Windows gets a unfair wrap I think.

[Terminal23]

I'm no genius and cannot even begin to understand computer code.But,I think Windows gets a unfair wrap because if Linux were the popular OS and everybody was using it,we be reading about how vulnerable Linux was and that Windows was the safe OS to use.I think it's just a numbers game.More people use Microsoft,so therefore more people find flaws in it.This is only my opinion.Like I said I know nothing about code.

[shahani]

Well, in a complex OS like windows XP, there are bound to be flaws/bugs. What is important is that Microsoft makes all attempts to fix bugs.

Given the vast diversity of computer hardware and software, its a wonder that XP works at all.

[SeanC]

Exactly. All OS's have their problems (security, stability, usability, etc). It's just the security of Windows is always brought to the light.

MS does release patches for most flaws found and with proper security and anti virus software AND most important using your common sense on the Internet you would be fine.

Unless someone is specifically targeting you to attack you would be fine.

Sean

[DanGrease]

Yes, I agree with you
But why then if MS is trying the best they can to fix all the holes and flaws many people have problems with the fixes/patches/SP/etc (some makes your OS unstable, some makes your internet connection slow, etc) and with even the site Windows Update many people suffer because of problems. But I agree that more flaws are found because most people use it, no question about this IMO. But why not give Linux a try now when its more safer and less "problematic" than Windows? Although I must say that I personally cant be without Windows nowadays since most things that I use just works for it. Well, I hope this thread doesnt become a postwar, its a matter of opinions, and I respect others. I am using Linux because of learning something new and stay out of Windows for a while, and of course also for its security.

dan

[Kuasimodem]

A couple months ago I upgraded my cousin's computer from Windows Might Explode to XP Pro.

The other day he asked me if XP ever crashes because he's been running his comp 24/7 for the last 3 weeks without a reboot, rock stable

I'd say XP Pro is probably the best OS yet. But I do have to add that, like any OS, you need to keep it all up to date with patches, antivirus, etc.

BTW - I haven't seen a BSOD since upgrading to XP Pro on my 2 main systems

[John Prophet]

Part of the problem is that microsoft is obviously going for the massive big sale numbers...so the OS is trying to be all things to all people....so it has all ports open, lol...and every possible service running by default.

And part of the issue is "teething pains" for the entire industry....computers are still not just "plug and play" no matter what anyone says..they are not toasters or TV's or electric razors.....companies pay big bucks to have experts configure and patch their comps etc.....microsoft (and the industry) naturally want to push computers as "easy to learn and operate" blah blah....yeah, whatever..if not for the internet it would be true....but the internet raises the complexity by a large factor.

I think there is just too large of a gap right now between what the average user knows and what he needs to know....tons of buyers, like middle aged and up folks....they are usually a little behind the curve on computers....you are trying to teach em how to right click to open attachments--uh, how are they going to jump from learning right click to going thru a configuring rules for a firewall??? No way.

So there is a large gap there.....before you drive a car you take drivers ed and you get a license...hehe, no such thing for a computer...so even if everyone "in the know" is fairly diligent about patches etc..there are still endless thousands of non techies who are simply going to have a vulnerable system online.....easy targets for widespread attacks.

JP

[JohnE.]

It's "KeWL" to hate Microsoft and it's success; therefore hackers, script kiddies and their ilk attack Windows machines and Microsoft continuously, all day and all night, never resting, always looking for another vulnerability. Turn that same attention towards Linux (or any other OS) and what happens? Linux isn't so secure anymore.

btw, well said John Prophet!

[dr_roberts49]

Does anyone here remember the days before Windows? Trying to get different programs to work with each other was nearly impossible. Print drivers were a nightmare. Each program had its own way of doing things. F1 to print, or Shift-Ctrl-P. Crazy stuff like that. If nothing else, Microsoft brought a sense of order to all this. I worked in computer sales & support all through those early years, so I know firsthand, what it was like. Now we need to have the same thing done with the ATM terminals at the checkout stands and banks

Robert

[M_Six]

I owe my entire life as it is now to Microsoft. If it weren't for them, I'd probably still be a geologist writing boring site cleanup reports. As it is, I was able to quickly learn the MS system and get into the field. Now I have a decent job in the computer field, I met my wife because of my computer skills, and I work with Windows every day. And I have to agree with others here, WinXP is an outstanding OS. It is remarkably easy to install and it adapts to almost anything. I have it running on several DC cows and it runs day in/day out with no problems at all. All you have to do is pay attention to it once in a while and it works fine. Take some basic precautions and it'll be practically bullet-proof.

[nurdonsite2]

good thread to counter all of the bashing MS has been getting lately. personally i think MS is not that bad and i agree that the only reason it gets attacked is becasue more people use MS windows more than any other OS. im running Windows Xp pro and have barely ever had a problem with it. never froze on me except for one or 2 times which was probebly my fault. anyway.......i haven't given linux a try yet but will soon. also i think that MS is being more bashed because of the prices of their software so maybe if they lower the $$$ that you have to pay to get a new OS, MS would get more respect.