Why Is Windows So Unsafe?

Question

i know people that have other operating systems that don't even use antivirus or spyware programs, yet i have had to damn near take a computer security class to get up too speed on all the crap that can infect windows, either that or end up having all my work destroyed by some microscopic cyber bug.
are they just made worse, or does Microsoft deliberately make them vulnerable to sell people their security programs?

peopole i work with say using internet explorer is one of the dumbest things you can do online, so i use firefox, even then i had to add all these addons to it like adblock plus and noscript, with all of Bill gates' cash can't the dweeb come up with a safer os??

sorry if i am venting a bit, this stuff just frustrates me sometimes.

Answer 1

mu



Windows ISN'T so unsafe. Antivirus vendors, and anti-Microsoft zealots would like you to believe it is - they have a vested interest. Most of the security holes in the last three or four years have been ones that would require direct action on the part of the user, or were due to third-party applications and drivers.



Windows USERS are unsafe, and so are many of the crappy applications written to run on the most used operating system in the world. Any operating system that allows users to install applications that can actually run and do things must allow those applications to do things the user might not want done - and these are some of the viruses, etc. that people run into - and lose their work.



Windows is definitely NOT the most secure operating system out there - but as someone who has been working with Windows since it came out, and who has worked with Apple computers since they came out, and who has worked with mainframes, UNIX and LINUX boxes quite a bit - the hype is just that - hype to sell stuff. I've personally seen a virus infect three computers I've owned, over the last twenty years (my god - it's been twenty years!). Each time, I did something stupid - I installed an application that I knew nothing about, and that I didn't check out first. Other than that, I've been virus free - and it's been quite easy.



Three steps protects most computers:



1. Have a hardware firewall between your computer and the internet.

2. Don't install applications that people send you or that you download over the internet unless you've thoroughly vetted them - and think twice about it even then.

3. Keep your system patched (it's pretty damn easy these days), and go ahead and run a basic antivirus/spyware program - but don't spend the money on any of the "advanced" stuff - they are generally intrusive crap that will market themselves to you at every opportunity.

Answer 2

If I may, I'd add: 95% of "viruses" aren't viruses at all, but are actually adware, junkware, worms, trojans, hijackers, and such. Antivirus alone won't protect you. You need a suite of software, which includes a good firewall. If you are using a broadband connection, which is connected all the time, you're a target. My suggestions to new computer users:

1. If you use broadband (DSL or cable), use a router with built-in NAT, even if you only have one computer .

2. Use a software firewall, even if the router has a hardware firewall. There are plenty of decent free firewalls around, but download from a TRUSTED and RELIABLE site - NOT "joesfreefiles.com"

3. Spyware protection is essential. Spywareguard, Spybot Search & Destroy (and Teatimer), Winpatrol to name a few. Don't get frustrated and turn off notifications in these programs! Every time one of them pops up a notice that "program X wants to do this or that," read it and decide what you want it to do. Don't just click "OK" and go on. You'll save yourself a lot of problems later. Install the program, read the documentation, learn how to use it and what id does (and doesn't do).

4. Reformat and re-install Windows isn't a FIX for most problems. I've been using computers since the days of DOS 2.2, and I've NEVER reformatted a hard drive and re-installed the OS. That's just a cover-up for the real problem: YOU didn't properly protect your system from the "bad guys".

5. Your HOSTS file is your friend. Use a custom HOSTS file, keep it up to date, and write-protect it.

6. If you don't have a clue what I'm writing about, turn off your games, music, DVD movies, etc. Go to Google, search on any or all of the things I just wrote about, and LEARN. Or, please, disconnect your computer from the internet so I don't catch all the crapware you've made yourself a magnet for.

Answer 3

Why Is Windows So Unsafe?



It's not as unsafe as people make it out to be. The problem is that 95% or more of people in the world who are using a computer are using some form of Windows so because of this, Windows is heavily targeted by Virus code writers more then any other type of operating System. If 95% of people where using Linux or MAC the same would happen to these operating systems as well.



As long as you use common sense while on line and you use a good Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware program with a firewall and you also keep all Windows updates "up to date you should be OK.

Answer 4

Hi Guy,

Had to say that.

From what I read, Windows XP and the previous editions are the worst culprits. Vista is supposed to be safer. From what I noticed when I did tech support at schools, Windows was easier for the high school students to bypass the safety features. They would use proxies etc. and get the adware/malware etc. on the supposedly safe Dells they used. Add the viruses they would bring from home and there were weeks when hundreds of the Dells were infected even with an anti-virus application on the Dells. As others have said, 90% of the market uses some form of Windows, so it gets the action from the weirdos out there. In those ten years, I never did have a Mac running MacOs X with a virus, adware, malware. It was easier to block the students from messing them up.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

First of all Mozila firefox is the worst browser you can use.Unstable slow and memory hog.IE is the most stable and compatible browser out there.If you want a good alternative use Opera.To answer the first part of your question,when you are far more popular and successful from others you become a target.So this is why IE has more hits than any other browsers.This doesn't mean it is unsafe to use.THERE IS NO SECURE BROWSER that guaranties no intrusions.If you use antivirus program and common sense IE is fine.I use it as a default browser and I'm virus free for 8 years now.

Answer 7

if you keep your anti-virus and spyware program up to date you should not have many problems it is people who don't update their programs have a lot of problems. and i use free programs and they work fine