Smartalyx Computer Musings

One of the ongoing debates in the computer world is the security of Windows vs Apple. Now I am not going to rehash the whole thing and or jump on a side, right now. I just noticed in Twitter that a very respected individual posted:
“Despite Apple’s off again on again advisories, I still don’t use AV on any of my Macs. Just don’t run as admin and use a firewall.”

And this got me to thinking that is really the problem. Apple marketing, as cute as it is, made a mockery of the Vista UAC prompt. Basically, this was an attempt by Microsoft to protect people from themselves. Unfortunately, it could get in the way with too many prompts. But a that isn’t my point. My point is this- if you do not run as administrator in Windows a lot of problems go away as well.

So Windows can be secure out of the box, except Microsoft never really enforced this issue until Vista. Now what happened- all the application and hardware developers got all up in arms. “you took away our ability to program” or “Our hardware doesn’t expect to be restricted” et. al. However the same issues arise in the Mac OS- if I try to install something it will ask me for the correct credentials. So why does Apple continue to get a pass on this? Or more correctly, when Microsoft tried to institute the same thing, why were they demonized?

I heard again today that businesses are avoiding Vista. But I propose it isn’t 100 percent Microsoft’s fault. I lay some of the blame on hardware and application developers who refused or resisted teh changes. And Apple is in a much better position to enforce their will- regardless of anything else they still have a small market to concern themselves with. There is no way Microsoft can account for every user situation nor would they be given a pass if they tried to just say “You are outta luck..”. Microsoft is the big evil and it is just too easy to continue to bash them.

Please add your thoughts and let me know your take.

Fortunately I know what I am looking at, but for a brief second I actually consider cliking the link.

partial example of phishing attempt

It looks good and I mean really good. There is the Bank’s name right there, logo and all. Below that the normal way they greet me and heck I do have an account or two with them.

This particualr tactic by scammers and thieves isn’t new, but reports are that they are getting. WHat am I talking about you. Phishing. This Wikipedia entry does have details (anything in Wikipedia should be verified but most of the information here is good. Go ahead and have read through there.

The short version is any fraudulent attempt that tries to get you to provide any information (user name, account numbers, passwords) by pretending to be a trusted entity. Often they appear to come your bank or credit card company. Most companies like will not solicit this information from you in this way- they will contact you some other way- by the phone for instance so they can provide details to you for confirmation.

Other ways you can tell is poor grammar or spelling. In the picture above “would” is not the correct word to be used. Ultimately, if you are in doubt pull out your credit card or bank statment and call the customer support number listed. If there are problems with your accounts, those are the best numbers to use and anyone you talk to should be able to help you. And do not call any numbers listed in the email not matter how good it looks.

Thanks for reading.