WhackArnolds – Technology, Politics, Pop Culture, Life commentary delivered hot and fresh!

What operating system (OS) you use is much like a religion to people these days. Mac people remind me of Catholics. The most glaring similarity is that they believe in getting told what to do in every way and tend to look down on all other religions. Windows people remind me of Baptists or Episcopalians. Those folks tend to examine their faith, but still don’t see any problems with some of the teachings, even when they are right there in front of them. Then you have the Linux types, and these people are atheist/agnostic. The truth is, in the computer world there is no better OS.

Don’t get me wrong here, I am a fan of each platform for different reasons. Macs have great usability tools that are just perfect to have, and example would be the magnification using CTRL + Scroll or the screen capture that is baked in perfectly into the OS. Windows gives you games and a ton of programs that make life easier. Windows 7 finally brings some of the Mac-style sugar to the OS and increased stability and ease of use. Linux brings open free software and a more stable environment. But, let’s face it, all of these platforms have their bugs and their security holes. They are computers!

The biggest thing that Macs and Linux distros have going for them is that they don’t have enough units out in the world to be a viable option for hackers. That’s it! There are plenty of Mac security flaws, but Apple markets to people based on the notion that they are more secure. The problem with that is that they are probably more insecure because they refuse to talk about security issues they might have. Instead they release these gigantic security updates and announce it with vague language much like iPhone application updates. If you don’t go around clicking nonsense, you are safer on Windows. At least you know what’s out there, on the Mac side a hacker group could have a hack and no one would know about. Linux on the other hand is probably the most secure, especially since most hackers are using Linux. On top of that, Linux developers are crazy about their programming and are always making needed tweaks.

Bottom line is, no one is truly safe on any platform. Knowledge is really the power here, and since Apple tries to sell to the less savvy clientele, they are probably the most vulnerable. Windows after that and finally Linux. Also, why do hackers attack Windows anyway? Most Windows owners have less money. Mac people clearly have more cash on hand! Can you imagine a Mac virus or root kit? All those rich folks out there buying Macs, that’s a goldmine. This phenomenon of people hacking Windows is either because of lazy hackers going for low hanging fruit or stupid hackers who don’t know where the money is. It is very similar to the way middle and lower class people fight each other when it comes to politics and end up voting against their own interests. Why bother going after the big fish when the small weak fish are right here next to me.

Tags: Rants