Corporate Anti-Virus strategies

[dmorin at lear.morinfamily.com (Duane Morin)]

On 15 Aug 2003, Seth Gordon wrote:
> Ah, but why should the typical user believe that this hippie operating
> system that was patched together by a bunch of volunteers is more
> virus-proof than a product of a multi-million-dollar corporation?

If somebody is already dead set against Linux, then chances are they have 
enough information to shoot themselves in the foot.  I don't often bother 
with these people.  If they're dead set against Linux, then I wish them 
well with their viruses and move on.

I'm thinking instead about the audience of people who probably don't even 
know that Linux exists.  To these people you point out "Notice how all the 
reports say "This virus affects Windows computers"?  You're running 
Windows.  Did you know you don't have to be?"  Naturally they're going to 
ask what they lose by not running Windows, and we Linux groupies have to 
be honest in answering.  Can my kids play all their games?  No.  Can I run 
Microsoft Word?  No (but close!).  Can I get email, surf the web, get the 
pictures out of my digital camera and send them to grandma?  Absolutely.

I've always thought the best sales pitch for Linux would be an easy 
install, preferably something that did not require things like 
repartitioning disks or any of that nonsense.  Gie somebody a CD, ask them 
to try it out.  If they don't like it, throw away the CD, no harm no foul.
That's what hooked all those AOL people. :)
 
Duane