Computer Question

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 11:37 am

The latest edition of Popular Mechanics has an article on virus/hackers. They mentioned that even Symnetic was been hacked. Someone said, "There has to be a first victim to catch a virus or be hacked before a protection program can get built to remove it and protect against it."

I like the idea of the deep freeze. The Apple company stores do something similar to this. You can do what you want to an Apple in the store but the next boot takes it back to what it was originally set at.

I wanted to test a bunch of programs to see how they would run on Apple before I could make up my mind to buy or not (still deciding) in any case they said sure bring them in and put them on and you can play to your heart's content.

skou · Post by **skou** » Wed Dec 21, 2011 2:21 pm

[quote="dusty"]I do not download software that is offered to me unsolicited]

This is my #1 rule. If you didn't go looking for it, you do NOT want it. Period!

I also run MSE. I use IE9, and have for a few months now.

steve

garys · Post by **garys** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:51 am

I switched from Windows to Linux back in 1999 and have never seen a virus or spyware for Linux in the past 14 years. I can click on anything I see and I'm safe.

No more anti-virus software
No more anti-spyware software
No more defragging
No more deleting temp files.
No more Windows Updates

Actually, no more computer software maintenance at all. I simply use it.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 11:16 am

It seems like we have a lot of Linux fans.
Is there a Linux product someone that doesn't want to learn computer programing can install?
Does all windows programs run on Linux or do you have to have add ons and work arounds?

Frankly I'm a put it all on the cloud kind of guy. I don't want to install, maintain, program, trouble shoot, debug, upgrade, scan, schedule maintaince, and such. All I want is the data I asked for.

I worked computers, on main frames back then everything was on the main frame and user had a terminal. If they wanted data the data was made available to them. They knew nothing of down time, maintaince, bugs, viruses (weren't any then) and such. They simply typed in their request and the computer gave them what they asked for.

I thought the PC didn't make a lot of sense and I still do and apparently with the upshoot of the cloud so do others. All the cloud really is a main frame where all the behind the scenes junk that PC users now have to worry about takes place and no one is the wiser.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:00 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:It seems like we have a lot of Linux fans.
Is there a Linux product someone that doesn't want to learn computer programing can install?
Does all windows programs run on Linux or do you have to have add ons and work arounds?

Frankly I'm a put it all on the cloud kind of guy. I don't want to install, maintain, program, trouble shoot, debug, upgrade, scan, schedule maintaince, and such. All I want is the data I asked for.

I worked computers, on main frames back then everything was on the main frame and user had a terminal. If they wanted data the data was made available to them. They knew nothing of down time, maintaince, bugs, viruses (weren't any then) and such. They simply typed in their request and the computer gave them what they asked for.

I thought the PC didn't make a lot of sense and I still do and apparently with the upshoot of the cloud so do others. All the cloud really is a main frame where all the behind the scenes junk that PC users now have to worry about takes place and no one is the wiser.

I can recall a 'temporary transplant' from FL coming to Lexington and attempting to use TSO here. At that time(and for years before and after) the 'system' resembled a yo-yo and a very slow one at that! Down time in hours was not unusual, and response time deplorable usually. Only during off hours was turnaround time 'reasonable'.

She tried for five minutes to do some simple task and inquired 'what was wrong with TSO'?. Us locals just sorta grinned and offered no answer. She then asked does 'so and so' know about this problem. Us locals did little more than raise our eyebrows slightly. At that point she stated she was going to call him and let him know about this problem. After about 5 min of weeping and wailing on her part, she hung up and left the terminal room. She was never seen again!:eek: And this took place in the development lab where things were much better than 'over there at the main plant'.

Now as a result of my experience in that environment, I rejoiced at the prospect of being able to do most(eventually) things independently of the Time Squandering Option. Granted backups etc. became MY responsibility and software installation and maintenance became MY responsibility as well as security, but I considered that an advantageous swap. I was fortunate that most of what I was using the main frame for was possible on a PC. I was using MY data with MY programs written and compiled by ME. For that no computer room or terminal room was needed. My office became my computer room/terminal room. I no longer had my 'stuff' lingering in 'queue'.

After conquering JCL, DOS was a snap!

Just a slightly different view from the other side of the main frame's residence.] is[/B] there even such a thing as a 'mainframe' any more?

bffulgham · Post by **bffulgham** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 1:37 pm

I've been tryin to avoid offering my 2-cents worth to this thread, but.....just gotta stir the fire a bit.

What is the best operating system?
What is the best anti-virus program?
What is the best application program?
------ Pretty much the same as asking -------
What is the best table saw?
What is the best scroll saw?
What is the best bench chisel?
What is the best pickup?
What is the best "whatever you want to add here"?

There is no pat answer to any of the above. Any answer is going to be contested by someone. And any answer should be prefixed with "It depends on what you are trying to accomplish."

There is no operating system, web browser, or application that is immune to viruses. I've seen viruses or programmer errors take out any system I've ever worked on. The only combination of any of the above that is immune is an isolated computer with nothing ever attached to it from the 'outside world'. I've been in the world of computing since the early 70's....my first computer ran on 3-phase electricity and it's operating system was IBM DOS Release 24 that ran a small university with 5,000 students (yeah, we used punched cards). We even had 'hackers' from the student side trying to hack the system even in those days.

Since that point in time, I've managed systems running multiple versions of Unix, IBM mainframes, DEC mainframes, mini-computers, and micro-computers from many different logos. I now sit at home and do remote support for customers within a 100 mile radius. I run Windows-7 Ultmate 64-bit. Why? Because it is the best solution to the tasks I have to accomplish. Do I know everything there is to know about computing? Absolutely not. I learn something new every day, and ask questions of others almost every day.

So much for my rant.....
My comments on Bill's original question in the thread.....

wlhayesmfs wrote:I know that a lot of you have lot of computer experience and can tell me a anti virus software I can get for my daughter computer that is free and works. She like youtube and playing games and is alway seeing ads for free downloads trying to get her to click on it. Being too young she does and so I have to keep cleaning up her computer. any Ideas?
Thanks

The best, free, anti-virus solution for a young person is adult supervision. I offer that piece of advice not only to help prevent computer 'infections' but as a safety option. I've also had the opportunity to support law enforcent in online harassment cases as well as child predator cases. Those things can keep you awake at night for a long time.

The other AV suggestions that have been made are good too. I have used or support other users that use those products as well. Keep in mind that any AV product is only as good as the updates that watch for the bad stuff. And, all of them are reactive rather than pro-active. The new updates are in response to the bad stuff seen in the outside world, so it is possible to get 'infected' with something that has not been seen before.
One other thing to keep in mind is the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". That one is very difficult to teach to lots of people, of all ages. I've made a lot of money from adults through the years, cleaning up their computers, and they still can't grasp that concept.

OK, off my soap box :-)
Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas Holiday!
Bud

garys · Post by **garys** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 6:23 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:It seems like we have a lot of Linux fans.
Is there a Linux product someone that doesn't want to learn computer programing can install?
Does all windows programs run on Linux or do you have to have add ons and work arounds?

The newer versions of Linux that I've played with are all easy to install and run. If you can intall Microsoft Windows, you can install Linux today.

You never want to run any Windows programs under Linux. That takes you back to the vulnerabilities and security holes in Windows. For any program to run under Windows, it has to have security holes compatible with the Windows security holes. There is a Linux program named Wine which is a Windows emulator that allows you to run defective Windows software under Linux. You never want to run that because it is a mistake.

To get rid of the Windows built in viruses and vulnerabilities, you need to get entirely rid of Windows and all of its software. Get a new version of Linux. They are all free. And, all the Linux software is free too, and as long as it is Linux software, you don't have the viruses.

I got into computers back in 1969 in the Marine Corps, before some of you were born. When Microsoft introduced Windows many years later, I already had enough years in the computer industry to see how flawed it was. I fought with it for years, and finally in 1999, I gave up and went completely to Linux. There isn't enough money in this world to force me back to any Microsoft software today.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 8:04 pm

garys wrote:The newer versions of Linux that I've played with are all easy to install and run. If you can intall Microsoft Windows, you can install Linux today.

You never want to run any Windows programs under Linux. That takes you back to the vulnerabilities and security holes in Windows. For any program to run under Windows, it has to have security holes compatible with the Windows security holes. There is a Linux program named Wine which is a Windows emulator that allows you to run defective Windows software under Linux. You never want to run that because it is a mistake.

To get rid of the Windows built in viruses and vulnerabilities, you need to get entirely rid of Windows and all of its software. Get a new version of Linux. They are all free. And, all the Linux software is free too, and as long as it is Linux software, you don't have the viruses.

I got into computers back in 1969 in the Marine Corps, before some of you were born. When Microsoft introduced Windows many years later, I already had enough years in the computer industry to see how flawed it was. I fought with it for years, and finally in 1999, I gave up and went completely to Linux. There isn't enough money in this world to force me back to any Microsoft software today.

Semper Fi! Early Sixties!

Anyone see the movie re Gates and Jobs/Woz? Scene I remember most is Gates in a tormented tirade shouting "Why does it not work? How did Apple do it?":mad:

If that was a true thing, it says a lot!

The second most memorable is the Xerox scene after introducing a mouse to 'the board' to a 'less than enthusiastic reception' and lamenting all we need now is for Steven Jobs to call. Just then he walked in the front door and introduced himself.

Hilarious if true!

We all know the old saw re design by committee. I believe windows was created without a guiding hand. Resulted in a camel instead of a horse. I think Apple had a guiding hand(or two).

Part of 'Windows' problem is it is too many things to too many different users. Business needs are much different and of greater scope than us mere mortals pecking away in the home.

Sorry no solutions, just nostalgia!:)

mgdesigns · Post by **mgdesigns** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 9:48 pm

JPG40504 wrote:I like AVG)free).

Working @ D3LL I can honestly say, MSE sucks, and so does regular Norton, McAfee, etc. Get AVG Free 2012 and schedule it for daily, and you will be safe. I know what I speak (daily). Also download Malwarebytes from CNET.com, and run it once a week, and Ccleaner, and clean out temp files and registry. I use to do that about 4 times a day for clients, and it would fix most of the maladies that one gets from surfing. Some of the new viruses need more after attention. Find UNHIDE.exe from bleepingcomputers and keep it on a thumb drive. There viruses out there now that hide your desktop, task manager, start menu, and all of your programs and contents of folders. Nasty stuff. Sometimes incurable.
JMHO, YMMV

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:24 pm

mgdesigns wrote:Working @ D3LL I can honestly say, MSE sucks, and so does regular Norton, McAfee, etc. Get AVG Free 2012 and schedule it for daily, and you will be safe. I know what I speak (daily). Also download Malwarebytes from CNET.com, and run it once a week, and Ccleaner, and clean out temp files and registry. I use to do that about 4 times a day for clients, and it would fix most of the maladies that one gets from surfing. Some of the new viruses need more after attention. Find UNHIDE.exe from bleepingcomputers and keep it on a thumb drive. There viruses out there now that hide your desktop, task manager, start menu, and all of your programs and contents of folders. Nasty stuff. Sometimes incurable.
JMHO, YMMV

Now ya got me 'worried'!:eek: My Task manager currently does not display anything other than the networking display. Know what reg key points to the legit task manager, and where it is supposed to be and what it's correct file name is?

And which cabinet it is in?

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Computer Question

On my soapbox.