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Re: [LUG] Linux Trojan Raises Malware Concerns - might be of interest

 

On Tue, 2010-06-15 at 11:37 +0100, Paul Sutton wrote:

> I think this should raise the point on how exactly we should promote the
> secure aspect of Linux based systems,
> 
> While Linux is more secure,  surely we need to put this in to some sort
> of context, and perhaps say Linux is more secure, but you still need to
> keep it up to date,  and follow any advice the comes out regarding
> problems with either the kernel or any package that is installed on your
> system.
> 
> 
> The advice on running attachments while not always applicable directly
> as I would have to give any scripts execute permission first.
> 
> any ideas on wording,  saying Linux is more secure, seems in the light
> of this thread to need a bit more attached to it.

Generally as we normally deal with individuals I personally tailor how
much I explain to the person based on their ability to understand.

For many it would be as simple as Dell use on their site:

  6) Ubuntu is safer than Microsoft  Windows  
  The vast majority of viruses and spyware written by hackers are not
designed to target and attack Linux

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

I would probably add that those viruses cannot even be run in linux to
clarify the point, let alone cause a problem. For others I would give
them more of an understanding as to "why" its safer. Repo's, different
platform, better user/software rights management etc. All based on their
ability to understand rather than befuddle them with (to them) techno
babble.

Keep it simple seems to work much better than over complicate things
from the outset.

Linux hasn't won many friends with average users by making things appear
more complicated than they are in the past, a lesson in their itself I
think ;)


-- 
John Williams
My linux blog of notes and guides
http://subbass.blogspot.com/


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