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Ubuntu is More Secure Than Windows, According to Dell

Ubuntu is More Secure Than Windows, According to Dell

Ubuntu Safer Than Windows

C omputer maker Dell has been singing Ubuntu’s praises from the rooftops, saying its smaller user numbers meant it wasn’t a target for online scammers.

Dell, the world’s third biggest PC maker, has called into question Microsoft’s efforts to keep Windows users safe online by claiming Ubuntu offers more protection.

With Linux systems still struggling to gain public trust, particularly when it comes to online shopping, Dell has issued a statement of support for Ubuntu by revealing 10 reasons why PC users should opt for Canonical’s Linux instead of Windows when buying a new PC.

Number six in Dell’s list is the claim that “Ubuntu is safer than Microsoft Windows: The vast majority of viruses and spyware written by hackers are not designed to target and attack Linux.”

Among the other reasons mentioned are its fast boot-up speeds and elegant design, and that with Dell claiming Ubuntu is “social from the start”.

The company says anti-malware software is “unwarranted” on Ubuntu, but claims Windows’ on-board Defender and Security Essentials invariably need upgrading to get closer to the level of protection needed on Windows systems.

The argument Dell is using is a simple one: the popularity of Internet Explorer will always make it the number one target for security threats, while the massively smaller quality of Ubuntu users will largely be safe simply because because the numbers just aren’t there to make it worth their while.

Dell – whose PCs have been shipping with Ubuntu on-board since 2007 – insists the public had no reason to fear Linux just because it doesn’t look exactly like Windows.

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from » http://www.itpro.co.uk

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Debunking Some Common Myths

Myths About Anti-Virus

Myths About Anti-Virus

There are some common myths that may influence your online security practices. Knowing the truth will allow you to make better decisions about how to protect yourself.

How are these myths established?

There is no one cause for these myths. They may have been formed because of a lack of information, an assumption, knowledge of a specific case that was then generalized, or some other source. As with any myth, they are passed from one individual to another, usually because they seem legitimate enough to be true.

Why is it important to know the truth?

While believing these myths may not present a direct threat, they may cause you to be more lax about your security habits. If you are not diligent about protecting yourself, you may be more likely to become a victim of an attack.

What are some common myths, and what is the truth behind them?

  • Myth: Anti-virus software and firewalls are 100% effective.
    Truth: Anti-virus software and firewalls are important elements to protecting your information (see Understanding Anti-Virus Software and Understanding Firewalls for more information). However, neither of these elements are guaranteed to protect you from an attack. Combining these technologies with good security habits is the best way to reduce your risk.
  • Myth: Once software is installed on your computer, you do not have to worry about it anymore.
    Truth: Vendors may release patches or updated versions of software to address problems or fix vulnerabilities (see Understanding Patches for more information). You should install the patches as soon as possible; some software even offers the option to obtain updates automatically. Making sure that you have the latest virus definitions for your anti-virus software is especially important.
  • Myth: There is nothing important on your machine, so you do not need to protect it.
    Truth: Your opinion about what is important may differ from an attacker’s opinion. If you have personal or financial data on your computer, attackers may be able to collect it and use it for their own financial gain. Even if you do not store that kind of information on your computer, an attacker who can gain control of your computer may be able to use it in attacks against other people (see Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks and Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets for more information).
  • Myth: Attackers only target people with money.
    Truth: Anyone can become a victim of identity theft. Attackers look for the biggest reward for the least amount of effort, so they typically target databases that store information about many people. If your information happens to be in the database, it could be collected and used for malicious purposes. It is important to pay attention to your credit information so that you can minimize any potential damage (see Preventing and Responding to Identity Theft for more information).
  • Myth: When computers slow down, it means that they are old and should be replaced.
    Truth: It is possible that running newer or larger software programs on an older computer could lead to slow performance, but you may just need to replace or upgrade a particular component (memory, operating system, CD or DVD drive, etc.). Another possibility is that there are other processes or programs running in the background. If your computer has suddenly become slower, you may be experiencing a denial-of-service attack or have spyware on your machine (see Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks and Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware for more information).

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from » US-CERT, a government organization.

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