[kwlug-disc] Google dumps Windows OS

[Andrew Kohlsmith (mailing lists account)]

On Tuesday, June 01, 2010 11:16:34 am Lori Paniak wrote:
> I am truly surprised that more companies do not take this same POV.  The
> Windows desktop is clearly the weakest link in many (most?) corporate IT
> structures.  Any product that requires ongoing, third-party patching (AV
> software) to maintain a secure configuration does not belong in a
> computing environment that handles sensitive information.

I agree with you 100% on this point. I pretty much plan on a bi-annual wipe 
and reinstall for my wife's laptop because even with the best practices in 
place, any Windows machine that undergoes normal use ends up needing its 
scuppers cleaned out. Any machine used in a home environment should probably 
undergo this every quarter.

The only time I've seen this NOT the case is when you have seriously locked-
down user accounts in very tightly controlled IT environments. The reason this 
is not the norm is because hardly anyone finds that using a computer under 
these conditions is a good and enjoyable experience.

Personally I have a virtual Windows XP image that I use for a couple of 
programs I can't get suitable Linux replacements for and the image has a 
"clean slate" state that I can roll back to whenever I need to, or whenever I 
want to try something out.  I find that's the best way to use Windows. :-)

-A.