Sneaky Microsoft plug-in puts Firefox users at risk

Originally posted by RedAmnesia
I think that we all agree it's time for Mozilla, Google or other big companies to launch their own operating system to compete with the monopoly of Microsoft.
Google chrome is doing great and so fast and light on all my PCs, it's amazing for slow connections too.
Microsoft is playing unfair games and no one can stop them till now.

A Mozilla OS, I would use. A Google OS, I would run away from, screaming as I went.

Google has a great search engine, but ever since I made the mistake of installing Google Desktop junkware a few years ago, I've been mighty leery of Google software. Discovered through my security setup that it was tracking my every move, rummaging through my hard drives, and then phoning home with "something".

Same for their handy-dandy toolbars. I avoid 'em like the plague.

If they do that with rinky dink little programs, imagine the possibilities with the computer under the control of an entire Google OS.

I run a n XP/Ubuntu dual boot box. Linux is great, once you take a few days to get it set up right (took me about 4 days just to get the video right - resolution problems. Everything else was good from go.), but if you have to delve into the directory structure to fix a program problem, you're on your own. Mine tells me on a regular basis that I can't add this or zap that because I don't "own" that folder. The problem there is that no one else uses it, so who else could own it? The ubiquitous "root", that's who.

If I could just convince Linux that I AM root, I'd leave Windows laying for dead in the dust, and never look back.

This was on digg yesterday:



Luckily I wasnt even affected by this since I use Ubuntu. I havent used Windows for a year and it feels great.

Ubuntu 9.10 is coming in just a week or so and its absolutely stunning. I highly recommend people to try it. Its NOT DIFFICULT, the installer is even easier than Windows. Its the typical Next->Next->Next thing with a nice slide show.

Check out Ubuntu 9.10 with the slick Lithium theme:



Looks great doesnt it.

My favorite thing about Ubuntu is installing software. Its a one click affair where you pick the program from the Add/Remove program and the software downloads, installs and puts itself into the menus automatically. Ubuntu will also download updates to all your installed programs so they are always up-to-date. No need to manually download and install or look for new versions with time. Everything is intuitive, fast and easy and you always have the latest version automatically of everything.

Yes, Im a great fan of this system but it has reasons. Ubuntu is fantastic when coming from Windows.



[edit on 18-10-2009 by Copernicus]

reply to post by hoghead cheese


For trackbacks, I use Free Extended Task Manager, which tells me what processes are connected to which IPs (outgoing unnanounced communications), and Zone Alarm which gives me the IP of folks trying to jimmy the back door. Neo Trace to trace the IPs. Primitive, I know, but it works.

Over the last year, I've tracked attackers back to China, Romania, and South Africa, mostly China. I think that most of the attempts were probably just massive IP address range sweeps, looking for holes in the 'net, not targetted attacks.

Just another reason i am glad I use a mac.

I use a mac for my line of work (music) and they have never let me down.

Just another reason i am glad I use a mac.

I use a mac for my line of work (music) and they have never let me down.

Just another reason i am glad I use a mac.

I use a mac for my line of work (music) and they have never let me down.

windows xp pro service pack 1 and no antivirus prog.

just dont update and get a freeware firewall and then manually configure xp

havent reinstalled windows in over 3 year and have never had any viruses

reply to post by Copernicus


Ubuntu 9.10 coming out in a week? I am so confused now. 9.10 is what I installed on my box at the beginning of last month!

The only problem I've really had with it is addons for Celestia, which are manually installed (just drop 'em in the folder) and Stellarium landscapes, same problem. It don't like me adding things to those folders without an act of Congress.

Originally posted by nenothtu
reply to post by Copernicus

 

Ubuntu 9.10 coming out in a week? I am so confused now. 9.10 is what I installed on my box at the beginning of last month!

I know, the alpha and the beta versions has been pretty stable for most people. I was considering upgrading myself, but decided to wait for the final version. But ive been having every release running in virtual box and the progress has been pure joy to see. Ive been following it since alpha 4.

The thing frigging boots in 20 seconds for me from white logo to desktop ready for use. 2 seconds later Im on the web and unlike with Windows, nothing is still loading when the desktop shows up so everything is really fast and responsive.

I love this system.


[edit on 18-10-2009 by Copernicus]

good brother!S&F in these times the internet is the only free ground we have,and theyr taking that away easily. i really cant belive mirosoft can be such #!^!#^

reply to post by Scooby Doo


Thanks so much Scooby! It's extremely disconcerting to see this. S&F!

Originally posted by Scooby Doo
Today kids, we ask: "How low can Microsoft go?" Just as you think Microsoft couldn't sink to a lower level, this comes up.

Maybe if Microsoft started building decent browsers, maybe people could rely on them. - After this however, who would?

Why do not ask the same about Apple?

They have a plug-in (QuickTime Plugin, v7.1) in the blocked list for the same reason, remote code execution.

PS: I haven't read the whole thread, so if someone had already pointed to it just ignore this post.

I don't get these browser and OS wars.. I use Windows 7 (Previously used Vista and XP) and I browse with IE. Windows finds and installs all the necessary drivers automatically. The last time I had a BSOD was a year ago when I tried using modded graphics card drivers for my laptop and the only "mal-ware" I've had for last couple of years are game trainers.

Hello, new here...I just wanted to take the opportunity to express a little appreciation for the head's up about this new issue (in a long line of issues) affecting Windows and to, perhaps, in return pass along some information that might prove helpful to other users.

For a little background, I've been a Windows user since Windows 98 and am currently pushing Vista around the interweb block, FWIW, which appears to have fixed a number of the issues that plagued the previous OS such as the override commands hidden in the Registry for a number of the anti-virus/spyware/malware/spam/trojan, etc., etc., protection software offered by a variety of manufacturers.

Again, thanks for the tip.

Folks this is why when good software comes out (ie firefox) I always save the good copies of the program for future use on computers. I even have windows xp for life basically :-)

Originally posted by THE_PROFESSIONAL
I even have windows xp for life basically :-)

Im amazed this is something people actually WANT.

Have you guys ever tried something else than Windows?


[edit on 18-10-2009 by Copernicus]

Originally posted by Copernicus
Have you guys ever tried something else than Windows?

Yes, but I found them not as versatile as Windows.

reply to post by Copernicus


Yes, i have knoopix and ubuntu in case of emergency windows doesnt work and i need to recover my files.

thank you for this.
I roused on my poor child for downloading these addon's when I got the firefox blocking message yesterday too.
oh dear!

reply to post by ArMaP


Someone had to say that. Microsoft is not a spawn of Satan like many love to think.

If you don't like Windows just switch, Bill Gates isn't holding a gun on your face.
The reason other OS'es don't have as much software is simply because Microsoft offers the most advanced development tools out there. Reason you're not aware of that is because you don't develop software, which is why most people are oblivious to what really lies under Windows.
Microsoft's politics towards its contributors (software engineers) was always something like "I will help you help me". They have done incredible investments into freelance, corporate, amateur and even casual developers.

Linux is a Unix operating system, which is extremely different than OSX/Windows and has a very different use - simply not designed for Desktop, despite all the effort from amateur programmers. It may never replace Windows. It is usually called a "solution" OS, rather than actual "product", because it is designed for solving a specific set of problems. Saying "I switched to Linux and am happy" is same as "I switched to Symbian and am happy", you get the point.

The only real competition is OSX, which is only starting to get available for less than thousand dollars, due to expanded hardware compatibility. Hopefully it will also collaborate more with developers thus competing with huge and advanced Microsoft's development base.

In conclusion, most of you can't even start to comprehend huge effort invested into Windows versatility which makes it so popular. Of course, that doesn't whatsoever justify shady tactics by some Microsoft divisions and their sloppy work which should NOT be tolerated.
That said, your anger is more than understandable, but most comments present here have no connection to reality and the actual state of affairs.

Don't think I am biased or something, because I'm all against monopoly just like you are.

On a side note, FF latest releases are very sloppy plagued with memory bugs so I've stopped using it (95% of time) and switched to Chrome. It has it downsides but it works.