Bring it on. Not having any M$ products, I'm usually not too worried...

Things like this are why I install Linux on computers of less technical folks who are likely to get themselves in trouble through ignorance about safe computing. It's unfortunate that morons release malicious things like this to get their jollies.

Linux in the hands of the less-technically-inclined is a double-edged sword. It can be made more bulletproof, and can be made to look and act alot like Windows, but there will still be support issues cropping up.

A good management system that tracks updates and patches is what shields well-run IT shops from this kind of problem. The typical victim of this sort of virus is likely to be someone with an always-on internet connection at home that has out-of-date/no antivirus protection, and/or a propensity for clicking things that should not be clicked.

+2^10

If you want a *nix system for someone who isn't ready to admin it, buy a Mac.

Thats not true at all. Modern linux distros need no admin, they are super simple to install and use.

(my mother + Acer netbook on the store shelf) x 3 minutes =

freshly restored Acer netbook


All she was doing was getting a feel for it. My mother needs an admin free computer, and the netbook linux builds are just about user proof. No, I don't know what she did, I wasn't looking when she said "oh no", but it was quite non responsive. It would try to boot....

Poor thing.

It might serve to visit:
http://www.confickerworkinggroup.org/infection_test/cfeyechart.html