Sneaky Microsoft plug-in puts Firefox users at risk

Originally posted by wayno
For years now, every time I came across an endorsement for a Linux OS, I have gone and read up about it. Today I did the same thing, following some of the links posted here, and then following on to reviews and what not.

The end is always the same. Half the time I have no idea what the

they are talking about. The terms used are gibberish to me. It sounds like many times you have to type in commands manually like DOS. That is not for me. My brain just can't go back there anymore.

If an alternative eventually does come up that is as user friendly (basically stupid friendly

) as Windows; then I will be at the head of the line to get it.

Until then, well, I guess I'm stuck with the monster.

People use the terminal because its quicker. If I want to start eclipse, a programmers editor, I can either click and find it in the menus or just type eclipse in a terminal. Many times I prefer the terminal because its faster.

If I want to install python (programming language), I can type "sudo apt-get install python" OR I can start the graphical installer, search for the program and install it by clicking a few buttons. Once again the terminal is faster.

But Im pretty sure you dont NEED to use it. People like it because its quick.

And seriously, this is all a mental block. People learn how to drive cars, how to have relationships, how to be good at work. But you cant type a few commands in a terminal window?

Of course you can.



[edit on 18-10-2009 by Copernicus]

Strange timing ... I was just watching the JFK show on the History channel which prompted me to come to this site, knowing there would be a thread about it. While I was typing in the address, I received the same "unstable" alert about the 1.1 thing in FF. Then this was the first topic at the top of the page - and people reported the same thing! Talk about synchronicity!!

I've been operating with some sort of bug/virus/spyware for approximately a week. I can't open my virus scanner, I can't do a system restore, can't install, uninstall, can't edit settings, control panel... nothing. I just received the system restore discs in the mail yesterday and will be running that shortly.

reply to post by Copernicus


Thanks for your attempt at reassurance, but

But you cant type a few commands in a terminal window?

Of course you can.

I suppose I could once I figured out what a "terminal window" was. You see, even what must seem like the most basic terminology to you, is like Greek to me. There is huge gap between you guys and the uninitiated, like me.

So thanks. Every little bit of encouragement helps. I really do want to take the plunge one of these days, but I'm not quite there yet.

Originally posted by wayno
For years now, every time I came across an endorsement for a Linux OS, I have gone and read up about it. Today I did the same thing, following some of the links posted here, and then following on to reviews and what not.

The end is always the same. Half the time I have no idea what the

they are talking about. The terms used are gibberish to me. It sounds like many times you have to type in commands manually like DOS. That is not for me. My brain just can't go back there anymore.

If an alternative eventually does come up that is as user friendly (basically stupid friendly

) as Windows; then I will be at the head of the line to get it.

Until then, well, I guess I'm stuck with the monster.

Ubuntu is easier to install than XP. In fact, Windows 7 installer looks like they've borrowed a lot from Ubuntu.

From there you hardly ever need to use a terminal window, and thats only if you're like me and prefer to.

You have aptitude or synaptic to install software as easy as typing in a query and clicking on 'Install' on a desired item. If you have dependencies (Things not installed that the program requires) it will go off and do that for you.

The last time I installed Ubuntu, everything worked right from Install. Codecs for all my media, plugins for Firefox and all the web delivered content, Audio was right away perfect, if you have an Nvidia video card or an ATI video card, then ENVY is the program that will do ALL the work for you.

And most importantly, if you download or get the CD of it, you don't even need to install it to determine if you like it. Boot up from the cd and you can Try it out in the LIVE session. If you decide you hate it, then just eject the cd and you boot back into the beast.

It's polished. It's fast (IMO), it's is customizable if you feel so inclined.

It depends on what you really do with your PC. Email, Web Browsing? It's perfect.

If you play Games, then there's a good chance you will be able to do that also - more involved but there are dedicated websites that are more help than the MSKB ever was!

As because you don't have root access unless you sudo it (from a terminal, on purpose, if thats where you are and WANT to be) or if the OS asks for you to type the Administrator password, then you are pretty secure that nothing will corrupt system files or data.

Thats my take on it, Ubuntu is the most stupid friendly Linux distro to date, it's made that way !!



[edit on 18/10/2009 by Ha`la`tha]

Originally posted by searching4truth
damn

I quit using IE and norton bc of "issues" and now firefox.

I do have to say I feel vindicated though, I had an attack a few months ago and had to call norton. I had about a month left on the protection and the person told me that I would have to pay $90 for them to remote access my system and remove the files. The program itself costs $90!!!!!! I never download anything, I have no file sharing, the only thing my system is allowed to accept (with permission even) are updates from norton and windows. So, I suggested that it was attached to one of their downloads and that I would not be renewing the program. It would appear I may not have been far off.

If you knew anything about PC security then you would not be using Norton. Your better off with the freeware. The big security companies make the viruses and worms. I caught Kaspersky in the act. Use AVG anti-virus free and Super Anti-spy-ware free. Also make sure your behind a router witch is your first line of defense.

Good luck uninstalling Norton. Don't use add and remove from within your operating system, Use the add and remove from within Norton.

Originally posted by wayno
I suppose I could once I figured out what a "terminal window" was. You see, even what must seem like the most basic terminology to you, is like Greek to me. There is huge gap between you guys and the uninitiated, like me.

Please check out this video and see if you think it seems hard to install: Linkage

I know you can do that. Its easier than posting here for gods sake.

Forget about the terminal, you can surf the web, install programs, and do most things without using it at all.


[edit on 18-10-2009 by Copernicus]

Originally posted by wayno
For years now, every time I came across an endorsement for a Linux OS, I have gone and read up about it. Today I did the same thing, following some of the links posted here, and then following on to reviews and what not.

The end is always the same. Half the time I have no idea what the

they are talking about. The terms used are gibberish to me. It sounds like many times you have to type in commands manually like DOS. That is not for me. My brain just can't go back there anymore.

If an alternative eventually does come up that is as user friendly (basically stupid friendly

) as Windows; then I will be at the head of the line to get it.

Until then, well, I guess I'm stuck with the monster.

Lots of new Linux distributions seem to be allot easier then windows. Lots of people refer to Linux as being 'hard' to operate. So was windows, the first time you use it. I'm sure "open my documents" sounds easy now, but how much sense would that make the first time sitting down at a computer? "my wha?"

I find most things easier in Ubuntu. The only reason theres a few commands to type in when your looking for help on something is because its easier for them and you to copy and paste a command and some info the command brings up if necessary to check your computers information. then another command that usually solves the problem, then to interview you about everything going on about the computer and course you into manually fixing it.

I'm surprised m$ didn't do this sooner or at least try and make it really hard for Firefox to run on newer version of windows. Although I wouldn't doubt this to be another accidental Microsoft Screwup™. My Vista went all wonky a few days ago, wonder if it had anything to do with it. I don't usually even look at what the updates are if Firefox starts up asking me to install. Never had a problem with it.

Oh well..what ever happened, Just prompted me to update to/try out the new Ubuntu beta.(my feisty install is was way unsupported by now.) Haven't looked back, can't remember why I was back in windows in the first place.

EDIT to add: Ubuntu is good for people more advanced in computing and people that are very basic, IMO. It's when your in between and you want to start doing more advanced things but don't know how that I find you can run into trouble.

[edit on 10/18/2009 by Bumr055]

I have firefox and I have automatic updates disabled. I check once a month and choose what I want to install.

What a bunch of fools you FF users are, sorry that your selective memories seem to forget the patches and security vulnerabilities that other add-ins and your precious browser has. If you don't want to use the Presentation foundation or the .net add in don't use em, stop moaning at every microsoft bug like mozillas and apples S&%t don't stink

[edit on 18/10/2009 by spitefulgod]

reply to post by wayno


I too was very intimidated by the Terminal at first. Then I discovered that one can actully use the internet to learn things.....I typed this into my search engine"
"Linux terminal commands"

ubuntulinuxhelp.com...

www.unixguide.net...

ss64.com...

www.reallylinux.com...

As you can see by these links, others have already discovered all of the useful commands for you, you can easily copy and paste. I use the Terminal all the time, to update, type:
yum -y update. To install a program: yum -y install xxxx. To remover a program: yum -y remover xxxx. Takes maybe two weeks to learn these commands. Another great thing about Linux is the many forums for each distro.
forums.fedoraforum.org...

ubuntuforums.org...

www.mepislovers.org...

www.linuxforums.org...

forums.gentoo.org...

forums.opensuse.org...

www.slackwarehelp.org...

To be fair, even Windoz has a forum, of sorts..forums.windowsforum.org...

The thing is, there is plenty of help on the internet for those newbies, and we were all newbies at one time.

Microsoft is a giant corporation that makes billions of dollars from poor consumers who buy their products. Has anyone really priced Windows 7?
www.walmart.com...
Windows 7 Ultimate Full - $319.92
Total cost of my Fedora 11 Full - $0.00 (I did have to download the iso, and invest in a DVD-RW)

Originally posted by autowrench
To be fair, even Windoz has a forum, of sorts..forums.windowsforum.org...

The official Microsoft forums are Technet (for IT professionals) and MSDN for developers.

Has anyone really priced Windows 7?
www.walmart.com...
Windows 7 Ultimate Full - $319.92
Total cost of my Fedora 11 Full - $0.00 (I did have to download the iso, and invest in a DVD-RW)

I think the reason why Microsoft has not felt more pressure from the governments is because of all the money they generate for other people.

I haven't seen the price for Windows 7 yet, but the last catalogue I have from one of the suppliers for the company where I work shows that a copy of Windows Vista Home Premium that sells in stores for 265€ would cost "my" company 190€, and that's not directly from Microsoft, so you can imagine how many companies and people get their living out of Microsoft products.

reply to post by spitefulgod


Well when Microsoft stops releasing prebata software as complete and using everyone to test it for them then i might stop complaining about their software. I mean if you read what windows 95 was supposed to be like we finally got that with XP. Vista was just a beta at best of windows 7(bad on my part probably for assuming 7 will be any better lol). If you like microsoft that is fine but as long as they keep pulling crap I will complain if I want.

[edit on 18-10-2009 by Dracmoor]

reply to post by autowrench


Yeah, if it just had a means of switching to the root account without having to go through the console for every command, then switch back to my user account when I was finished with administrator things, I'd be happy.

Having to use the console just reminds me a lot of the ancient DOS nightmare, back when I had to use it regularly, and didn't know what a nightmare it was!

This is why I payed more for an Apple. My laptop may be missing a "c" key that requires me to copy/paste all of them and the screen may be messed up (a friend dropped it on a tile floor) but I never have operating problems or add ons or any of the other things people talk about. If you are tired of it then spend a little more so you dont have to deal with it. I would rather have my laptop in the state it is in versus getting a Windows run pc any day!

Originally posted by Dracmoor
reply to post by spitefulgod

 

Well when Microsoft stops releasing prebata software as complete and using everyone to test it for them then i might stop complaining about their software. I mean if you read what windows 95 was supposed to be like we finally got that with XP. Vista was just a beta at best of windows 7(bad on my part probably for assuming 7 will be any better lol). If you like microsoft that is fine but as long as they keep pulling crap I will complain if I want.

[edit on 18-10-2009 by Dracmoor]

Get over yourself you obviously know nothing of about software cycles, and as for "Beta" releases look to google on lessons on how to keep items in beta stage. Hell I don't give a crap if you think one browser is better than another or that one profit hungry company is worse than some "freeware" company who's directors all eat from the same troth. Your experiences are yours but mine are mine and I've installed enough networks and encountered enough stupid users to know that firefox is a pain if not impossible to restrict and lock down in group policies and unix boxes need 3rd party software to comply with it. All in all if you want an easy to manage, easy to use and easy to install network you use mirosoft, microsofts main revenue is business and I doubt they care for browser wars, it's probably serves as a good smoke screen for them, hell they lose money producing IE.

Originally posted by mblahnikluver
This is why I payed more for an Apple. My laptop may be missing a "c" key that requires me to copy/paste all of them and the screen may be messed up (a friend dropped it on a tile floor) but I never have operating problems or add ons or any of the other things people talk about. If you are tired of it then spend a little more so you dont have to deal with it. I would rather have my laptop in the state it is in versus getting a Windows run pc any day!

At least with Apple you can use all the OSs on one box, the day someone might make an OSX installable laptop using consumable components (like they did with the desktop before apple sued em into the ground), but I wouldn't pay Jobs for it.

reply to post by spitefulgod


and im full of myself lol. i said nothing about myself. you on the other hand are apparently a computer god. I also did not say anything about which browser was better. I just said it is ok if i complain. well yeah i guess I do not understand software cycles. I am just glad cars are not like software I would have to wait a year for the engine and doors to be installed after i bought it. dude you need to lighten up I was not attacking you well unless you work for microsoft. yeah microsoft is easier to install for the most part I agree. It is just microsoft needs to stop pulling so much crap. Yeah I know most software makers do but microsoft affects way more people. besides why did you bring up networks I thought we were talking individual desktops and users anway. networks are a different beast and yes security is a big part just not sure why you defend microsoft on a security issue. if microsof did not care about the browser war then why would they lose money to try and win it?I will say I just love when people tell me what I am allowed to think or not think and that I am just too dump to know what is going on but is ok I do not hate you you are allowed your opinion. just calm dude you can debate without the anger.

reply to post by mblahnikluver

The funny thing is that I don't pay more for a computer of brand X and I never had problems close to anything that people say. And this since Windows 3.1, although I never used Windows 98 or ME.

If anyone wants a stable computer they should look for it as such, instead of buying one brand because it's the one that the closest store sells. Do they do the same thing with cars or cell phones?