No, not me. My computer. It managed to get a virus that has been going around and its pretty much out of commission until I can get it fixed. Also, exams are the next two weeks, so it may be a while before I'm back in the loop. In the meantime, I'll probably be browsing from my girlfriend's every now and then.
Posted by AndrewR (Member # 44) on :
Careful you don't pass on this so-called "virus" to your girlfriend! Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
It isn't the Win32.Parite.B virus, is it? I took care of that one with Bullguard, thankfully.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
Heh. I've been finished with the semester since Wednesday.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Also, you have been installing all those critical updates, haven't you? Because running Windows without them is like going into a plague zone with a containment suit full of holes.
Posted by Topher (Member # 71) on :
I haven't been installing the updates for the last time I did that some programs decided to stop working. Also, it tends to want to install an update every day or something, and exach update tends to be a few MB in size, which is not friendly on my dialup connection.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
So, basically, you did the computer equivalent of having fun in a brothel without any condoms.
How are the exams going, anyway?
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Assuming you are using Windows XP:
Right click on My Computer.
Click on the "Automatic Updates" tab.
Untick the "Keep my computer up to date" box.
Now, whenever you are in the house and not using the computer, wander along to "www.windowsupdate.com", and leave it installing the critical updates. If you want, ignore the recommended ones, unless you need them (you can ignore the .NET stuff, for instance). Do it in small chunks if you are worried. But do it. Sieggy's metaphor is a good one.
What programs stopped working, anyway? Could they by any chance be the ones that might have contained the virus?
What did the virus do, anyway?
Posted by Topher (Member # 71) on :
Good news is, I managed to do everything myself. Yay! Now begins the process of installing everything again.
Last time I installed the updates, certain programs that were 'acquired' stopped working. Anyhoo, I intend to update XP fully this time around.
I'm not sure exactly what the virus did. At first, it managed to fool my computer into thinking that there was no OS installed. Then, it prevented XP from loading. It would run ScanDisk on startup, and then restart itself.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Well, really, if you're going to use pirated software, you can't complain if they are full of viruses, can you?
I'm not trying to be preachy though. But next time, check the programs first, eh?
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Well, really, if you're going to use pirated software, you can't complain if they are full of viruses, can you?
I'm not trying to be preachy though. But next time, check the programs first, eh?
Posted by Nim (Member # 205) on :
Bill Gates just called, he said "Don't dobelqlaque on reply-buttons in my Windows!". What the hell is a "dobelqlaque"? Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
It's Klingonese for "double-click without honor."
Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
Update your virusscanner, use a firewall, keep your XP up to date. And have some anti-spam/anti-banner software. In fact, using anything that is not IE or Outlook Express usually helps too.
Oh, and get a broadband connection. And wear sunscreen.
But hey.. you have a girlfriend. You got teh powerup and won the game, as they say
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Actually, a virus scanner is probably the least useful out of all those things. If you are keeping XP up to date, and have a firewall, you shouldn't get any viruses at all.
Unless, say, you are using lots of pirated software and/or regularly visit porn sites and accept files and stuff. But then I can't help you.
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
Can't or won't, sexy boy?
Posted by Topher (Member # 71) on :
I'm keeping XP up to date now, and I have the firewall on. And broadband isn't available in my area Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
That's because you are not sexy.
Posted by Kosh (Member # 167) on :
Verison is offering a cheaper version of DSL now. I got an offer through Dell for a free month, then $29 a month. They called at a bad time and I told her no to get off the phone, but I may get back with them and do it. I'd like to be rid of Charter once and for all.
I have all the updates, McCafee, Sygate firewall and a pop-up stopper. I use Opera for mail and surfing. I wash my hands a lot.
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
"Windows XP on the Internet amounts to a car parked in a bad part of town, with the doors unlocked, the key in the ignition and a Post-It note on the dashboard saying, 'Please don't steal this.'" - Rob Pegoraro
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
Yes, but Windows XP is at least a Ferrari Modena, whereas MacOS parked in the same neighborhood would be the proverbial AWZ Trabant. B)
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
Gentleman, this is not supposed to become yet another Windows vs. MacOS debate. Don't make me come back there and bust out the penis-in-the-electrical-outlet story again.
Posted by Lee (Member # 393) on :
It just goes on and on. . . Hello? Mac users? Your OS may be the best thing since sliced bread, but - pay attention now - WE DON'T LIKE USING IT AND WE DON'T CARE. And no amount of your snippy sniping will change that. You lost, alright? You seem to think that we're all using PCs because we don't know any better, and all we need is some dweeb to come set us on the straight and narrow. Wrong. And we all know what your problem really is. Metaphorically speaking, Bill Gates went round Steve Jobs' house, drank all his whisky, and fucked his wife up the ass! Posting sarky little comments whenever someone has a problem with their PC doesn't change that, it just makes you look sad.
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lee: Metaphorically speaking, Bill Gates went round Steve Jobs' house, drank all his whisky, and fucked his wife up the ass!
This also reminds of another dorm story that involved sodomy. However, I'll shall keep a lid on that one and save it for another day.
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
Who said anything about Macs? I was just saying that Windows XP is insecure... if people want to read more into that, then fine. Am I not allowed to make any computer-related comments (including jokes) without it having some sinister, hidden meaning? There are enough people around here with a sharp sense of humor... you'd think people would be more appreciative...
quote:Posting sarky little comments whenever someone has a problem with their PC doesn't change that, it just makes you look sad.
Posting snarky responses defending the decision to use an insecure operating system isn't sad, it's... well, illogical. (I could use stronger language, but that would invite a flame war that I hope no one here wants.)
I don't give a rat's ass about which OS people prefer as far as appearance or usability goes. You like Windows? Fine, knock yourself out -- it's your choice. That doesn't mean that arguments expressing the opinion that it might be a bad choice are automatically wrong and forbidden.
Or do you just not like me making jokes at the expense of your OS of choice?
Posted by Siegfried (Member # 29) on :
MinutiateMan, you don't need to say anything about Macs. We are all very well-aquainted with your tendency to post pro-Mac/anti-Windows snipes in computer threads. As we say in Texas, it doesn't take a sighted man to realize you're standing in a cow patty.
As for this little gem:
quote:I don't give a rat's ass about which OS people prefer as far as appearance or usability goes.
...if it were anywhere near the truth, then you wouldn't be popping up in every PC/Windows thread hoping to start something, now would you?
quote:Or do you just not like me making jokes at the expense of your OS of choice?
Post somthing that's actually a joke and maybe you wouldn't have a bunch of posters irritated with you.
Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
Actually, this would be a good time to draw attention to this:
"Never ask a man what computer he uses. If it's a Mac, he'll tell you. If it's not, why embarrass him?"
Basically, Tom there is saying that Mac users, in general conversation, will anounce to the world that they use an Apple Macintosh? So, insecurity combined with nerdism. Winning argument +1!
Posted by TSN (Member # 31) on :
"Who said anything about Macs?"
Cartman did.
Posted by Cartman (Member # 256) on :
Which I'm beginning to regret.
OK, so maybe I jumped the gun a bit and MM's comment wasn't intended as sly Mac promotion (this time), but in my defense, I wasn't out to throw more oil on the fire with my witty (?) retort. I'd just thought people would take it in good spirit.
[ December 15, 2003, 05:21 AM: Message edited by: Cartman ]
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
Okay guys, I know I've been a bit overzealous with my Mac evangelism in the past, jumping into various threads with obnoxious comments to the effect of "Get a Mac!" and the like. But that honestly was not my intention when I popped in here. I guess I should've remembered my sig which comes right after the Windows comment.
Aside from the sig (which most people gloss over and is a constant that loses effect over time because it's posted with many messages, I'd think), I'm trying to avoid these kinds of arguments, because even I know they're not productive.
Or is my sig really that offensive? I figured it'd just be a fun joke...
Posted by Wraith (Member # 779) on :
Well, I for one am genuinely offended by the blatent discrimination against Windows users displayed in your sig, MM.
Or, to put it another way, no. Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
I'm not offended by it. I was just pointing out that, well, it's a shit comment. If you're trying to imply that Mac people are smarter and classier, then you're shooting yourself in the foot. The biggest twats are the people who walk around announcing their possessions. Quality speaks for itself, as the car advert goes.
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
I suppose I see what you're saying, Liam... but I don't exactly agree. As I see it, if you use a good product, you tell people about it and encourage them to use it too. It's like seeing a good movie -- you tell your friends about it. (Yeah, some Mac people definitely overdo it.... )
And I'm not implying that Mac people are smarter just because they use a different product from other people. I just have the opinion that we've got better tools, that's all.
I guess I should've just thought more about the connotations considering my previous aggressive pro-Mac exhortations.
Posted by Toadkiller (Member # 425) on :
Disclaimer - I own a couple of Mac's and happen to really like OS X.
But I also use Windows on a daily basis. I work for the US government so we're still using Win 2000, but I've used XP too. My comment, and I think this was what MM was trying to get at, is that this virtually total lack of security in the MS OS's has gotten totally out of hand. My section of the government is about 150 people and we have about 5% of that fore dedicated to keeping the computers "secure" and running. That seems like to much and I wonder if a different OS environment wouldn't end up saving us money.
I'm NOT saying Macs neccesarily, but it would be an option. A linux option might be cheaper, but the cost of workstations isn't to big of deal since we turn them over silly-fast anyhow.
To address the actual topic.
Shame, shame on you for "borrowing" that software!!
Posted by Harry (Member # 265) on :
Linux isn't all that great either. It's hideously unfriendly to novice users, and requires a lot of time to learn and use effectively. And the worst thing, IMHO, is the complete lack of any standards. No standard shortcut keys, no standard interfaces.
But maybe that's because I'm a spoiled Windows user.
Posted by Ritten (Member # 417) on :
quote:Originally posted by MinutiaeMan: Or is my sig really that offensive? I figured it'd just be a fun joke...
Yes, you are right MM, Macs are a joke.....
Posted by Sol System (Member # 30) on :
This is slightly at a tangent, but the future is either open source or darkest tyranny. To the ramparts! Etc. I wish I could really have convictions.
quote:Originally posted by Toadkiller: That seems like to much and I wonder if a different OS environment wouldn't end up saving us money.
I'm not overly convinced by that. Part of the reason Windows seems to have so many security holes is because every hacker and his dog spends their time finding and exploiting them. There's less reason to do that for Macs and Linux because far, far less people use them, so there's less to be gained by hacking them.
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
quote:I'm not overly convinced by that. Part of the reason Windows seems to have so many security holes is because every hacker and his dog spends their time finding and exploiting them. There's less reason to do that for Macs and Linux because far, far less people use them, so there's less to be gained by hacking them.
Personally, I'm not convinced of that, and I've read a few articles that argue similar lines. "Security through obscurity" is mainly a myth, for one important reason: finding a security hole is much different from actually exploiting it.
For instance, just recently someone discovered an important "buffer overflow" hole in Mac OS X. (Yes, that's right, a security hole like that in OS X.) However, that hole is not easily exploitable because of the internal architecture of OS X -- simply loading a virus or trojan horse application remotely does not give it the authority to perform all the dirty work necessary to spread around the Internet. So while there are holes, they're almost always simply too "small" to exploit effectively, or else too impractical (e.g. someone needs to physically sit at the computer to exploit it).
Posted by MinutiaeMan (Member # 444) on :
Oh, and one other thing: Apple achieved a three day turnaround on this buffer overflow flaw: it was announced by a third party developer on the 16th, and Apple released a security update last night, on the 19th.
Speediness is also an important factor. Posted by PsyLiam (Member # 73) on :
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