[school-discuss] explaining linux security, ms fud and sorting things out

[mikee <meschman@engima.com>]

hello,

this e-mail includes links to sites that explain the nature of viruses on a 
linux box.  they contain enough information to conduct meaningful dialogue 
(i think).

but any info on this topic is mostly useless, as windows persist and will 
continue to persist because of personal convenience (or necessity) , even 
when it results in bad outcomes for employers,  which are a general
condition of life in public institutions - like rain, or late flights.

in bad paying jobs that get held for decades,
fixes to problems : 
(1)  up the work load,  
(2) diminishes personal free time, 
(3) disrupts the status quo and
(4) leaves personal income untouched.  

fixing an i.t. problem = high risk + zero personal benefit.

i just thought of about 100 exceptions to this, still,
it more accurately reflects the "look and feel" of day-to-day
in all of the shops i've seen, without exception.

the windows stuff is already accepted by the user community
as something that will fail.  letting it fail carries no personal 
accountability.  "we're all in this together".

proposing an alternative like linux can result in  a job being lost
over a single incident - because the proposer donned the noose of 
accountability.  keeping windows retains the anonymous flavor 
so highly prized in the under funded, under appreciated, generally beat up 
public sector.

even if you gain an individual convert, it's another matter to endorse a
solution to a public body.  opponents of the idea can arrange a hanging
over some minor incident that might otherwise have gone unreported.
the solution might survive the attack, but not the standard bearer.

in some cases, the execution of the new idea's chief proponent may be
a general precondition for the general acceptance of that technology.  
cold comfort to the proponent's family.

but there's always money for a 1000+ new xp lics.
and plenty of linux advocates to praise the wisdom of writing the check to 
mr. gates.

here are the links ----->

explains why linux is more secure than windows, naturally :

http://librenix.com/?inode=21

why linux viruses are not a threat :

http://www.claws-and-paws.com/virus/articles/linux_viruses.shtml

ibm's take on linux security :

http://www-1.ibm.com/linux/news/LTCWhitepaper.shtml

and gartner says don't use ie :

http://www.7amnews.com/2001/features/092501.shtml

mike eschman, etc...
"Not just an afterthought ...
http://www.engima.com