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Henry Bremridge wrote: >> On Tue, Jul 11, 2006 at 03:16:13PM +0100, Tom Potts wrote: >> DON'T BUY WINXP!!! Just cos its not supported doesn't mean it'll stop >> working! Very true. However, Henry isn't looking for Windows because of what the base OS can do, he's looking for what the bank systems will support. i.e. additional software that is windows-only (currently). >> I'd just make sure you back it up properly ( to your linux box) then >> re-install if it gets compromised - and tell your bank to get its act >> together, or move to one that supports ffox or your favourite browser. Not so easy. It isn't necessarily just about www access, I suspect Henry is thinking of OFX/QIF imports or other direct communication with the bank, not just www. > Data all backed up, but I have lost the original set up disk for win 98, Henry: M$ don't care about win9x anymore, so why bother worrying about an "original" setup disc? There are plenty of copies of Win9x around - heck, I think even I've got a CDR somewhere with Win98SE on it. Also got WinME but I don't think anyone wants that!! If M$ won't give you security updates for Win9x anymore (and they won't), there is zero reason to care whether your Win9x is "genuine". I've got the key for the CD I have, I can guarantee that this key isn't in use right now on any other system, so if you want it, let me know and I'll see if I can't dig it out in time for a DCGLUG meeting. > and I am pretty sure I have a virus or something. (Currently running > symantec antivirus from the web and it does say I have something) You'll get lots more using Win9x too so it's vital you are able to reinstall. > Have called the bank: apparently they do not support Mac, only Windows OS. Problem here though - the bank may well "upgrade" their systems in the future to use WinXP features so you'd be stuffed again. Even if you do continue with Win9x for now, you do need to investigate just what is stopping you using GNU/Linux to do these tasks. If you want to escape the forced upgrades (Vista will NOT run on your Win9x hardware!!), the only long-term solution is GNU/Linux. I'm still using a Pentium1 box which originally came with Win3.11. I installed Win95 on it myself, I've moved it on to Mandrake and now Debian stable and it's fine. There is zero hope of installing even XP on it, let alone Vista, yet it runs 24/7 serving all my CVS/email/archiving needs. When M$ tell people that they *must* change their hardware, GNU/Linux just keeps on running on what you have. Earlier, someone was comparing the costs of Win licences versus the costs of employees to provide support. That calculation should also include the costs of a new PC for each employee each time Windows is updated vs the 'costs' of reusing the existing hardware. Vista is going to have *serious* hardware issues with run-of-the-mill PC's, but then that's just what Intel want from M$. > There is no reason why Linux cannot be made to work but: > - FF used to work to access the site, but recently it no longer does. Does FF on windows work? > - I also however need to authorise transctions and that requires a smart > card, and that has only ever worked with IE GnuPG is increasingly able to work with smartcards. > Nothing to say it will not work with Linux but far beyond my skill at the > moment The programming may not suit your skills but I'm sure you can submit some bug reports, Henry. Join the gnupg-users mailing list, give details about the smartcard hardware and ask - it can't hurt. You may not be able / best-suited to solving this problem but those who can solve it need information from you on what, precisely, is not working. Whether or not your bank supports GNU/Linux, GNU/Linux can support your bank, with your help. -- Neil Williams ============= http://www.data-freedom.org/ http://www.nosoftwarepatents.com/ http://www.linux.codehelp.co.uk/
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