Re: Computing for Outlook Express in VB.

Pete, don't mind Mike Williams and me, we have a good history together. He's
been particularly helpful to me personally with optimizing a syntax highlighting
rich-text thing. We only sound like we're going at it tooth and nail: the mortal
wounds will actually heal, given time.

Mike is a skilled programmer and a respected ole timer in this forum. He is
renown for his strongly held opinions that aren't always right and for his
sometimes caustic posts. ;-)



On Mon, 3 Oct 2005 23:23:59 +0100, "Mike Williams" <Mike@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

>
>"Michael B. Johnson" <mjohnson@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
>news:5123k1t7ah2uj3cuc35qqd4jbr6sok0ge9@xxxxxxxxxx
>
>> That is the standard Microsoft propaganda: "Linux is only safer because
>> no one tries to hack it." I think that's uninformed, Mike. I thought you
>> generally thought twice before spouting a standard company line. ;-)
>
>actually said, "Other systems by the way are safer than Windows, but that
>isn't always because they are inherently more secure (although of course
>that is sometimes the case)". What is your argument with that specific
>statement? Windows and Linux are not the only two operating systems in the
>world!

Ok, you're off the hook....For now.

>What antivirus recommendation? In the message to which you refer I said,
>"Install a good anti virus program", without actually recommending a
>specific one. When you say that you disagree with my recommendation you must
>therefore be saying that you think that he should *not* install a good
>antivirus program. Is that what you really believe?

Yes, I truly believe that an antivirus program is superfluous. Antivirus has
/never/ saved me. Ok, there was *one* time in the early days of anti-virus on
DOS where it was helpful. I also think that the BIOS protection of the boot
sector was a good idea.

But generally speaking, antivirus programs have been the source of considerable
grief. I do understand that there are newbies who can't understand that you
shouldn't save & run attachments and are vulnerable to cons. Those individuals
should have anti-virus software installed.

For those who have solid firewalls up, run software in a restricted security
context and don't surf porn sites or the like, I don't think they need antivirus
software.

One should instead have tools such as text-viewers and raw message viewers to
help one assess the danger or benignancy of a given message/executable. As in
the everyday world, you need to use judgement before believing or trusting
someone or something. The same principle holds true in the electronic world of
the Internet.

>> I personally think that a firewall and a solid dose of common sense
>> (sticking by a few very basic rules) should keep most people out
>> of danger.
>
>Agreed. That is why I said in my message that he should get himself behind a
>hardware firewall and also install a good software firewall (some hardware
>firewalls only prevent unsolicited stuff getting in, whereas many decent
>software firewalls also prevent stuff getting out without your knowledge).
>
>> Anti-virus programs only seem to protect one against yesterday's
>> attack. Computers run significantly faster without anti-virus programs.
>
>So it's true then! You really do believe that he should *not* install an
>antivirus program! That's a very strange thing for you to say, Michael.
>Firewalls only protect you against *unsolicited* stuff. They provide no

Absolutely strange and unconventional, but that is my professional opinion.

>protection whatsoever against stuff you "invite in" (whereas antivirus
>programs do). Are you seriously suggesting that he should *never* download
>anything from anywhere? Wouldn't be much fun, that! He might as well throw

No, I do indeed download software but I apply some common sense to where I get
it from. IF you aren't sure, you shouldn't be installing it on your production
PC or any connected PC for that matter.

Principle: By the word of two or three witnesses let every word be
established...

So, research your application online before installing it. Get it from a
reputable website you know. Install it in a sandbox if there's uncertainty, or
don't install it at all.

>the computer in the bin! I hope that Peter takes no notice of your advice,
>and installs an antivirus program. He'll be much safer if he does.

:-)

You're entitled to your opinion Mike, as am I.

>Anti terrorist police officers run significantly faster without bullet proof
>vests!

There is a time and a season to every purpose under heaven. And in this case,
your metaphor is apples and oranges, IMO. Police officers go into dangerous
areas as a result of the kind of work they do. Whereas I recommend avoiding
those dangerous areas altogether. Are you wearing your vest today, Mike? ;-)
_______________________
Michael B. Johnson
.

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