my new advice to people buying a family computer...

[Stark]

Originally posted by: Koing
Use FF.

I've had numerous computers and none was f0cked with my use. Granted I have also seen many with virus's and stuff screw them over...

Koing

but the problem with that is that they HAVE to use IE to run critical updates (at least until they enable auto-updates). For some reason beginner computer users have a hard time telling the difference between browsers.

MS would have been a lot better off if they had kept the browser and the OS separate.

thinking about all this, there are other benefits of going with apple:

apple store can't be worse than best buy or compusa for system purchases
don't get ripped off by symantec/mcaffee for bloated security suites
not certain, but apple tech support probably can't be worse than dell's off-shore/indian technicians

i'm not getting rid of my pc or laptops any time soon, but this is definately a turning point in my view of the tech world.

This is what I get for listening to Leo Laporte on the radio.

 

[Baked]

FF won't help if the user frequents weird web sites and uses multiple P2P programs.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: Stark
but the problem with that is that they HAVE to use IE to run critical updates (at least until they enable auto-updates). For some reason beginner computer users have a hard time telling the difference between browsers.

Don't beginner computer users just go Start->Window Update in any case?

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: Stark

Originally posted by: Koing
Use FF.

I've had numerous computers and none was f0cked with my use. Granted I have also seen many with virus's and stuff screw them over...

Koing

but the problem with that is that they HAVE to use IE to run critical updates (at least until they enable auto-updates). For some reason beginner computer users have a hard time telling the difference between browsers.

MS would have been a lot better off if they had kept the browser and the OS separate.

thinking about all this, there are other benefits of going with apple:

apple store can't be worse than best buy or compusa for system purchases
don't get ripped off by symantec/mcaffee for bloated security suites
not certain, but apple tech support probably can't be worse than dell's off-shore/indian technicians

i'm not getting rid of my pc or laptops any time soon, but this is definately a turning point in my view of the tech world.

This is what I get for listening to Leo Laporte on the radio.

You should note that the DEFAULT STATE on Windows XP Service Pack 2 stock machines is autoupdate on. The user has the option to change that during the break-the-seal process, but anyone that does deserves what they get for it. This means that there is no reason whatsoever ever to run IE for windowsupdates.

 

[Toasthead]

windows pc...they may be able to use it for stuff actually

 

[Stark]

Originally posted by: EyeMWing


You should note that the DEFAULT STATE on Windows XP Service Pack 2 stock machines is autoupdate on. The user has the option to change that during the break-the-seal process, but anyone that does deserves what they get for it. This means that there is no reason whatsoever ever to run IE for windowsupdates.

ok, but they still need to use it to dl firefox.

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: Baked
FF won't help if the user frequents weird web sites and uses multiple P2P programs.

This is exactly the problem in question. Douchebag consumers LOVE to hang around shadey corners of the internet. Bestality and fubarware go hand-in-hand, apparently. Even my idiot brother does it.

I don't keep a virus scanner installed, I don't keep a spyware scanner installed. I don't disinfect my main system religiously. It just stays clean without my intervention because I'm not a fvcking irresponsible moron. I don't need an e-condom because I don't sleep with the loose women of teh intarweb. Every few months, I'll do a spot-check to make sure there isn't some stuff just chillin' there not doing anything overt. As of 3/1/05, my no-virus, no-spyware period is 8 months long, and the virus that was introduced was a worm introduced to the network through my brother's machine, which was, at the time, connected independently via dialup, mine was firewalled, his was not. His setting, not mine)

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: Stark

Originally posted by: EyeMWing


You should note that the DEFAULT STATE on Windows XP Service Pack 2 stock machines is autoupdate on. The user has the option to change that during the break-the-seal process, but anyone that does deserves what they get for it. This means that there is no reason whatsoever ever to run IE for windowsupdates.

ok, but they still need to use it to dl firefox.

They need to learn not to DL firefox from omgwtfpornobeastfunincestbbq.com (I should register that.)

 

[Jfrag Teh Foul]

Trebek: Ok, Stark what is the next category?

Stark: Um... I'll take "Crap nobody wants" for 3k.

Trebek: And the answer is... "This computer wannabe has costed twice as much and sucked since its conception".

Stark: Um... what is teh PC?

Trebek: Noooo. Sorry. The answer is "What is a Mac? What is a Mac"?

 

[SagaLore]

I would have to agree with your assessment.

For the family and school, the Macintosh is the way to go.

For file servers, Linux is the way to go.

I'm still a bit iffy as far as the corporate scenario - there is still a lot of applications invested in Windows that I wouldn't say switch from a 2k or 2k3/xp network for either of the above. However if you're setting up a network from scratch, and developing your own applications or really only using it for basic office suite programs, pop3 email and web browsing, then I'd say a Linux+mac setup would be a good combo.

Although it bugs me that there is no right-click in Mac. :|

 

[Stark]

Originally posted by: EyeMWing

Originally posted by: Baked
FF won't help if the user frequents weird web sites and uses multiple P2P programs.

This is exactly the problem in question. Douchebag consumers LOVE to hang around shadey corners of the internet. Bestality and fubarware go hand-in-hand, apparently. Even my idiot brother does it.

the problem is, the "nice sweet" 11 year old daughter is usually the one going to the most spyware infected sites, from what I've seen. She's the same one who would be most excited about a mac's "cute-factor."

 

[StageLeft]

Yeah, it's better for idiots who can't use a PC and who need to have their hands tied, to avoid breaking things.

 

[Mr N8]

I still say, "Call Dell." It's easy, they are cheap and usually throw in a free or cheap LCD.

 

[ArmchairAthlete]

Sooner or later they'll run into something they need to use or open that's not supported on a Mac. Just set up a Xp Pro PC as securely as you can.

 

The more popular macs get, the more they will be exploited.

 

[shenaniganz]

Originally posted by: Koing
Use FF.

I've had numerous computers and none was f0cked with my use. Granted I have also seen many with virus's and stuff screw them over...

Koing

But if you have the new high speed AOL with virus control you are impervious to viruses. Gahhh!! Those commercials piss me off.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: SampSon
The more popular macs get, the more they will be exploited.

:thumbsup:

Exactly. Microsoft's OS's are targeted because they are by far the most widely used in the world today. Why is that? Maybe because they have the most software available for them as well.

People can preach Macs and the various flavors of Linux over Windows all day long but until they have the compatibility of Windows they aren't going to beat M$.