[nzlug] Question Not on the FAQ Page

[Vik Olliver]

How do I get a technically incorrect article corrected?

Dear Sir or Madam,

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331103,00.html states that:

"But open-source software has its problems. If no one owns it, there's
no one to complain to when things go wrong — and the One has no
antivirus or firewall software built in."

Most Open Source projects have accessible teams that respond to problems
directly, often fixing the code faster than proprietary vendors. If you
have sufficient skills, the tools are available to fix even the most
fundamental problems yourself. Legally, the vendor of the PC is
responsible in the UK. Hence, the first assertion is incorrect in both
legal and practical terms.

Secondly, the One has an excellent antivirus installed - it is called
Linux. That operating system implements intrinsic antivirus security
measures that prevent viruses from infecting the system. I am a Senior
Analyst with Catalyst IT and together with my colleagues have been using
Linux heavily for over a decade; I have not encountered a virus
infecting a Linux system and am unaware of anyone who has. Believe me,
we are the sort of people who would notice!

Firewalling is also present on the One. In fact, several layers exist.
But once more, they are standard operating system components and don't
splash brand names all over the screen.

I fear that the author has fallen into the trap of assuming that the
extras needed for the safe operation of Microsoft desktops are also
extras for Linux machines. Fortunately this is not so, and this helps
keep the cost of retailing and operating a Linux system low.

I hope that you can find time to correct the otherwise very informative
article.

Regards,

Vik Olliver
Events Organiser
New Zealand Open Source Society