Whoever wrote:

> "Beauregard T. Shagnasty" wrote:
>> [snippage occurs]
>>>> Me too! So I backed up all my data and installed Linux.
>> I can 'not bother' to install/update/scan with anti-this&that apps
>> all the time. There are just as many Linux freeware apps, too. Heh,
>> all of 'em.
>
> <<chuckle>>
>
> For someone who knows what they are doing, it takes all of 5 minutes
> each to install and configure a good antivirus program and a good
> antimalware program. After that, they run unattended in the
> background for the next year or so until they are due for a renewal.
>
> Now, let's match that against the amount of time I would lose
> learning how to use an entirely new OS and find and install an
> acceptable set of replacement apps (if possible - while Gimp is
> getting better it is still not up to snuff). By the time I got "up to
> speed" with all of that, I would have wasted enough time to have
> installed and configured thousands of antivirus/antimalware programs.

You make some good points, but "time spent learning Linux" isn't one of
them. The same is true for someone seeing Windows for the first time, or
say upgrading from XP to Win7. Keep in mind I'm addressing your average
home user here.

>> If they feel the need to run Windows-only software, I'll wish them
>> well and remind them to keep their anti- apps up to date and run the
>> scans frequently. Or, if they aren't complete idiots, I might
>> suggest to install a flavor of Linux, then run their Windows
>> software in a VM.
>
> Personally, I do things the other way around. I have two flavors of
> Linux installed in VM's on this Windows box. I keep tinkering with
> them from time to time to try and see what it is that Linux
> proponents are so ecstatic over. I haven't found anything yet to make
> me want to move to Linux on a day to day basis.



>> I'd bring a LiveCD over to their house and give them a demo. It
>> usually works to convince them, and we install it on the spot. And
>> they all seem to be very happy with the price.
>
> You're welcome to come by and "demonstrate" Linux but I don't think
> you will convince me. I'm afraid I do a bit more than just simple web
> surfing and office work. I'm also familiar enough with this stuff to
> NOT gloss over the hidden costs involved in lack of tech support,
> lost productivity from workflow disruption, retraining on new
> OS/apps, etc.

I too do a lot more than "simple web surfing and office work." So far,
other than this newsreader running in Wine (my only Windows app), there
is nothing I can't do in this Linux distro.

> As far as I'm concerned, the virus/malware argument is not a
> convincing reason to switch to Linux (or a Mac for that matter).
> While it is a problem, it is also somewhat overblown. The vast
> majority of infected systems that are brought in to me are a) running
> an outdated/non- updated/inferior antivirus program, b) show evidence
> of various P2P downloaders, and/or c) have a user that is click-happy
> and gullible. A decent AV program and some education often takes care
> of the problem. In some cases, I also add in a good antimalware
> program to beef up the AV software.
>
> Just my $0.02 worth....

You make some good points. Linux is not for everyone.
Neither is Windows. ;-)

http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm

It's interesting that my little one-line bit of humor is generating
responses.

--
-bts
-Four wheels carry the body; two wheels move the soul