[AuckLUG] internet banking

[Ghodmode]

I don't think we really need to worry about banks dictating what software we
must install for several reasons ...

One popular reason for switching to Linux is the well-publicized security
flaws in both Microsoft Windows and Internet Explorer.

If my bank were to insist that I install anti-virus or anti-spyware
software, I would state honestly that I have installed software on my
computer that makes it nearly immune to every computer virus or spyware
program that has ever been created or discovered.

Regardless of the bank's source of information, I'd bet that we have a
greater resource for technical expertise within this community than the
banks employ.  I'll bet we can find at least one each of an IT Security
Expert, a Professor of Computer Science, and computer programmers from
several different disciplines.  Even outside of this community, I think that
most people with considerable expertise would have to agree that Linux is
generally less susceptible to computer viruses or spyware than Windows.
What this boils down to is that real and sincere experts are in competition
with compensated endorsers.

Even with all of these assurances, we still have anti-virus software
available to us.  On my Kubuntu installation, I find 45 packages which
implement or support anti-virus software (apt-cache search virus | wc -l).

In a commercial market, the customer is always right ...  If you (the bank)
want my patronage, you will provide the services I need, or I will go to a
competitor who does.

-- Vince

On 8/21/07, Anthony Winter <aw30 at sayne.org> wrote:
>
> The banks want to make people who don't install anti-virus and
> anti-spyware
> software liable for computer fraud from their bank accounts.
>
> Clearly, we don't have these things because we don't need them (?)
> But how would we convince a bank of that?
>
> Has the NZ OSS engaged in any dialogue on this point with the banks?
>
> ant
> --
> anthony winter
>
>
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