Let's say I just connect to the internet using DSL and Firefox. How can my system be compromised simply by plugging in my ethernet cord and opening Firefox?
Please explain all types of vulnerabilities, and if possilbe compare this to Linux.
2006-12-20 16:21:13 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
spyware depending on which site u visit... however fireworks works well ..much better than IE even the new IE 7 is a super great upgrade but still falls short to firefox....
firefox blocks most popups but NOT all...
not that verse with linus but i know its more stable to attacks
2006-12-20 16:25:17 · answer #1 · answered by needtoknow 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Windows (without a firewall) runs many programs that have access to the network but have security flaws in the program.
For instance the Blaster worm (back in 2003) used a vulnerability in the Windows RPC (remote procedure call, used to interact with a remote computer, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote_procedure_call) and spead itself by connecting to other windows computers that didn't have a firewall on the internet. That way you wouldn't even need to open a web browser, it only needs to be hooked up to the internet. If there isn't a firewall, there isn't anything blocking the worm to connecting and trying to infect the target computer.
This is only one type of vulnerability, there are many others. The supposed reason Linux is more secure here (it may or may not be more secure) is because everyone can see the source and report any errors before they are a problem. With Windows only Microsoft can see the source so only certain people can find the problems, until other people try to break into the computer (they don't need the source) and find holes they aren't meant to find.
2006-12-20 16:32:30 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan A 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
>Through the incredible power and ignorance of the Microsoft Marketing Division. They did better in the "old days" when the programmers actually made the QC decisions.
There is no way to explain all the types of vulnerabilities, MS invents new ones every day. The myriad of Linux developers work with something else in mind besides ruling the planet.<
2006-12-20 16:29:39 · answer #3 · answered by Druid 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since many people use Windows, It is the main target for hackers. You can also get computer viruses. But if you use Firefox, it'll be safer.
2006-12-20 16:27:25 · answer #4 · answered by Chuck 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋