Re: Your Opinion

[Neil Dickey <neil () geol niu edu>]

I think that the issue as posed is a false dichotomy.  Security is not
just a function of the operating system and whatever security features
are added to it, but also of the third-party software packages which
are installed, everything from Corel Draw to TurboTax.  Any program
which can accept input from outside the computer cabinet whether from
the internet, CD, DVD, thumb drive, floppy ( egad! ), or whatnot, is
also part of the equation.

Even an absolutely secure operating environment ( OS +security programs )
can be compromised by a user who is ignorant or malicious, or by third-
party software which is poorly made.

I also think that the Microsoft "monopoly" issue is a canard.  Microsoft
achieved its near-monopoly position because it made computer use and
internet access very very easy at the expense of security.  Customers in
immense numbers opted for ease of use in preference over the bother of
knowing what they were doing, so where does the responsibility actually
lie?

In my view, with the customers.  If people who bought computers knew what
they were doing, Microsoft either wouldn't have a monopoly, or would be
offering a much more secure operating system due to marketplace pressure.
( We see it attempting to move in that direction with Vista. )  I suggest
that consumers cannot escape responsibility for the effects of decisions
they make in the marketplace, whether from a position of knowledge or of
ignorance.

Just my $0.02 .

The opinions which I have expressed herein are entirely my own, unless other-
wise noted.  No-one else should be held responsible for what I think.

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|                            |                                             |
| D. N. Dickey, Jr. Ph.D.    |  Virtuous motives, trammeled by inertia and |
| Research Associate/Sysop   |  timidity, are no match for armed and       |
| Geology Department, NIU    |  resolute wickedness.                       |
| neil () geol niu edu          |                       - W. S. Churchill     |
|                            |                                             |
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