It appears, from this article, that Microsoft has chose October 22 as the official release date for Windows 7. After testing Windows 7 for the past 5 months, I can honestly say it is heads and tails above Windows Vista. However, I still stand by my previous comments that most basic computer users would be far better off with an Apple computer or an inexpensive computer running Linux because they both require far less security hand holding and maintenance than Windows.
I hope that Microsoft follows through on their promise of better security with Windows 7, but only time will tell.
Operating Systems – Windows 7 Will Obliterate Vista Frustrations in October.
I wonder if you actually understand how computer security works? Windows is just as, if not more, secure than OS X or Linux. Most people’s problems with security happen because they are morons, not because Windows invites. There are far more critical vulnerabilities in Linux and OS X than Vista and even XP, and MS has on average, a faster response to security threats.
Most people get viruses because they download things from dark corners of the internet and so forth, in which cases there is NOTHING MS can do to protect these people, short of integrating antivirus into Windows, which they will never be allowed to do. Windows computers get viruses because people run programs like “virus.exe” without an ounce of common sense.
I do realize that things like Conficker were caused by exploits of Windows vulnerabilities. But, the flaw was patched in October, and the major infections did not occur until months afterwards, meaning that people are still idiots insofar as they don’t apply security updates.
I don’t mean to sound like a Windows/MS schill, and indeed I run Ubuntu quite happily on my Dell Mini. But it is my opinion that until users become educated and start using common sense on ANY platform, the worst thing that you can do is tell them “Use a Mac” or “Use Linux”, because they still don’t learn anything. The day will likely come soon (on the Mac, I predict) when “hackers” will start heavily exploiting the vulnerabilities in OS X, and Apple will be left with egg on their face because they don’t have experience dealing with severe threats to their platform.
Just my 2 cents
John, you make some great points, and yes I do understand computer security because that’s my day-to-day job. And you are incorrect at the amount of security problems with Mac/Linux vs. Windows. Windows is inherently more insecure because of its structure than the Unix based OS’s like Linux and Mac. No debate there. But you are correct in that it is up to a user to be smart about using any kind of equipment. However, as technologies reach critical mass, as computers have now done, they reach folks who are not interested and in some cases not capable of learning how to properly secure and use a computer. For those folks who want to use a computer (and mostly the web) as a tool like a toaster or microwave, Linux and Mac offer the easiest and most trouble and maintenance free way to do that. Hands down, no debate. I live it every single day.
If people were more interested and capable of learning about and dealing with security issues, would there be any reason that you would then recommend Windows?
I don’t have issues and prefer Windows because I like to play PC games. I really like Linux too but I like to tinker too much and it uses up a lot of my time 😉 I am not Anti-Apple but I think they are very overpriced and too proprietary.
Great question. And absolutely, a Windows machine fits your description perfectly: PC gamer, interested in and capable of maintaining the security without too much anxiety. I recommend them all the time for the right user. As for Macs being expensive…they are higher out of the door, but much lower for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
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