Letters To The Editor

Security For Non-Techies

Microsoft's security efforts are for technology people, not the majority of users who aren't technology savvy ("You Call This Trustworthy Computing?" Feb. 14). Ultimately, this renders much of Microsoft's hard work worthless.

I find that several Linux distributions and Macs are more suitable for nontechnical users. When they're set up right, I can walk away knowing they'll take care of themselves.

Chris Ridley Consultant
OnCall Solutions
Litchville, N.D.

Protect Children

It's well past time those of us who helped build the IT industry and the Internet took a more active role in protecting children from technology-enabled s-exploitation ("Technology And The Fight Against Child Porn," Feb. 14).

Criminal elements within our society are often early adopters of IT. For the last 12 years my companies and I have, at no cost, helped law enforcement deal with these old crimes being committed in new ways. Unfortunately, child sexual exploitation has spanned the world.

Doug Stead President
Tri-M Systems
Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

Bogged Down By Patches

I disagree with Mike Nash that Microsoft "is making progress on security using any reasonable metric" ("Microsoft Security Chief Says Windows Safer Than Linux," Feb. 10).

If you want real metrics, talk to people who operate Windows server environments. Ask them what it's like to try to keep up with all the security patches.

Our customers have told us about their experiences with Windows, and they simply don't express the same concerns about Linux. When vulnerabilities occur in a Linux environment, they tend to be spotted early and fixed quickly. That's why momentum is growing for Linux--it's stable, secure and scalable. Attractive price is just an added benefit.

Mark Upson CEO
PureEdge Solutions
Victoria, British Columbia