[nzlug] Observation on installing firefox to WinXP (SP3)

[Simon Bridge]

I've been meaning to talk about this... I had an installfest a while
ago, and one of the things I did was add free software to the XP part
machines intended for dual boot.

One of these was a beee-youtiful quad-core beast, which I solemnly
announced was unsuitable for linux but that I'd take it off his hands
for a small fee :) Anyway...

Upon installing firefox off the official site, XP popped up a warning
box. It told me (and I wish I got a screenshot) that firefox was from an
untrusted source and may contain malicious software which could damage
my computer and expose my personal information to identity thieves. Was
I sure about this.

... I know I know this is an automated message that pops up with any non
MS (+ paid partner) install, with "program name" inserted in the correct
place. But alarming anyway.

The owner announced that the message would certainly have put him off.
So I demonstrated that there was nothing harmful. With everyone looking
over my shoulder exclaiming how nice the web looked... something I
hadn't thought of?

Anyone else met this warning?

Afterward:
For all that people talk about linux performance on low-spec machines -
stick it on a really cool box and watch that penguin prod serious
buttock!