What operating system do I get tomorrow??

me

[Sungirl]

I would appreciate any advice.....

Tomorow at noon is a big day.....
Do I get Windows 98....Windows 2000.....Windows ME?? Windows XP is OUT!

I just want it for home use...no networks....no administrators. Simple, efficient and stable.

PLEASE ADVISE.

[2OOOll]

Microsoft doesnt design their OS's for exploits.

I'm not so sure about that.

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MSNBC.com — FBI urges extra caution with XP bug
Users urged to disable features impacted by security holes:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 21 — The FBI's top cyber-security unit warned consumers and corporations Friday night to take new steps beyond those recommended by Microsoft Corp. to protect against hackers who might try to attack major flaws discovered in the newest version of Windows software.

Additional early coverage:
Salon.com — "FBI urges consumers to protect Windows XP"
MSNBC.com — "XP seen vulnerable; patch issued"
Info Warrior — "Who Needs Hackers? We've Got Microsoft!" (Good rant)
WashingtonPost.com — "Windows Vulnerable to Hack Attacks"
BBC News — "Fix your Windows, says Microsoft"
Incidents.org — "Remote SYSTEM-level UPnP Vulnerability in Windows XP"
The Register — "Feds grill MS on Windows security"
The Register — "MS warns of severe universal plug & play security hole" Note that this is NOT EVEN the first significant UPnP vulnerability:
Neohapsis Archives — " Previous security vulnerabilities in UPnP service"
Microsoft's Response Page — "Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-054"  

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August 14th, 2001 — Raw Socket Utilities SocketToMe & SocketLock

 July 19th, 2001 — Microsoft Laughs Off Windows XP Security

 June 28th, 2001 — I participated in an eight-way telephone conference with Microsoft executives and developers responsible for the forthcoming Windows XP. While the result of the hour-long discussion was disappointing, I learned something important. See the page "Microsoft Does Not Understand Security" for the details.

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The source, and more to read...

[2OOOll]

I don't even think you could get Windows98 anymore

You still can.

[2OOOll]

Sungirl, will you tell us what Religion Operating System you have selected

[Woodman]

The problem he is having is that sales of Zone Alarm may drop off, or go to nothing if MS is successful in their security push. Note how he doesn't have a link to the FBI's retraction of their December 2001 security alert because they just did not understand the problem and over reacted in their media release.

[LibWhacker]

Thanks, Paul. I'll give 'em a try. I gave up the games, especially the shoot-'em-ups, once I got Win2k Pro. But I was gathering from this thread that that wasn't really necessary, and that it was just a matter of downloading the correct drivers. I'll definitely check out your link.

[T Wayne]

...MS has been unfairly attacked by not only a bunch of ignorant *nix bigots bent on reshaping the computing world but also by a government out of control. Somebody has to provide balance to your load of crap. That's me.

So only the computer world according to MS is ok? Anyone who objects to that is a bigot?

I hold a patent that I license to a company over 3000 miles away. Because they never have given me reason, I never question the royalties they send me.

What reason have I ever given MS to question my honesty?

And NO, I don't buy into the "If you have nothing to hide, why do you object." BS!

But then some will never figure out in this life that there are more important things than money!!!

Someone at MS should wake up to the animosity they inspire with this kind of crap!

At least I now know that you have a vested interest.

[Paul C. Jesup]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help.

[Bush2000]

So only the computer world according to MS is ok?

Your words, not mine.

Anyone who objects to that is a bigot?

big·ot (bgt)
n. One who is strongly partial to one's own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.

Please don't make me name names. There are plenty on FR. I'm constantly amazed at the percentage of Mac users on Windows-related threads.

I hold a patent that I license to a company over 3000 miles away. Because they never have given me reason, I never question the royalties they send me.

Relevance?

What reason have I ever given MS to question my honesty?

If MS could uniquely and unequivocally pair its software with you, I'd agree that it wouldn't be necessary. But it can't; hence, the only way to secure its intellectual property is to assume that piracy will occur and that most users can achieve that result with a standard CD burner.

And NO, I don't buy into the "If you have nothing to hide, why do you object." BS!

Its not merely an issue of accomodating consumers. It's an issue of balancing the protection of intellectual property holders against the unfettered needs of consumers.

But then some will never figure out in this life that there are more important things than money!!!

We live in a capitalist society. MS deserves to be compensated for its work. I don't ask that you work for free. You shouldn't ask them to, either.

Someone at MS should wake up to the animosity they inspire with this kind of crap!

Here are a few things you need to understand to make clear why you're wrong:

a. The vast majority of users buy their computers with the OS preinstalled and preactivated. Activation isn't an issue for them.
b. The vast majority of users don't switch out large numbers of components; hence, they don't have to reactivate.
c. The vast majority of users don't see MS as Satan Incarnate. Don't assume you're in the mainstream: You ain't.

At least I now know that you have a vested interest.

Whoopie. I own a few shares of MSFT. Sue me.

[New Horizon]

XP Pro...fixed all incompatibilities on my home PC that Windows 98 through Windows 2000 Pro had troubles with (i.e. - scanner, USB attached devices, etc.)

Never crashed, not once.

[2OOOll]

I do not hold religious affection or hatred towards MS. In fact, I think most of their products are good. I do not have a reason to unconditionally trust a company, any company - MS and Enron included. MS pulled some trust-destroying stunts in the past.

• Stunt sample #1
• Stunt sample #2

[Bush2000]

You better duck, my friend. All the Linux freaks will soon be hear to attack you for DARING TO MAKE A BUCK.

Yeah, imagine: I even own stock in IBM. Dell. GE. Those damned evil corporations...

[Willie Green]

And the wonderful feature of a colored monitor.

My CGA monitor worked quite well with DOS 3.2.

16 color text, and 4 color graphics at 320x200 resolution
16 color text, and 2 color graphics at 640x200 resolution

(Couldn't afford an EGA or VGA monitor at the time, but they also worked under 3.2)

[Revel]

"and I have Zone Alarm installed so it warns me whenever anything happens."

As soon as you give IE, or Media player permission in Zone alarm then MS owns you in more ways than you know when you are online.

[monkeyshine]

As soon as you give IE, or Media player permission in Zone alarm then MS owns you in more ways than you know when you are online.

Explain. I do not give permission to act as a server, only to connect. Does that make a difference?

[ChadGore]

Get Linux. It rocks.

[disclaimer]

Then buy elsewhere and shut up!

"Shut up" - now that's an effective way to deal with your opposition! Wow, impressive! </sarcasm>

Do you think they give a crap about your uniformed opinion? Shop Apple!!! Enjoy! Be glad you can!

And we should "give a crap" about your overblown self-important opinions?