[wellylug] Virus

[Steve Withers]

Phil_Hayward wrote:

>Amid all of this hubris, I have to stand beside Lindsay on this one.
>
>I use Microsoft Outlook for my mail. There are compelling reasons why I use
>Outlook, none of which I care to share with the wider group.
>
Outlook? Or Outlook Express?

A year ago, it didn't matter. But today it is Outlook Express that is 
still the worst mail client to use from a security perspective.

Phil - if you and Lindsay are using "Outlook" and not "Outlook Express", 
then I'll climb down. After a decade of knowing the security flaws in 
their mail clients, MS finally did - more or less - fix Outlook late 
last year. 
 

> One thing though that does sadden me is the zealotry of the wider Linux
>community, a little of which I believe we are experiencing here. It saddens
>me because I am a fan and advocate of Linux and most all open software. I
>use Linux and open software at home and in previous times at work. I am
>currently in a process of trying to convince my current employers of the
>merits of deploying Linux in some areas of our business. Microsoft works
>well for them at this time and they are not going to readily allow the
>introduction of a new platform without full consideration of all aspects in
>balance. They are going to be even less likely to allow the introduction of
>a platform which is perceived to be the dominion of zealots.
>

I'm complaining about a viral distribution channel that also does e-mail 
-  called Outlook Express........I do NOT see that as an attack of Linux 
hubris. It is a statement of fact. I also see it as well intended advice 
to someone who came to this list after being infected with a virus - in 
fact, sending a virus to this list.

His problem is Outlook Express. We gave him advice that he should not 
use this vulnerable software. It is not the first time, because this is 
not the first time OE's viral distribution properties have been noted 
here after an infestation.

Forgive us for being frustrated when people persist in making themselves 
and others vulnerable to virii when they KNOW of the problem and the 
solution. 

>I believe Linux and Open Source will find it rightful place within the
>greater computing world but will not be helped along by its 'championing
>communities' showing an intolerance to anything but 'Linux et al'.
>
You are way off the mark. This isn't Linux vs Windows. This is computer 
users against lousy software others insist on using and spreading 
viruses around.......

OE is crap software because it is so insecure. Maybe we wish it 
wasn't......but it is.

The equivalent is alcoholics drink driving because "they have no 
alternative" or people with AIDs having unprotected sex because they 
think they need to........and bugger the rest of us who receive the 
virus laden mail they (un????) knowingly forward...

>Whilst I believe a lot of comments towards Lindsay's faux pas are in good
>spirit some can appear to be tinged with intolerance and zealotry. Lets lay
>off the guy and have a little more understanding; and if we can't understand
>then acceptance that he and millions of others choose to use software
>different to yours. After all, the question begs to be asked, "If our
>software is so bloody wonderful, why isn't the rest of the world using it?"
>
You're just pissing me off by turing this into a Linux vs Windows thing 
when it simply isn't.

This is a "Why don't you address your security problem!!" thing.

>I've said enough I think....I will just slink away and put some asbestos
>lining in my suit in preparation for the flame fest that could well follow.
>
Only because you missed the point entirely.......tunring this discussion 
about a mail client with appalling security weaknesses into something it 
isn't.

The source of any frustration here is that Lindsay is using a program he 
and we all know to be a serious risk to data integrity.......and he 
unable to imagine himself doing anything to correct that once and for all.

I like Lindsay. I know he's a great guy and I'm always happy to see him 
at any meeting we have both attended over the past 10 years.

But on THIS issue, I don't accept he has to actually use OE 100% of the 
time to be able to support his clientele. Some other mail client that 
didn't infest the world would do....and he could use OE to support his 
clients when he needed to. He could easily use another mail 
client...*and* recommend it to clients having trouble with 
viruses....resolving his long term issue, too.  

This definitely ISN'T Linux vs Windows.

Steve




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