1 edit | Do you still use Windows? My security friend said that Windows was the most targeted platform and I looking on these boards, I see tons of suggestions to "run MalwareBytes, Avast, ".
My querstion is, should we really be still using Windows? Google searching shows some good alternatives (Apple, Ubuntu, Linux, etc.). I'm thinking about switching just to be safe ... a lot of these look like they are free and my partner's new laptop obviously requires and OS but I really don't want to pay 100+ buck for something that can be hacked in a day or two.
A lot of people that have Windows problems get answers (based on google searches, not necessarily here on BBR), just say, follow these 10 steps -- "install X AV, install y anti-malware, don't click on this, delete Z registry keys, remove these files, uninstall A, reconfigure B, turn around ten times and say the words, "I'm safe", etc.
Is there and OS that is simpler than Windows in what it does and what it installs where and where the user the can easily be in control or what is happening on the machine she owns?
I'm not trying to diss WIndows and although it is very targeted (for obvious reasons -- everyone uses it), I really don't feel like I am in control of what goes on on my computer which worries me since I have tax data, customer info, etc.
Thanks.
Glasin McPeterson |
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RJW1678
join:2003-01-15
Wilmington, DE Reviews:
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| Since September 2003 I have ran Mandrake Linux, FreeBSD, Mandriva Linux, and Ubuntu Linux. I am currently running Ubuntu. Changing to another operating system has a learning curve and steps that need taken to make sure they are properly secured too. If a person is comfortable using Windows and has it properly secured and wants to stay on Windows - then they should, as Windows can be secure. Even though I am running a Linux distribution for almost everything that I do on my computer - I have a copy of Windows 7 in another partition for the things that do not work on Linux.
Bob W. |
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AsherN
join:2010-08-23
Thornhill, ON | reply to GlassyMcPete
Every OS can be hacked. Every OS can be secured.
You have to weigh things like learning curve, availability of software, hardware support.
With Windows, do what everybody will tell you to do on Linux "Don't run as Root". Don't run Windows as Administrator. Create a limited account. Run an anti-virus. You'll be fine. |
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 kingdome74Emotionally UnavailablePremium
join:2002-03-27
Syracuse, NY
kudos:2
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| reply to GlassyMcPete
I have a Windows machine for gaming but my other desktop and laptop use Ubuntu. Even though someone uses Linux it doesn't mean you're still not susceptible to security risks. I think a lot of people get overconfident using something other than Windows because they can't get viruses and instead expose themselves to all kinds of other threats.
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 wapuBroadband RangerPremium
join:2001-09-05
Boca Raton, FL | reply to GlassyMcPete
said by GlassyMcPete:Is there and OS that is simpler than Windows in what it does and what it installs where and where the user the can easily be in control or what is happening on the machine she owns?
I'm not trying to diss WIndows and although it is very targeted (for obvious reasons -- everyone uses it), I really don't feel like I am in control of what goes on on my computer which worries me since I have tax data, customer info, etc.
Thanks.
Glasin McPeterson
The question is not which operating system you want to use, but which operating system you need to use.
You have tax data, and customer info, can the applications you use to manipulate this data run something other than windows? Do you, or whomever you are doing this for, have the technical skills or desire to learn a whole different set of features and terminology? I have taken people to OSX and a couple could not get past the minimize and close buttons being on the left. It seems like a simple thing, but to them it was like trying to watch TV upside down.
What you are describing is security though obscurity. This only works for a while. As more and more people try it, the solution becomes less obscure and a bigger target. Maybe learning to secure what you have will be less work in the long run.
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said by GlassyMcPete:My querstion is, should we really be still using Windows? Google searching shows some good alternatives (Apple, Ubuntu, Linux, etc.).
I run Windows because the applications I use run under Windows.
I'm sure there are lovely applications for other os, some may be better and some may be worse. A spreadsheet is a spreadsheet, and a word processor is a word processor. But I run more than those.
To me it's better to choose an os based on the tools you need, and then learn to secure it no matter what it is. |
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 KrisnatharokCaveat EmptorPremium
join:2009-02-11
Earth Orbit
kudos:7 | reply to GlassyMcPete
Re: Do you still use Windows?-- "install <x> AV, install <Y> anti-malware, don't click on this, delete
<Z> registry keys, remove these files, uninstall <A>, reconfigure <B>,
turn around ten times and say the words, "I'm safe">, etc.
What is going on here?
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If we lose this freedom of ours, history will record with the greatest astonishment, those who had the most to lose, did the least to prevent its happening. |
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 dolphinsClean Up Our OceansPremium
join:2001-08-22
Westville, NJ
kudos:3 | reply to GlassyMcPete
My 2 cents, if other OS's were as widely used as Windows, they too would be prone to malicious code.
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Stop The Mindless Killings Stop Over Fishing |
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 mazhurgPremium
join:2004-05-02
Portage La Prairie, MB | reply to GlassyMcPete
Re: Do you still use Windows? No OS is immune to social hacking.  |
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| At work we run Windows servers and workstations with proper lock down security configurations. Never been hacked or exposed to malware so far. Windows can be indeed as secure as Linux or UNIX or FreeBSD and etc...
And its not always up to the OS, it also has to do with on how you configure the routers and firewall devices as well.
No OS is 100% secure. |
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| reply to AsherN
said by AsherN:Every OS can be hacked. Every OS can be secured.
You have to weigh things like learning curve, availability of software, hardware support.
With Windows, do what everybody will tell you to do on Linux "Don't run as Root". Don't run Windows as Administrator. Create a limited account. Run an anti-virus. You'll be fine.
Best Advice Ever.
I would add:
Dump IE and use FireFox or Palemoon with NoScript, WOT, AdBlock Plus.
Run Windows SteadyState if running XP or Vista.
Windows 7 or newer run a program like DeepFreeze so any changes made to the OS get thrown out after a reboot.
Dave
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I may have been born yesterday. But it wasn't at night. |
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2 edits | I'd say dont overload with soooo soooo much security software.
Any IT securtiy gurus will tell u that even they do not run any AV software with minimum security software and dont get even hacked....
Just go with the basics...
Patch, AV, Firewall router, enable Windows FW, and avoid social engineering attacks and ur all set.
Users tend to bloat their machines up with security software.
Just patch, hardware FW with Windows FW enabled and dont click on any suspicious links or attachments. Thats all.
Windows is aint that bad, but it takes more effort to secure it and lock it down.
i |
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OZOPremium
join:2003-01-17
kudos:2 | said by slajoh01:Any IT securtiy gurus will tell u that even they do not run any AV software with minimum security software and dont get even hacked....
Good point. Windows OS could be secure. The insecure link is the user. Learn "good manners" how to run it and you don't need any anti-malware protection tools 
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Keep it simple, it'll become complex by itself... |
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davePremium,MVM
join:2000-05-04
not in ohio
kudos:8 | reply to Krisnatharok
annoying, isn't it?
(due to his use of <a> which gets mistaken for a link anchor) |
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 LeeBeeIt's Dark Out There
join:2003-06-18
Swissieland | reply to GlassyMcPete
Windows is fine. It's the user that is the issue.....
(Dump Admin rights, IT and Adobe/Java, click only good links and be an educated user) |
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 MikePremium,Mod
join:2000-09-17
Pittsburgh, PA
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| reply to GlassyMcPete
I primarily use Apple stuff. It's an efficient UI and pretty difficult to break the machine.
Windows needs a lot of care.
Don't use IE. Horrible track record.
Which ever browser you use be sure to use at minimum adblock plus.
Install MSMVP host file.
Add in no-script and flashblock if you're super paranoid.
Run a useful antivirus (not norton, mcafee, avg free etc).
Obviously you want to check for OS security updates.
Update Flash / Java constantly (if you even need it)
If you must use Adobe Acrobat Reader / Pro update it.
Javacool Software's Spyware Blaster is a good preventative program.
Windows is not a "set it up and forget it" OS. People who get burned generally think it is.
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What this country needs is a good five dollar plasma weapon. |
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1 edit | reply to LeeBee
I still use Admin rights on my PC. Its MY OWN PC at home. So I know what applications to install and what not.
Now, for the average "Joe" user, this may not be wise to run as Admin.
But for advanced security gurus who know what there doing, then I thinks its all right to be as Admin.
As for IE, I dont think its secure in its "default settings" BUT, however, it can be more secure with granular lockdown policies via the MMC console within Windows. Which is often overlooked here. And via the Local Security Policy settings. |
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