paulwhannel said:
So you're saying then, that:
1. It's not Microsoft's fault if an XP user uses Internet Explorer and bad things happen;
Nope never said that. I did say that if you are going to jump on an inherently unsecure platform you better know what you are doing before you get behind the wheel.
2. You must learn to fully and properly use the software before using a computer (this would prohibit 99% of people from using them)
Then so be it. I'm not making up the rules when dealing with Windows I'm just telling you how it is. Don't like it. Use a Mac.
3. The user, not the software manufacturer, is responsible for making the software secure enough to use in real-life applications...
I'd call it 30%/70% Would you suggest that any person be allowed behind the wheel of a car without training? From my house I can see my neighbors:
1. Unprotected WIFI network.
2. Unprotected (read: no password) router.
3. Unprotected (Read: no password on admin) Windows XP box.
I dont care who you are a computer is not a VCR or a toaster. There is some responsibility involved in using a PC. Less so on a Mac due to its inherent secure state. If you are going to use a PC you better deal with its insecure state. Many ISPs are taking proactive measures by disabling certain ports that adware and virus infected systems are pouring spam out of. So what happens? ISPs have to play cleanup for an untrained user. Again I dont fully blame the user and I dont fully blame MS. There is a percentage of responsibility here and AGAIN if you cant deal with taking responsibility for your computer then IMHO you shouldnt be using the platform or shouldnt be using a computer. Harsh yes. But I deal with the IT side of things day in and day out. Im just getting tired of this crap. Personally I would love to see a license program happen. Before you are allowed to buy an IBM PC clone you need to attend Bobs basic computer training course and get a license.
I've never had a page hijack my browser simply because I dared use the software that came installed
Then you aren't in a large enough PC environment. I would say of the 178 PC's I admin 30% have some form of spy/adware and of that 10% are critical enough to warrant a reimage of the user's system. (I've done 10 in the last 4 months about to start on my 11th prob before the end of the week.)
Not to intentionally get out of the bounds of good taste, I can't find a better analogy, but browsing with IE is like having sex without a condom. You may not get an STD for a while but your luck WILL run out depending on who you are with or in this case what site you go to. With that I will leave you with this pretty picture that I have as a reminder of how bad it can get. Try and count the adware. This isnt just an MS flaw its also a user flaw. Using a computer, be it Windows or Mac, takes a brain. Clicking on every popup that occurs takes a serious level of stupid that is special