Are you an idiot? Let's fix that

What is this, Wednesday? It must be time to download another critical security patch from Microsoft.

Actually, I own a Mac. But fear not, reader, you won't hear another word about Macs in this column. I'm not going to be one of those dweebs who act like a salesman for Apple. I couldn't care less what computer you use. No, today's column will be very useful to you, reader. You will be wise by the end of this column. Of course, I do enjoy poking fun at Microsoft and my readers, so that's also part of today's column. But let's just get started.

There's a new worm that has hit the computer world, and I'm enjoying every minute of it, because it preys on people who deserve it. The worm is known as MSBlast or something like that, but let's just call it the "Your Own Damn Fault" virus.

Microsoft knew about the worm a month ago, and offered a security patch and removal tool for it. Yes, I realize Microsoft has a security patch practically every week, and it's a pain to download them. We can all agree that the coding for Windows is horrible, but that's not even the main problem with this worm. You didn't need a security patch to be safe from this worm. All you needed was a firewall to protect your computer. If you don't have a firewall installed on your computer, you're an idiot.

Firewalls keep people, viruses, and worms from accessing your computer. They are free, and most of them are easy to use. Windows XP comes with one built in, so take the five minutes necessary to learn how to use it. If you have an earlier version of Windows, you can download a firewall from this site, or from a number of other sites across the Internet.

But what about dial-up users? Most people will tell you firewalls are only for high-speed Internet users, but those people are wrong. This worm has affected a lot of dial-up users, and there's a long list of other reasons why firewalls are necessary for everyone.

Spam is the number one reason. You know how when you get spam mail, it always has a fake return address and you can't reply to it? That's because spammers use computers that don't have firewalls to send their spam mail. Even if you're only online for 15 minutes, your computer could be used to send spam mail. Don't believe me? Check out this product. It's called Caem 4, and it's a free e-mail program that scans the Internet for computers that don't have firewalls, so it can use their Internet connection to send e-mails. It hijacks a random person's computer and sends the e-mail through it, making the e-mail extremely difficult to trace. The program lets you choose what you want your name and return e-mail address to be, thereby making the e-mails anonymous. There are tons of programs like this out there.

I've used the program a few times to joke around with friends, and make them think they were getting dirty e-mails from their professors, family members, etc. Caem 4 is also useful if you're a student, because it even allows you to select what time your e-mail was sent. If you wake up late for a big test, send an e-mail to your professor dated last night with an excuse as to why you won't be in class.

Unfortunately, 99% of the people using programs like these are spammers. That's why it's so important for everyone - even dial-up users - to have a firewall. As I said before, even if you're only online for a short time, your computer could still be used for spam, or could get a worm or virus. You wouldn't even know it was happening. It could be happening right now, and you wouldn't notice it. But if you protect your computer with a firewall, you block some of those nasty viruses and worms, and make it tougher for spammers to send people information about penis enlargement.

For Mac users, I'd also recommend Little Snitch, a program that watches for unusual Internet connections made to your computer. When an unrecognized person tries to connect to your computer, the program asks for your approval before allowing the connection. There's also an equivalent for Windows, called Tiny Personal Firewall. The lastest version costs money, but you can still find a free version here (Thanks to reader David Bazile for the links).

But to make a long story short, it's your job to keep your computer safe. If you choose not to keep it safe, you're an idiot who deserves whatever worm or virus you get. Likewise, if you want a computer with an operating system that isn't full of security holes and bad coding, it's your job to go out and buy something other than Windows. I think my friend CJ said it best:

If you really want to make a point and actually stand behind it, use a different operating system. Windows has security flaws and you don't like them? Use Red Hat (Linux), use OSX (Macintosh), use OS2 Warp for crying out loud. Just don't use Windows. If enough people really want this to change, they need to speak with their consumer power.

Thursday Surprise will be updated during the day. It'll be worth the wait. I promise. While you're waiting, why not recommend today's column to your friends?

Rate column 5 - Great 4 - Good 3 - Average 2 - Poor 1 - Awful

Reader Comments

page:   1

cbonifas@hotmail.com        thejerk@dailyramblings.com                      Katers      Aug 14, 2003 • 6:14pm   Thanks for the link. I read the article, and apparently connecting my ICF isn't needed, as my computer (and my roommates) are hooked up to a router. They say if you have a NAT box or router, don't enable the ICF. Any comments on this from the techies? TractorInc      Aug 14, 2003 • 3:43pm   Here is the link to the XP firewall install... I came across it whilst updating the home computer. TractorInc      Aug 14, 2003 • 3:22pm   It's offical. I have a friend. Hot damn. Paul Ryan      Aug 14, 2003 • 1:56pm   I'm sure there's dozens of programs similar to Caem 4 for Windows, but I didn't go looking for one because I didn't necessarily think it was a good idea to get people using them. But it was necessary to make my point. Katers      Aug 14, 2003 • 1:35pm   Is there a Windows version of Caem 4? I've got to be prepared to send fake emails, as a student and all. Also, this may be a dumb question, but humor me: How do you learn about using your firewall on XP? (Okay, everyone, you can laugh at Kate the idiot computer user now.)

page:   1