How safe is your computer?

MacBytes · Nov 11, 2004, 12:57 PM

Category: Polls
Link: How safe is your computer?
Posted on MacBytes.com

Approved by Mudbug

Trowaman · Nov 11, 2004, 01:11 PM

Wow, I got like a 25. I was hoping there would be a button ont he end saying "is you computer a Macintosh?" and have it be worth 100 points.

walkingmac · Nov 11, 2004, 01:12 PM

hope much does this really apply to us as mac users?

prechrchet · Nov 11, 2004, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trowaman

Wow, I got like a 25. I was hoping there would be a button ont he end saying "is you computer a Macintosh?" and have it be worth 100 points.

This is kinda what I was looking for.

Prechrchet

Sabbath · Nov 11, 2004, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trowaman

Wow, I got like a 25. I was hoping there would be a button ont he end saying "is you computer a Macintosh?" and have it be worth 100 points.

Yeah, it's pretty stupid not asking what OS and software people are running or even if they use their computer in complete isolation. I guess the questions are just not meant for mac users.

munkle · Nov 11, 2004, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabbath

Yeah, it's pretty stupid not asking what OS and software people are running or even if they use their computer in complete isolation. I guess the questions are just not meant for mac users.

You mean there are other computers besides Windows?!!

mkrishnan · Nov 11, 2004, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by munkle

You mean there are other computers besides Windows?!!

No, those are just toys.

I got 75 points. Probably should've gotten a little less, because some of the things, I don't do, but I do something almost like them. Like I don't have a text file of passwords, but I have something that could be used to match sites where I use the same password to each other, which a hacker could potentially use.

I lost most of my points because I don't always read terms of agreement...but then again I'm pretty selective about what I install.

AmigoMac · Nov 11, 2004, 03:23 PM

Like everybody else... I did the stupid test thinking I was going to be asked what OS I use...

...

un,dos,tres,catorce!!! Hello, Hello!!

, Who ordered the test? Symantec?

shamino · Nov 11, 2004, 03:26 PM

This "quiz" is a joke, right?

Mark you down for not using a software firewall but never ask if you have a hardware firewall (usually part of broadband routers.)

Mark you down for keeping passwords in a file, without asking if that file is encrypted or otherwise restricted.

Mark you down for opening attachments without first asking if you have a brain-dead e-mail program (like Outlook) that can't tell the difference between a program and a document.

But what can you expect from CNN? It's not like they actually know what they're talking about.

mkrishnan · Nov 11, 2004, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmigoMac

Like everybody else... I did the stupid test thinking I was going to be asked what OS I use...

...

un,dos,tres,catorce!!! Hello, Hello!!

, Who ordered the test? Symantec?

I noticed too, that it told me to invest in a firewall, even though I said I already had one running...hmm...invest in a SYMANTEC firewall.

And I use *their* antivirus software!

bryanc · Nov 11, 2004, 04:40 PM

I suggested that they should add this question:

Are you using a Mac (Y/N)?

and award 80/85 for a yes.

Cheers

mrsebastian · Nov 11, 2004, 05:43 PM

that was really [bleeping] annoying! what would have been funny, if there was a download at the end to install free firewall/anti-virus software. shortly after installing, your computer just starts laughing in your face and then dies

... and this is on cnn?!

recursivejon · Nov 11, 2004, 11:05 PM

4. I always click "yes" when I'm prompted by my software vendors (like Microsoft) to update my security.
10 pts***True
0 pts***False
0 pts***I'm not sure

HAH!! Thats a huge security hole!
A large amount of malware pretends to be Microsoft security updates!

This poll is a mess.

winmacguy · Nov 12, 2004, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamino

This "quiz" is a joke, right?

Mark you down for not using a software firewall but never ask if you have a hardware firewall (usually part of broadband routers.)

Mark you down for keeping passwords in a file, without asking if that file is encrypted or otherwise restricted.

Mark you down for opening attachments without first asking if you have a brain-dead e-mail program (like Outlook) that can't tell the difference between a program and a document.

But what can you expect from CNN? It's not like they actually know what they're talking about.

Yes it is a bit. I posted it after seeing it on a link from MDN website. it is a kind of pointless but interesting survey..... Well only pointless if your a Mac user...

mkrishnan · Nov 12, 2004, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recursivejon

HAH!! Thats a huge security hole!
A large amount of malware pretends to be Microsoft security updates!

And that doesn't even count the large amount of malware that really *is* Microsoft security updates!

freiheit · Nov 12, 2004, 02:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamino

This "quiz" is a joke, right?

Mark you down for not using a software firewall but never ask if you have a hardware firewall (usually part of broadband routers.)

Exactly my thinking. I lost 15 points for that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shamino

Mark you down for keeping passwords in a file, without asking if that file is encrypted or otherwise restricted.

Or saved in a non-standard location and with a non-standard file name so potential attackers wouldn't have any idea where to have their programs look for it -- the whole idea behind Mozilla's randomly generated profile names that put your bookmarks, cookies, etc. out of harms way.

And I have to wholeheartedly agree with the thought that not asking what OS you're using is the first major flaw in the quiz. I ran a PC for about 6 years with no anti-virus software, no firewall and no concern over privacy and security matters because I ran IBM's OS/2 which had no known virii (like MacOS X which I use now) and no known or publicized network vulnerabilities (resisted thousands of WinNuke and other crippling DDoS attacks that brought down Windows 98 and NT machines left and right).

In short, I fail to see what relevance this has for MacOS.

tech4all · Nov 12, 2004, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by recursivejon

4. I always click "yes" when I'm prompted by my software vendors (like Microsoft) to update my security.
10 pts***True
0 pts***False
0 pts***I'm not sure

HAH!! Thats a huge security hole!
A large amount of malware pretends to be Microsoft security updates!

This poll is a mess.

lol, that should be an automatic failure

Anywho, I got a 40. But I think most of us should get much higher since we got Macs and most of the questions don't really relate to Macs, security wise.

freiheit · Nov 12, 2004, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tech4all

lol, that should be an automatic failure

Ooh yeah. I ESPECIALLY don't click Yes when prompted by Microsoft programs. For crying out loud, they consider an update to their bundled email program (which I specifically tried to NOT install in the first place and never gave permission to for IE6 to install it) to be a Critical Update. Wouldn't be critical if I wasn't FORCED by MS to have it installed even when I have never used it in 3 years and never will.

What can you say? It's a quiz clearly aimed at people for whom "Windows XP For Dummies" is a must read book. Kinda says it all in that title.

wdlove · Nov 12, 2004, 12:10 PM

I got 50/50. Although it would be 75 if they they ask about a built in firewall with a wireless unit.

Nov 11, 2004, 12:57 PM	#1
MacBytes macrumors bot Join Date: Jul 2003	How safe is your computer? Category: Polls Link: How safe is your computer? Posted on MacBytes.com Approved by Mudbug

Nov 11, 2004, 01:12 PM	#3
walkingmac macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Greater Cincinnati	hope much does this really apply to us as mac users? __________________ Let your Life shape your passions, and your passions guide your Life.

Nov 11, 2004, 03:23 PM	#8
AmigoMac macrumors 68020 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: l'Allemagne	Like everybody else... I did the stupid test thinking I was going to be asked what OS I use... ... un,dos,tres,catorce!!! Hello, Hello!! , Who ordered the test? Symantec? __________________ No Mac no fun...

Nov 11, 2004, 03:26 PM	#9
shamino macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Vienna, VA	This "quiz" is a joke, right? Mark you down for not using a software firewall but never ask if you have a hardware firewall (usually part of broadband routers.) Mark you down for keeping passwords in a file, without asking if that file is encrypted or otherwise restricted. Mark you down for opening attachments without first asking if you have a brain-dead e-mail program (like Outlook) that can't tell the difference between a program and a document. But what can you expect from CNN? It's not like they actually know what they're talking about. __________________ In theory, theory is the same as practice. In practice, it isn't.

Nov 11, 2004, 04:40 PM	#11
bryanc macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Fredericton, NB Canada	I sent them some feedback I suggested that they should add this question: Are you using a Mac (Y/N)? and award 80/85 for a yes. Cheers __________________ Windows - from the people who brought you EDLIN

Nov 11, 2004, 01:11 PM	#2
Trowaman macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: CD: TX-22	Wow, I got like a 25. I was hoping there would be a button ont he end saying "is you computer a Macintosh?" and have it be worth 100 points.

Nov 11, 2004, 05:43 PM	#12
mrsebastian macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: sunny san diego	that was really [bleeping] annoying! what would have been funny, if there was a download at the end to install free firewall/anti-virus software. shortly after installing, your computer just starts laughing in your face and then dies ... and this is on cnn?! __________________ [ding]

Nov 11, 2004, 11:05 PM	#13
recursivejon macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York	4. I always click "yes" when I'm prompted by my software vendors (like Microsoft) to update my security. 10 pts*True 0 ptsFalse 0 ptsI'm not sure HAH!! Thats a huge security hole! A large amount of malware pretends to be Microsoft security updates! This poll is a mess. __________________ Workstation: Neo2 Dual 2.5Ghz G5 / 2.50GB / 250GB / 6800 Ultra DDL (soon getting a 74GB Raptor 10k) Mobile:** Pismo 500Mhz NuPower G4 / 1GB / 80GB

Nov 12, 2004, 12:10 PM	#19
wdlove macrumors 604 Join Date: Oct 2002	I got 50/50. Although it would be 75 if they they ask about a built in firewall with a wireless unit. __________________ First MacRumors "Contributor"

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