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#1
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need help fixing several issues
I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had
years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). My PC's a little sick at the moment. Here is a summary of its symptoms. Some of these issues have developed over the past few weeks or so, others more recently: 1)Bootup is about 3 minutes (increased from about 1min), even though I have only a few items in the startup list (8 programs, most are small and don't normally take long to load; if I remove them, bootup is no shorter). I used a shareware but fully functional BootLogAnalyzer and it seemed to show that the "System" took the longest to load; most other files seemed normal. Could this be a drive, file system problem? I have no problems accessing, using the 2-year old drive other wise. (I use Steve Gibson's 'SpinRite' for drive maintenance and it consistently gives my drive a clean bill of health - no errors, no bad sectors). I've tried Safe Mode, disabling services, using MCONFIG to diagnose problems, but they make no difference. I can't pin down the problem. 2)The MMC console won't show the extended view, only the standard view - there is just an empty space when I try to access 'extended view'. MMC was working fine a few days ago. 3)Even though I'm able to access the net, the 'network connection' icon is missing from the system tray, and the network connection in 'Control PanelNetwork Connections' is 'disconnected' and won't respond when I click it. If I attempt to delete my default connection, it says "an error has occurred". If I try to access its properties, it says "an error has occurred". If I attempt to change it from 'default connection', nothing happens. I've check my network adapter and it's in Device Manager, exactly where it should be, and functioning. I've checked all the Services that are involved in networking, and they seem to be running. I managed to access the net by going through my SpeedTouch modem applet and run the existing connection from there (it uses my default connection that I set up, which works). But Network Connections says my default connection is disconnected...It's all rather confusing! Somehow I am connected, but I don't know how. 4)Help and Support no longer loads. Even though I have a "FixXPHelp" tool from Kelly's Korner which usually works, this time it doesn't, despite finding 2 registry entries that are wrong/missing. (This tool is specifically for when the program 'EasyCleaner' - which I use - removes some required registry entries). I have to admit that a day ago I used some stupid fix-all-bugs trialware, and I have a feeling it did something. I don't know why I fall for them, they're all crap. I have used quite a few in my time and I can honestly say they are of little benefit, from what I can see. But sometimes you get desperate you'll try anything! Rant over. Hope you can help. Tim |
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#2
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need help fixing several issues
"Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. |
#3
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need help fixing several issues
"Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). My PC's a little sick at the moment. Here is a summary of its symptoms. Some of these issues have developed over the past few weeks or so, others more recently: 1)Bootup is about 3 minutes (increased from about 1min), even though I have only a few items in the startup list (8 programs, most are small and don't normally take long to load; if I remove them, bootup is no shorter). I used a shareware but fully functional BootLogAnalyzer and it seemed to show that the "System" took the longest to load; most other files seemed normal. Could this be a drive, file system problem? I have no problems accessing, using the 2-year old drive other wise. (I use Steve Gibson's 'SpinRite' for drive maintenance and it consistently gives my drive a clean bill of health - no errors, no bad sectors). I've tried Safe Mode, disabling services, using MCONFIG to diagnose problems, but they make no difference. I can't pin down the problem. 2)The MMC console won't show the extended view, only the standard view - there is just an empty space when I try to access 'extended view'. MMC was working fine a few days ago. 3)Even though I'm able to access the net, the 'network connection' icon is missing from the system tray, and the network connection in 'Control PanelNetwork Connections' is 'disconnected' and won't respond when I click it. If I attempt to delete my default connection, it says "an error has occurred". If I try to access its properties, it says "an error has occurred". If I attempt to change it from 'default connection', nothing happens. I've check my network adapter and it's in Device Manager, exactly where it should be, and functioning. I've checked all the Services that are involved in networking, and they seem to be running. I managed to access the net by going through my SpeedTouch modem applet and run the existing connection from there (it uses my default connection that I set up, which works). But Network Connections says my default connection is disconnected...It's all rather confusing! Somehow I am connected, but I don't know how. 4)Help and Support no longer loads. Even though I have a "FixXPHelp" tool from Kelly's Korner which usually works, this time it doesn't, despite finding 2 registry entries that are wrong/missing. (This tool is specifically for when the program 'EasyCleaner' - which I use - removes some required registry entries). I have to admit that a day ago I used some stupid fix-all-bugs trialware, and I have a feeling it did something. I don't know why I fall for them, they're all crap. I have used quite a few in my time and I can honestly say they are of little benefit, from what I can see. But sometimes you get desperate you'll try anything! Rant over. Hope you can help. Tim Gotta love them one-fer-all, all-fer-one packages, eh? The one I tried promised to increase my gas mileage too!! (Just kidding- I never use that crap.) If your fix-all has an undo, try that. If your registry cleaner backs up the entries before deleting them, try restoring them. Get an antimalware program or two and scan for bugs. Boot into Safe Mode and try a System Restore to a day or two before you screwed up your PC. FWIW, 3 minutes is not an abnormally long boot-up time. Good luck! SC Tom |
#4
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need help fixing several issues
Tim.T wrote:
I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). My PC's a little sick at the moment. Here is a summary of its symptoms. Some of these issues have developed over the past few weeks or so, others more recently: 1)Bootup is about 3 minutes (increased from about 1min), even though I have only a few items in the startup list (8 programs, most are small and don't normally take long to load; if I remove them, bootup is no shorter). I used a shareware but fully functional BootLogAnalyzer and it seemed to show that the "System" took the longest to load; most other files seemed normal. Could this be a drive, file system problem? I have no problems accessing, using the 2-year old drive other wise. (I use Steve Gibson's 'SpinRite' for drive maintenance and it consistently gives my drive a clean bill of health - no errors, no bad sectors). I've tried Safe Mode, disabling services, using MCONFIG to diagnose problems, but they make no difference. I can't pin down the problem. 2)The MMC console won't show the extended view, only the standard view - there is just an empty space when I try to access 'extended view'. MMC was working fine a few days ago. 3)Even though I'm able to access the net, the 'network connection' icon is missing from the system tray, and the network connection in 'Control PanelNetwork Connections' is 'disconnected' and won't respond when I click it. If I attempt to delete my default connection, it says "an error has occurred". If I try to access its properties, it says "an error has occurred". If I attempt to change it from 'default connection', nothing happens. I've check my network adapter and it's in Device Manager, exactly where it should be, and functioning. I've checked all the Services that are involved in networking, and they seem to be running. I managed to access the net by going through my SpeedTouch modem applet and run the existing connection from there (it uses my default connection that I set up, which works). But Network Connections says my default connection is disconnected...It's all rather confusing! Somehow I am connected, but I don't know how. 4)Help and Support no longer loads. Even though I have a "FixXPHelp" tool from Kelly's Korner which usually works, this time it doesn't, despite finding 2 registry entries that are wrong/missing. (This tool is specifically for when the program 'EasyCleaner' - which I use - removes some required registry entries). I have to admit that a day ago I used some stupid fix-all-bugs trialware, and I have a feeling it did something. I don't know why I fall for them, they're all crap. You fall for them for the same reason you refuse to keep your PC secure (SP1 ???!!!). You apparently exercise poor judgment. Actions have consequences. If you would like assistance, don't resist upgrading to a fully patched SP2, or even better SP3. And stop falling for the crappy snake-oil programs! If you do refuse the advice to become secure, I would predict not many people would waste their time with you. Sorry to be harsh, but you need to hear the truth! As SC Tom, stated, the first thing you need to do is attempt to undo the damage done by foolishly running FixXPHelp. But don't be surprised if a Clean Install will be necessary. Since your PC is not secure, you very likely have multiple malware infections. |
#5
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need help fixing several issues
On Nov 9, 8:47*pm, "Tim.T" wrote:
I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). My PC's a little sick at the moment. Here is a summary of its symptoms. Some of these issues have developed over the past few weeks or so, others more recently: 1)Bootup is about 3 minutes (increased from about 1min), even though I have only a few items in the startup list (8 programs, most are small and don't normally take long to load; if I remove them, bootup is no shorter). I used a shareware but fully functional BootLogAnalyzer *and it seemed to show that the "System" took the longest to load; most other files seemed normal. Could this be a drive, file system problem? I have no problems accessing, using the 2-year old drive other wise. (I use Steve Gibson's 'SpinRite' for drive maintenance and it consistently gives my drive a clean bill of health - no errors, no bad sectors). I've tried Safe Mode, disabling services, using MCONFIG to diagnose problems, but they make no difference. I can't pin down the problem. 2)The MMC console won't show the extended view, only the standard view - there is just an empty space when I try to access 'extended view'. MMC was working fine a few days ago. 3)Even though I'm able to access the net, the 'network connection' icon is missing from the system tray, and the network connection in 'Control PanelNetwork Connections' is 'disconnected' and won't respond when I click it. If I attempt to delete my default connection, it says "an error has occurred". If I try to access its properties, it says "an error has occurred". If I attempt to change it from 'default connection', nothing happens. I've check my network adapter and it's in Device Manager, exactly where it should be, and functioning. I've checked all the Services that are involved in networking, and they seem to be running. I managed to access the net by going through my SpeedTouch modem applet and run the existing connection from there (it uses my default connection that I set up, which works). But Network Connections says my default connection is disconnected...It's all rather confusing! Somehow I am connected, but I don't know how. 4)Help and Support no longer loads. Even though I have a "FixXPHelp" tool from Kelly's Korner which usually works, this time it doesn't, despite finding 2 registry entries that are wrong/missing. (This tool is specifically for when the program 'EasyCleaner' - which I use - removes some required registry entries). I have to admit that a day ago I used some stupid *fix-all-bugs trialware, and I have a feeling it did something. I don't know why I fall for them, they're all crap. I have used quite a few in my time and I can honestly say they are of little benefit, from what I can see. But sometimes you get desperate you'll try anything! Rant over. Hope you can help. Tim You have many issues and some of them are of your own making. For example, Help and Support quits working. My first questions is: Have you ever run any third party programs offering guaranteed system performance enhancement where the product description includes any of the words "help, fix, tune, tune up, speed up, optimize, mechanic" in the description? The answer is always yes and I know the answer is going to be yes, but I still like to ask it. None of your issues sound hard to fix. They sound annoying. Hopefully you will not want to use some trial and error methods, guessing, trying things, etc., so first some preliminaries: Reduce the chances of malicious software by running some scans. Download, install, update and do a full scan with these free malware detection programs: Malwarebytes (MBAM): http://malwarebytes.org/ SUPERAntiSpywa (SAS): http://www.superantispyware.com/ These can be uninstalled later if desired. Click Start, Run and in the box enter: msinfo32 Click OK, and when the System Summary info appears, click Edit, Select All, Copy and then paste back here. There would be some personal information (like System Name and User Name) or whatever appears to be only your business that you can delete from the paste. |
#6
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need help fixing several issues
Gordon wrote:
"Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question |
#7
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need help fixing several issues
"GbH" wrote in message ... Gordon wrote: "Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. Absolutely. But the people who do not apply security updates are EQUALLY to blame. |
#8
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need help fixing several issues
GbH wrote: Gordon wrote: "Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. Ya right, and would you like to buy some Florida property too? |
#9
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need help fixing several issues
"GbH" wrote in message ... Gordon wrote: "Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question While I agree with what you and Gordon are saying, a main reason IMO is that since MS owns ~90% of the PC market share, and Apple ~10%, where do you think the hackers are going to devote their time and energy? It would be a lot easier to find holes in 90 PC's than it would be in 10. Apple can say they are more secure (and they very well may be), but if the roles were reversed and Apple had 90% of the share, who do you think would be getting more viruses then? I know what I'd be hacking if it were me. SC Tom |
#10
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need help fixing several issues
SC Tom wrote:
"GbH" wrote in message ... Gordon wrote: "Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question While I agree with what you and Gordon are saying, a main reason IMO is that since MS owns ~90% of the PC market share, and Apple ~10%, where do you think the hackers are going to devote their time and energy? It would be a lot easier to find holes in 90 PC's than it would be in 10. Apple can say they are more secure (and they very well may be), but if the roles were reversed and Apple had 90% of the share, who do you think would be getting more viruses then? I know what I'd be hacking if it were me. SC Tom PC, Personal Computer! The Macintosh when it was fist introduced was a 'PC '. You are suggesting M$ owns the PC market? There are very efficient well developed and well supported Operating Systems available for 'PC's that do not suffer from the gaping security weaknesses of the M$ offering. Why they are not widely used is because of the inertia of the installed market. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question |
#11
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need help fixing several issues
"GbH" wrote in message ... SC Tom wrote: "GbH" wrote in message ... Gordon wrote: "Tim.T" wrote in message ... I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). You're not going to get away that easily. You do realise that you are putting OTHERS at risk by sticking your head in the sand by not updating? You and people like you are one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware. I disagree, one of the main reasons that the internet is awash with Windows viruses, trojans and malware is that Microsoft in their greedy rush for profits fail to adequately develop "Windows" to be resistant to such, preferring as they do to foist poorly developed Operating Systems on a unprepared public and field and 'fix' the resultant delinquencies as they arrive. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question While I agree with what you and Gordon are saying, a main reason IMO is that since MS owns ~90% of the PC market share, and Apple ~10%, where do you think the hackers are going to devote their time and energy? It would be a lot easier to find holes in 90 PC's than it would be in 10. Apple can say they are more secure (and they very well may be), but if the roles were reversed and Apple had 90% of the share, who do you think would be getting more viruses then? I know what I'd be hacking if it were me. SC Tom PC, Personal Computer! The Macintosh when it was fist introduced was a 'PC '. You are suggesting M$ owns the PC market? There are very efficient well developed and well supported Operating Systems available for 'PC's that do not suffer from the gaping security weaknesses of the M$ offering. Why they are not widely used is because of the inertia of the installed market. -- Geoff ExploitEd Wisdom and experience come with age, they say, but I do wish I could remember the darn question Again, if you were making money hacking PC's, would you go after MS or the smaller fish? Are they truly "gaping security weaknesses" or is just that no one bothers with Linux, Unix, etc.? SC Tom |
#12
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need help fixing several issues
"SC Tom" wrote in message ... Again, if you were making money hacking PC's, would you go after MS or the smaller fish? Are they truly "gaping security weaknesses" or is just that no one bothers with Linux, Unix, etc.? The architecture of *nix makes it very difficult to attack.....particularly Linux as there are so many variants. |
#13
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need help fixing several issues
"Gordon" wrote in message ... "SC Tom" wrote in message ... Again, if you were making money hacking PC's, would you go after MS or the smaller fish? Are they truly "gaping security weaknesses" or is just that no one bothers with Linux, Unix, etc.? The architecture of *nix makes it very difficult to attack.....particularly Linux as there are so many variants. Again I ask, if *nix owned 90% of the share, where do you think hackers would be putting all their energy and resources? If MS was the 10% minority, who would bother trying to get in? Only the amateurs, looking for a place to start. |
#14
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need help fixing several issues
In ,
Tim.T typed: I'm using Windows XP Home SP1 (don't lecture me about updates; I've had years of error-free computing because I insist on just using SP1). My PC's a little sick at the moment. Here is a summary of its symptoms. Some of these issues have developed over the past few weeks or so, others more recently: 1)Bootup is about 3 minutes (increased from about 1min), even though I have only a few items in the startup list (8 programs, most are small and don't normally take long to load; if I remove them, bootup is no shorter). I used a shareware but fully functional BootLogAnalyzer and it seemed to show that the "System" took the longest to load; most other files seemed normal. Could this be a drive, file system problem? I have no problems accessing, using the 2-year old drive other wise. (I use Steve Gibson's 'SpinRite' for drive maintenance and it consistently gives my drive a clean bill of health - no errors, no bad sectors). I've tried Safe Mode, disabling services, using MCONFIG to diagnose problems, but they make no difference. I can't pin down the problem. 2)The MMC console won't show the extended view, only the standard view - there is just an empty space when I try to access 'extended view'. MMC was working fine a few days ago. 3)Even though I'm able to access the net, the 'network connection' icon is missing from the system tray, and the network connection in 'Control PanelNetwork Connections' is 'disconnected' and won't respond when I click it. If I attempt to delete my default connection, it says "an error has occurred". If I try to access its properties, it says "an error has occurred". If I attempt to change it from 'default connection', nothing happens. I've check my network adapter and it's in Device Manager, exactly where it should be, and functioning. I've checked all the Services that are involved in networking, and they seem to be running. I managed to access the net by going through my SpeedTouch modem applet and run the existing connection from there (it uses my default connection that I set up, which works). But Network Connections says my default connection is disconnected...It's all rather confusing! Somehow I am connected, but I don't know how. 4)Help and Support no longer loads. Even though I have a "FixXPHelp" tool from Kelly's Korner which usually works, this time it doesn't, despite finding 2 registry entries that are wrong/missing. (This tool is specifically for when the program 'EasyCleaner' - which I use - removes some required registry entries). I have to admit that a day ago I used some stupid fix-all-bugs trialware, and I have a feeling it did something. I don't know why I fall for them, they're all crap. I have used quite a few in my time and I can honestly say they are of little benefit, from what I can see. But sometimes you get desperate you'll try anything! Rant over. Hope you can help. Tim I suspect you've caused yourself considerable problems, Tim. For one, never, EVER run programs from any resource you aren't already fmailiar with or have done your homework to seeh that their reputation and track record is. You say you've used "quite a few" so it's possible you'd had several problems for a long time before things got just so and they showed up. On top of that you could easily have a lot of flie corruption that simply happens over time, especially with only SP1 and not mention of any other protection software. If you're not running at least a good firewall, AV and antispyware, along with a backup strategy, you're likely riddled with a bunch of little "problems" spread all over the place and looking at days to get it working again, IF you even ever do. . You might want to consider how long it will take to rebuild the system from scratch than try to troubleshoot multiple problems. It's only an hour to reinstall everything and maybe another couple hours to reinstall your applications and customizations. You said you didn't want to hear about SPs and so on, but that's very likely the source of a lot of your problems. At SP1 there were still a gazillion holes in the OS. Can you even get auto updates for SP1 anymore? Just curious. With the condition of the 'net and everything else today, you really need to think seriously about going to SP2 or better yet SP3, and then letting auto update fill in the rest of the holes. Starting with SP2 there is even a built in firewall, not bidirectional, but still plenty useful. I was reading the other day about tests showing that going online without a firewall can allow infections in as little as 3 1/2 minutes by a "drive-by" virus or other malware. If you really don't have the power to run anything more than SP1, then you definitely need the assistance of the best security programs you can lay your hands on. Most of them can be gotten free too, but beware of just going out and picking the first one you see. ASk fo advice if you have to. You'll be glad you did. Are you even doing any updates at all? HTH, Twayne` |
#15
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need help fixing several issues
"SC Tom" wrote in message ... "Gordon" wrote in message ... "SC Tom" wrote in message ... Again, if you were making money hacking PC's, would you go after MS or the smaller fish? Are they truly "gaping security weaknesses" or is just that no one bothers with Linux, Unix, etc.? The architecture of *nix makes it very difficult to attack.....particularly Linux as there are so many variants. Again I ask, if *nix owned 90% of the share, where do you think hackers would be putting all their energy and resources? If MS was the 10% minority, who would bother trying to get in? Only the amateurs, looking for a place to start. No you don't get it. The ARCHITECTURE ie the file structure and that way *nix is built and used makes it VERY difficult to attack. Period. Doesn't matter about numbers. Example. 55% of ALL web servers run some sort of *nix yet there are only a very few *nix viruses in the wild and of those most are relatively harmless. Why? Because it's very difficult to attack them with viruses or malware because of the design. *nix OSs are secure by DESIGN. Yes Windows has 90% of the desktop, BUT, Windows is unbelievably easy to write viruses for, not because of it's popularity, but because of the way it's designed! |
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