<div dir="ltr">First and foremost, while *nix is generally more hardened than Windows, don't think "virus-free" is a correct or safe assertion. ...for either Apple devices or GNU/Linux devices. *nix-based devices can be attacked just as Windows-based devices are. It's simply economies of scale and cost/benefit. As *nix devices become more prevalent, they become more and more of an attractive target. We're already starting to see that in android (which is based on a Linux kernel, which is a variant of GNU, which could be thought of as a FOSS version of Unix). We've also seen it on the Apple OS X platforms (based upon Unix). So always take appropriate measures!<div>
<div><br></div><div>That being said, I'm also using free open source Linux-based platforms where I can get away with it: back-end servers (file/http/ftp/mail/etc servers), network perimeter firewalls, and single-purpose kiosk-type computers (web kiosk/catalog-only computers). For the most part, though, the user-facing computers still remain Windows-based computers. Windows is what the staff/patrons/schools/community still seem to want the most from the libraries I work with. I'd be happy to put more Linux-based user-facing computers in, but we just don't quite seem to be there yet, on a wider scale.</div>
<div><br></div><div>2 cents,</div><div>Chad</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div><div class="gmail_extra"><br clear="all"><div>______________________________<br><b>Chad Neeper</b><br><font size="1">Senior Systems Engineer</font><br>
<br><b>Level 9 Networks</b><br><font size="1">740-548-8070 (voice)<br>866-214-6607 (fax)</font><br><br><font size="1"><i>Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools</i></font><br></div>
<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Tim Burns <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:tim.burns@birchard.lib.oh.us" target="_blank">tim.burns@birchard.lib.oh.us</a>></span> wrote:<br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0 0 0 .8ex;border-left:1px #ccc solid;padding-left:1ex">
<div><div style="font-size:12pt;font-family:times new roman,new york,times,serif">Dear Braintrust,<div><br></div><div>Are there any OPLIN libraries that have moved away from (or not been there to start with) Microsoft Windows? In light of the virus-free MacOS, and inexpensive Linux and derivatives, it would make sense to give consideration. (At a Clevnet Tech meeting -- folks (Wayne County I think) were explaining some of the linux kiosk software and other utilities they use.)</div>
<div><br></div><div>Sincerely, </div><div>-- <br><div><span name="x"></span><br>Tim Burns<br>Birchard Public Library</div></div><div><br></div><div>--</div><div>In Reply to:<br><div style="font-size:12pt;font-style:normal;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;text-decoration:none;font-weight:normal">
<br>Message: 1<br>Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:15:18 -0400<br>From: "Fred Miller Jr. " <<a href="mailto:millerfr@oplin.org" target="_blank">millerfr@oplin.org</a>><br><br><br>I have recently came across a dilemma that we are having with the staff<br>
computers at our central library and the branches. Even though we let the<br>staff browse on the computers where they would like to we're still having<br>trouble with the staff computers becoming infected with spyware and viruses<br>
with Microsft Security Esstentials installed. I know this is a good free<br>antivirus, but it isn't doing the job anymore. Currently I have Trend Micro<br>Worry-Free Business Standard Security at my residence and have no problems<br>
at all. Was wondering what all of the other IT people are setting up on<br>their staff computers to keep them clean?<br><br> As a side note, our wishlist is going to be due to try to get extra<br>equipment for the libraries. Was wondering what printers and wireless<br>
routers people have gotten to upgrade theirs recently. Currently we just<br>have Cisco Linksys WRT54G which has a very poor coverage and distance from<br>main unit is pitiful. Just want to say thanks for all the feedback given for<br>
this and have a great weekend.<br><br>Thanks again,<br><span style="font-size:12pt"> </span><br>Fred Miller Jr <br><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div><br>
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