist to realize your First Amendment Protections...???
I thought those were extended to everyone...
Maybe I was wrong?
This is mainly because mallware (etc) is not "ok" it is a VIRUS...
The legal definition of a virus goes along the lines of "any program or script (etc) installed without the user's consent or knowledge for any malicious or purpose to cause the computer, it's files, or user some kind of distress.
SOunds like any of the mallware, etc, stuff that is out there...
Then we should be asking ourselves, what is Microsoft's culpability in this situation?
How much share do they have in this problem?
They have given us an operating system that allows this kind of thing, and they now admit that it is destroying our data, our ability to use the computer, etc...
And we had to pay for it...
I say a class action law suit is needed
I could create a bicycle using my own patented technology...but that wouldn't give me the right to sue every company making bicycles because they are "similar"...
One would have to use my technology to make the case...
Or every car namufacturer would be in violation of eachother's patents...
Why are people so stupid?
Back in 1997/98 I wrote dozens of letters to the government and to the controlling entities of the TLDs... .XXX or .SEX TLD.
My idea was to create a TLD called ".XXX" or ".SEX".
At the time I worked at Microsoft, testing the Operating Systems. One of my tasks was to verify the IE Filtering worked. It was one of the only times a person could surf porn at work, and not get fired.
In my testing, I found that the filtering worked less than 10% of the time. So my reasoning in writing the letters was that these TLDs would allow porn manufacturers and distributors to freely "do their thing", while allowing simple filtering programs to block any
Now, my idea is stuck. The keep brining it up for consideration, and they keep smacking it down.
I think I know what is happening...our Government is so HOT to have an enemy that they will do anything to find one. Not terrorists, not Iraqis, not even Big Business can provide as many enemies as the American People.
This is why they keep casting their nets...they want to find email, web sites, search results, anything to have an enemy to go after.
This "problem" could have been resolved 10 years ago, yet it is still "stuck" in debate. It isn't about solving the problem, it is about fighting an enemy.
Remember the good old days?
DR Dos
Norton Defrag
others?
Microsoft has stolen its share of code, and been slapped around for it. However, even when they get caught with cookis from the cookie jar (stuffed up their @$$) they deny it, even as the proctologist removes the evidence...and they pay off the dogs with bones covered in the fat from their dishonesty.
--and you can quote me-- --E
There may not be fire...
We are told, when getting Vonage, that 911 service may not be available
A: If the internet goes down
B: If the power goes out
Then there is the difference between E911 and 911...
I think several people have already commented that you should keep Fire/Police/Ambulance on the SPEED DIAL as well as 911.
Just about every week you see or read a story about a 911 operator hanging up on someone or getting facts wrong, or a disconnect on the line.
We aren't helpless, and that is all 911 has done for us. We rely on it instead of thinking for ourselves...
Then Cell Phones, well, they have a worse reputation than Vonage with 911. You call, and some operator MIGHT answer, if you have signal...
And if there is the "general" operator, they will want to know what city you are in so they can TRANSFER you to that locality.
Then you have to know the address or close intersection or mile marker...
If you ask me, this will be blown up to make Vonage look bad, but in reality, the 911 service is more relaible via POTS or VoIP than it is on a cell phone.
Here was my cell phone 911 call:
Operator 1: 911 what is the emergency?
Me: A van is starting on fire, there is lots of smoke
Operator 1: what city are you in?
Me: Kirkland, Washington...
Operator 1: Would you like to be connected to Kirkland 911?
Me: um, sure...
(now the van has erupted into flame)
Operator 2: 911 what is your emergency?
Me: A van is burning in the parking lot...
Operator 2: would you like to be connected to Kirkland Fire Department?
Me: uh, sure...
(flames have now engulfed the entire engine area, the fuel line has ruptured and gass is burning in puddles under the van)
Operator 3: Kirkland Fire Department, is this an emergency call?
Me: yes, there is a van burning in the parking lot, it might explode
Operator 3: Please call 911
Me: I did, they sent me to you
Operator 3: Where are you located
Me: (address)
Operator 3: Ok, we will dispatch a unit to your location...
Simply, if Google is already paying for a T1 line or an OC3, or whatever they are paying for, they are paying for a specific bandwidth.
Why would I buy an OC3 only to be limited to DSL speeds? Unless I pay 3 or 4 or more times what I was originally paying just to get the full use of a line that I would have expected to provide full use anyway...
This won't fly.
People will find other ways, or simply stop using the internet. They will set up private networks, or a "peer to peer" internet (which makes sense) and Google would have to provide their own way to interface, most likely, through a different or private vendor of services.
The best and easiest way to nip this one is to simply STOP USING AT&T...cancel your home service, cancel your cellphones, cancel your long distance, cancel anything that AT&T is providing for you. If enough people move from AT&T to whatever other service provider, AT&T will change their mind.
--E
I have had lengthly discussions with some of my old workmates at Microsoft, and my new ones here (at a "Microsoft zomby") and they always try to laud how Microsoft OS is so much better and more secure. We even have some Linux servers here.
When I start hearing about all this, I simply say, "See Secunia (http://secunia.com/) and then come talk to me."
Basically, Secunia breaks it all down to # of vulnerabilities. Then they break that number down to # of critical, etc.
While some versions of Linux have more vulnerabilities, they have far fewer CRITICAL vulnerabilities than Windows. And the Time to Fix the vulnerabilities in Linux is measured is in days, not weeks or months as it is in Windows.
All the reporting is done. Graphs and colors, enough to appease any "higher management" or "executive"...
What if we all stopped using Telco...or at least everyone that could stopped using it?
What if we all went to a cable provider? WHat if we all moved to VoIP from Vonage over our cable connections?
What could Verizon possibly do about it? The Cable company isn't TELCO but still provides IP...and they give you better bandwidth...
We can shut this all down in a hurry if we quit paying Verizon.
I pay for an internet portal. I used to use QWest, but have gone to Comcast. Either eay, I am paying $45 to access the internet.
Google is paying for their internet access as well. They are using something along the lines of T3, DS3, or OC3 connection(s) which also cost money. Both Telco and Cable companies are using the lines for dual access, one for POTS lines and DSL the other for Cable TV and Internet.
I don't pay for Cable TV as I have satellite, but I don't/can't use Satellite Internet. I don't have a POTS line because I have VoIP, and I don't use DSL.
I know the telco is worried about their $$, but they should provide internet service and VoIP and skip the POTS crap. Even if someone doesn't use the DSL connection, it wouldn't hurt the Telco to charge the $30 a month for VoIP just like they do for POTS. They simply wouldn't give you a DSL Modem, only a VoIP modem.
Either that, or cable providers who offer internet need to support highter bandwidth, like the DS3 and OC3 and higher...then we could cut Verizon and QWest (etc) out of the internet portal picture...
They complain about a free lunch, but as far as I can tell, everyone is paying for their access and usage of the phone lines...just because VoIP and other services directly come into conflict with what Verizon and QWest provide, shouldn't make any difference...the internet is one large marketplace... If they limit or restrict access, then they will be engaging in unfair business practices, or forcing alternatives to their service, which will further bomb their bottom line.
We would end up hitting both of the little robot rovers we sent up there, ending any future hopes of getting more data from them...
Leave it to NASA to come up with this "great idea"...
What a bunch of Rocket Scientists...
I visit a lot of Security websites (its my job) to learn about the latest security threats to systems under my care. One of the best I have found it Secunia http://secunia.com/
Secunia has a listing of all Computer Operating Systems and their vulnerabilities. It also tracks the severity of those vulnerabilities, and how long it takes to get them fixed.
When comparing the Microsoft Windows family of operating systems to other systems, it appears that, while Microsoft doesn't have the largest number of vulnerabilities, it has the highest severity of vulnerabilities and it takes Microsoft longer to fix the vulnerabilities than it does, say Red Hat Linux, for instance.
My question is:
How accurate is Secunia's perspective on the security, vulnerability, and patch-up process of Microsoft's family of computer operating systems?
AND, if their information is accurate, why does it appear that Windows is more security-challenged than its competitors, like Red Hat, when it comes down to severity of the vulnerability and the time required to patch the vulnerability?
I have seen lots of comments about the TCO of Windows being less than that of Linux, but I cannot believe it for a couple reasons.
1. When a User buys Windows XP they spend $160+ and this number only goes up for 64 bit or multi proc. systems.
Linux is free for all versions.
2. It can take all day to install Windows, get it configured, and install all the drivers and user tools, like Office. My time is worth $80-$100 an hour.
Linux installs without the need for other drivers, and comes with Office.
3. You have to purchase Office for Windows, at a cost of over $160. Add to this all the retail spyware and anti-virus softwares to make the system secure.
Linux has Office (free) and does not need any of the anti-virus or spyware softwares.
4. To set up a Server with Windows, you must purchase Server at a cost of over $400, and take all the time to set up DHCP, Active Directory, Permissions and Policies, and my time is still $80-$100 an hour.
I can set Linux up as a Server from the same disk as I can set up a client, without much more time or effort.
5. When Windows wants an update, it must be rebooted, causing downtime of my server(s).
The only down time Linux requires of me is for the replacement of hardware.
So, my question is, if I can run the TCO of Linux as substantially lower than Windows, how is it the Microsoft Sponsored Studies always show the opposite?
What are you or are you not counting into the numbers to make the difference?
Since when did the "freedom of press" only cover journalists?
Cried, Laughed, Enjoyed...
I hope to see it come back (via Sci-Fi) as a new series...
The reason that newer technologies fail is the ability of the criminal to adapt to all the security flaws inherant in every new technology...
The only way to be secure is to use more than one security technology...
For instance, you have cards that are read by proximity detectors...all I have to do, as a bad guy, is get a reader and scan people as they walt past me...store the data, and copy it into new cards...bingo!
What we need is more security, not more technology...
For instance, a smart card credit card that has a thumb print scanner pad built in. When you process a transaction, it powers the card, scans your thumb, asks for a PIN, and you complete the transaction. The odds of someone else being able to crack the thumb scan AND the pin go down...
All of these systems can also use handwriting analysis, face recognition, etc...
RIFD is waiting for the right moment to be "scamed", because it is a "reader" technology...get a reader, get an identity...
So, lets say I go out and buy a DVD movie...
And I go out and buy a CD of music...
Then I go out and download every scene on that DVD from KAZAA or (insert your favorite file sharing thing here)...
Or I download every song off the CD from (share system)
Have I broken the law?
How do they know that I didn't buy it, how do they know that I don't have rights to make copies or download copies of something I have purchased...???
Hmmmm...methinks that something is smelling, and it wasn't beans and cabbage...
If you spend any time at Secunia, you will find all of the leading Operating Systems listed.
One of the things you will notice, is that not all Operating Systems are created equally.
Windows XP is here
http://secunia.com/product/22/
and Redhat 9 is here
http://secunia.com/product/1343/
With the biggest difference being in HOW CRITICAL THE SECURITY DEFECTS ARE and HOW MANY ARE STILL UNPATCHED
Funny, that...
Windows and Linux neck and neck? Not according to these numbers.
WHile working at M$ I interviewed for permanent positions 4 times, was accepted for one position, but passed it up for another offer at another company...
They don't interview you for the job, they interview you for the company...
I am a software test engineer, and was a test lead. My group was small, but we were all contractors.
When I interviewed for a permanent position with my team, I was interviewed by another team, a team of developers.
None of the questions I was asked was team lead related, test related or even my project related...
If I had gotten the position, I guess I wouldn't have known about anything we were doing (like the gal they hired) - maybe I wasn't the right person for the job, after having worked on that team for 4+ years...?
Why does the ACLU care?
If the ISP MUST make a service available, there is nothing that states that I must use that service.
This is just another attempt of the side of the ACLU to stretch their stupidity...
If they really wanted to do something, they should tackle the illegal gun laws that strip citizens of the Right to Keep and Bear arms...you know, the second amendment...
But the freaks at the ACLU are only after whatever gets them the bucks...dirty b@$t@rd$...
I have to disagree...
With a live CD they are assured that they don't have to DO anything to their current OS, and if they don't like Linux, they can simply remove the CD...
Further, when Joe and Pam realize that Linux can do everything that Windows can do (and more) and the price is what, $0.00, I can almost guarentee that they will stick with it.
I think this kind of approach (book and cd) is the perfect way to introduce people to Linux...now if we could only figure out how to distribute the book and everything for free...
So, according to this interpretation, I can have drugs, offer them, but as long as no one buys them, then I can only be charged with possession? What about INTENT? Possession with INTENT to sell? This could be a bad thing for the law...
So lets skip ahead a year or two...why not make a DLP system that sits on the desktop, and uses the same technology as the cinema DLP system, which can produce Trillions of colors... Clear, crisp, perfect... I believe it will only be a matter of time until the CRT is gone forever, and LCD, Plasma, DLP will be the choice... But for me, give me the good DLP system...the new ones come out this year...they will be following the cinematic DLP systems, with 3 DLP chips... FANTASTIC!
I am a professional Security Consultant. This is what I do.
Most universities, schools, workplaces, SOHOs, and many homes are all "under secure" and could use help.
The problem is $$...my services and services of people like me do not come cheap.
So fix it, and just be secure - Firewall, backups, etc.
I know I came into this chat a little late, but I hope to put some ideas out there... Because VoIP is basically like a computer phone, and I know other Telcos have been in trouble for this, but can't you just BLOCK the incomming "v-spam"?? And, don't IP addresses usually tell what COUNTRY the computer or service is located in? WOuldn't it simply be possible to BLOCK all of the Over Seas countries IP addresses that "v-spam" you? I think there is a way to stop "v-spam" before it happens by doing just that...if enough people block India and China IP Addresses from their VoIP service, maybe the problem will simply go away?