[nzlug] Question Not on the FAQ Page

[Mark Foster]

Thanks for cross-posting Vik, interesting stuff.
Noted though that you have set reply-to as NZLUG, a fair chance this will 
be bounced as NZLUG does not accept non-subscribed posters (and we don't 
know what the return email address will come from, in terms of email 
address, so I can't whitelist it preemptively.)

FYI

Mark.

On Fri, 14 Mar 2008, Vik Olliver wrote:

> 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 ÿÿ 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
>
>
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