[OPLINTECH] OPLINTECH Digest, Vol 95, Issue 2

[Chad Neeper]

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!

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.

2 cents,
Chad



______________________________
*Chad Neeper*
Senior Systems Engineer

*Level 9 Networks*
740-548-8070 (voice)
866-214-6607 (fax)

*Full LAN/WAN consulting services -- Specialized in libraries and schools*


On Fri, Sep 13, 2013 at 7:02 PM, Tim Burns <tim.burns at birchard.lib.oh.us>wrote:

> Dear Braintrust,
>
> 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.)
>
> Sincerely,
> --
>
> Tim Burns
> Birchard Public Library
>
> --
> In Reply to:
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 13 Sep 2013 12:15:18 -0400
> From: "Fred Miller Jr. " <millerfr at oplin.org>
>
>
> I have recently came across a dilemma that we are having with the staff
> computers at our central library and the branches. Even though we let the
> staff browse on the computers where they would like to we're still having
> trouble with the staff computers becoming infected with spyware and viruses
> with Microsft Security Esstentials installed. I know this is a good free
> antivirus, but it isn't doing the job anymore. Currently I have Trend Micro
> Worry-Free Business Standard Security at my residence and have no problems
> at all. Was wondering what all of the other IT people are setting up on
> their staff computers to keep them clean?
>
>    As a side note, our wishlist is going to be due to try to get extra
> equipment for the libraries. Was wondering what printers and wireless
> routers people have gotten to upgrade theirs recently. Currently we just
> have Cisco Linksys WRT54G which has a very poor coverage and distance from
> main unit is pitiful. Just want to say thanks for all the feedback given
> for
> this and have a great weekend.
>
> Thanks again,
>
> Fred Miller Jr
>
>
>
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