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Thread: Secretmaker - "all-in-one" security solution?

  1. #21
    The only way the don't fix it till it's broke attitude will change, is by spreading the word and teaching people.

    If we encourage people to fix things themselves, they will become more aware of what is going on inside their computer, and will stop hesitating to find out.


    We cannot pander to the ignorant or lazy, that just feeds their limitations. For example, I have noticed that people who get to live life on disability get more and more disabled as time goes by (Some are legitimate disabilites), if we do not just acquiesce to their idle wants, they will become stronger, and eventually, self-sufficient.

    Yes, it is difficult for some people. That doesn't mean they should have a different standard, or different traeatment. That is what casues the problems.


    (And yes, I just compared average users to the mentally retarded.)

  2. #22
    The Doctor Und3ertak3r's Avatar
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    there is a problem with the car - PC analogy:

    With a Car.. there is a social expectation that The driver has to have a minimal level of compitance before being allowed to drive the car.
    The manufacturer has a legal requirement to meet certain levels of safety.. Bugs do creep in and the manufacturer has a legal requirement to fix the problem in a timely manor.

    With a PC: It is user assumed you can do as you please..as you please
    You dont need any traing to ge on and search out porn
    The only legal obligations from the hardware manufacturers is that the equipment meets minimal electrical and Rf emmision specifications.. more that it is Market compatable.
    With the software.. It is market Capable.. and IS NOT MONOPOLISTIC..
    And there is no legal requirement in consumer software for the software manufacturer to repair in a timely manor.. in the Retail area it comes down to the retailer refunding the customer their money ..consumer law..(not so with the OS..Well I havent seen anyone try at this time)

    Many users are not lazy.. just educated by the media, software manufacturers, and US that computers will do things for you, make life easy, simple to use..
    terms like : User Friendly, no configuration, simple installation, ready to go, easy user interface.. Full protection, .

    If pc's were not marketed in this way.. we wouldnt have the PC market we do today, pc woulldnt be as cheap, prolific Software as diverse and cheap.
    "Consumer technology now exceeds the average persons ability to comprehend how to use it..give up hope of them being able to understand how it works." - Me http://www.cybercrypt.co.nr

  3. #23
    Senior Member nihil's Avatar
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    Well, I have thought about this sort of issue and discussed it with all sorts of people over the past couple of years.

    I do subscribe to the view that part of the problem is the way PCs and applications are marketed. My usual comment is that many people go out and buy a PC just as they would a television, a microwave or a washing machine; they honestly don't realise that there is a difference.

    I also think that (please forgive the gross oversimplification here) there are three basic types of user:

    1. Those who understand PCs, albeit they may be hardware or software orientated.
    2. Those who are quite knowlegeable at using PCs, but haven't much idea how they work.
    3. Those who have no idea at all, but want to use the technology.

    The first are not really a problem, as they will buy into good ideas that are well presented. The second are something of a problem as they will accept the advice but might not fully understand the question or the answer.

    As an aside comment, when did you last buy a motherboard that explained the implications of the various BIOS settings rather than just listing the options?

    The last category are pretty much beyond redemption, as they wouldn't even understand what you were talking about.

    The first two categories can be dealt with if they are given comprehensive documentation, and can be persuaded to read and act upon it. Unfortunately, suppliers do not provide this level of documentation these days. For financial reasons they assume that everyone who buys a computer is an expert..............because that is more profitable for them.

    The last lot need to be spoon fed, and this is where automatic configuration software comes into its own IMO.

    The last lot are the majority if you exclude institutional/commercial installations where the user has little or no input whatsoever.

    It is foolish, reckless and arrogant to expect them to learn...................it is realistic to accept that they won't.

    If I expect to have full disclosure of an exploit, why can I not expect full disclosure of the steps required to mitigate the situation?

    And before anyone gets on their high horse and starts ripping me apart.............ask yourself this question: "would I like to take a modern MoBo manual and explain the meaning of all the BIOS settings?"......................and I mean EXPLAIN , not DESCRIBE

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