I think that the issue as posed is a false dichotomy. Security is not just a function of the operating system and whatever security features are added to it, but also of the third-party software packages which are installed, everything from Corel Draw to TurboTax. Any program which can accept input from outside the computer cabinet whether from the internet, CD, DVD, thumb drive, floppy ( egad! ), or whatnot, is also part of the equation. Even an absolutely secure operating environment ( OS +security programs ) can be compromised by a user who is ignorant or malicious, or by third- party software which is poorly made. I also think that the Microsoft "monopoly" issue is a canard. Microsoft achieved its near-monopoly position because it made computer use and internet access very very easy at the expense of security. Customers in immense numbers opted for ease of use in preference over the bother of knowing what they were doing, so where does the responsibility actually lie? In my view, with the customers. If people who bought computers knew what they were doing, Microsoft either wouldn't have a monopoly, or would be offering a much more secure operating system due to marketplace pressure. ( We see it attempting to move in that direction with Vista. ) I suggest that consumers cannot escape responsibility for the effects of decisions they make in the marketplace, whether from a position of knowledge or of ignorance. Just my $0.02 . The opinions which I have expressed herein are entirely my own, unless other- wise noted. No-one else should be held responsible for what I think. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | | | D. N. Dickey, Jr. Ph.D. | Virtuous motives, trammeled by inertia and | | Research Associate/Sysop | timidity, are no match for armed and | | Geology Department, NIU | resolute wickedness. | | neil@xxxxxxxxxxxx | - W. S. Churchill | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
