01-02-2005 20:25									#1
	Linux security is a myth claims Microsoft Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

http://www.vnunet.com/news/1160853

Well, of course he´s saying that. It´s a friggin´competitor that eating market shares for Microsoft. Is there some truth behind this or is he just whining because he feels Linux is getting a bit to popular for Microsofts taste?

	01-02-2005 20:36									#2
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

I hardly think that having 3-4% of the market share can be qualified as "eating" into MS's take too much.

	01-02-2005 20:39									#3
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

There are more vulnerabilities for Linux and its standard programs than there are for Windows.

Windows gets more press because it's Microsoft (which the public has more interest in than Linux). Windows gets the viruses/worms because it has the largest marketshare by far (so it has an accompanying big bullseye), with a userbase who is pretty easy to trick/fool/exploit.

In terms of electronic breaking & entering (ie, corporate and small business hacking), Linux has a far higher rate than Windows does. This is largely due, IMO, to the "false sense of security" Linux provides. Users of Linux and MacOS X seem to think their system is bulletproof. Very few of them have firewalls or install critical updates immediately, and they pay for it.

The most sensible advice, and what anyone who knows what he's talking about with secure will tell you, is any system with at least one remote vulnerability is just as insecure as a system with more than one. It's like locking all doors, except for one or two to your house. They only need one to get in...

The most common counter to this argument is it's a "myth". Linux zealots will claim it's a myth MS is targeted because it's the biggest (and largely seen as the devil to the cracker/virus community). This, of course, is patently nonsense.

The other counter is all systems have security vulnerabilities, but at least in Linux they're fixed much quicker.

This is true to some extent. It still can take many weeks for a fix to come, like in the most recent 17 Linux security vulnerabilies, but the Linux community does way less testing on their fixes than MS has to do. An example of a recent screwup with a "rushed fix" is OpenSSH.

Anyway, long story short, you're just as safe with Windows as you are with Linux, provided you know what you're doing.

	01-02-2005 20:40									#4
	Got spare money?

But if you´re bent on total world domination even 3-4% is too much

	01-02-2005 20:42									#5
	Put an end to popups!

quote: Originally posted by Kamrat X But if you´re bent on total world domination even 3-4% is too much...

In the desktop, Linux isn't making a dent.

In the server market, Windows and Linux are both increasing marketshare.

MS just posted record profits.

All this talk about Linux killing Windows is nonsense from crazy zealots.

	01-02-2005 20:45									#6
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

I´m not a zealot. I´m quite happy with my XP SP1. I just thought the article was a wee bit on the whiny side

	01-02-2005 20:46									#7
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Kamrat X I´m not a zealot. I´m quite happy with my XP SP1. I just thought the article was a wee bit on the whiny side

I'm not saying you're a zealot, that comment is directed at someone else.

The article makes a lot of sense, and is a just counter to all of the nonsense about the "Linux domino effect" and other crap some people like to spew.

	01-02-2005 20:47									#8
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization: The Boardgame

Quit so much, you're sounding like Ming.

	01-02-2005 20:48									#9
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Boris Godunov Quit so much, you're sounding like Ming.

Well, he is my hero.

I'm taking up smoking now, to fit in.

	01-02-2005 20:56									#10
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Asher I'm not saying you're a zealot, that comment is directed at someone else. The article makes a lot of sense, and is a just counter to all of the nonsense about the "Linux domino effect" and other crap some people like to spew.

Ok, it´s comforting to know that "Big Bad" has nothing to fear from impertinent upstarts

	01-02-2005 23:51									#11
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

quote: A senior Microsoft executive, speaking exclusively to vnunet.com

as if there was a demonstration of journalists outside his door asking for interview....

	02-02-2005 01:18									#13
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

The problem is UserFriendly is never funny, nor is it insightful.

	02-02-2005 03:50									#14
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

Asher
UserFriendly

	02-02-2005 07:43									#15
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

quote: Originally posted by Asher There are more vulnerabilities for Linux and its standard programs than there are for Windows.

Ask CERT. That's all I am going to say. Unlike Microsoft, CERT isn't going to FUD or lie.

	02-02-2005 07:45									#16
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

quote: Originally posted by Boris Godunov I hardly think that having 3-4% of the market share can be qualified as "eating" into MS's take too much.

Linux has 24% of the server market and will move up to 33% in a couple of years.

	02-02-2005 11:34									#17
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger Linux has 24% of the server market and will move up to 33% in a couple of years.

They're not eating into MS' share, though, they're eating into Unix vendor's share.

	02-02-2005 11:37									#18
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger Ask CERT. That's all I am going to say. Unlike Microsoft, CERT isn't going to FUD or lie.

I'm looking at CERT and I'm seeing more vulnerabilities for things the average entire Linux system than Windows (XWindows, KDE, etc). Am I missing something?