License Computer Users

PC Magazine ^ | August 18, 2003 | John C. Dvorak

[new cruelty]

Over this past weekend yet another virus/Trojan/worm/whatnot attack culminated in a lot of panic. Apparently, far too many systems were infected with this latest disease, and the Net was once again choking on the aftereffects. Probably the blackout in New York and much of the Northeast saved us because it simply took machines offline.

[JohnGalt]

So trade liberty for temporary security?

I think we should license author's of stupid proposals.

[TheAngryClam]

This would devastate AOL's business.

[egarvue]

I agree; this deserves a spot in the Stupid Hall of Fame.

[cornelis]

Here's my solution to this problem

Been there done that. Here's another one for ya: a license for intercourse.

[taxcontrol]

Ok, a quick course in security.

Three things are required to carry out ANY attack including attacks in cyberspace. They are:

People
Means
Tools

In cyberspace these are Hackers, the attack method and tools (computers, scripts etc.). What the author proposes is to try and control tools. This is NOT what acheives results. The focus needs to be on tracking down and apprehending people. You do this by observing and following the means.

The problem with focusing on the tools is that there will always be a supply of tools. In cyberspace, even more so as the tools can be created by the hackers.

Trying to license computers is much like stating that we need to license all Bibles or firearms.

[mhking]

Dvorak's gone over the edge this time....

Just damn.

If you want on the new list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[willieroe]

I think the licensing bit was tongue-in-cheek, designed to get the reader's attention. Of course, with Dvorak it's sometimes hard to tell....

[MEGoody]

"a license for intercourse."

Actually, it's called a marriage license, but an awful lot of people do it without the license. Same is true of driving cars. Licensing computer use wouldn't change anything.

[cornelis]

designed to get the reader's attention

Horse puckey. Like the proverbial "It was just a joke."

[VxH]

I can see the bumperstickers already... "WHEN COMPUTERS ARE OUTLAWED, ONLY OUTLAWS WILL HAVE COMPUTERS" and the ever popular: "THEY CAN HAVE MY IP ADDRESS WHEN THEY PRY IT OUT OF MY COLD, DEAD HANDS"

[new cruelty]

Trying to license computers is much like stating that we need to license all Bibles or firearms.

Well now we're getting somewhere.

< /I'M KIDDING!>

[xrp]

We should also require a license for being proficient in plural vs possessive tenses before posting to FR.

[spunkets]

"Here's my solution to this problem: a license to use computers."

Here's our answer.

[Paleo Conservative]

The company has also chosen to give users the wrong defaults, so file extensions are hidden unless you track down the settings to make them visible. Why? So Windows systems can appear more like Macs? Or what? I can do a whole column on dumb defaults.

One of the first things I do with a new Windows machine is to uncheck the box to hide known extensions.

[new cruelty]

BWAHAHAHA... great pic and great answer.

[sticker]

But you could only use those bumperstickers if you drive a SUV or a pickup truck. On anything else it would be a wrap around sticker

[B Knotts]

ROFL

Dvorak is such a nut. Although, frankly, I think he just says completely idiotic stuff to make waves.

[Pyrion]

"This would devastate AOL's business."

You make that sound like a Bad Thing. ;)

[new cruelty]

I agree