Ever wonder why The VAR Guy is so happy running Mac OS X and Ubuntu Linux? Perhaps it has something to do with the true cost of spyware — an epidemic problem mostly limited to the world of Windows. So, how does spyware impact user productivity? A new report from CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) provides some clues.
Generally speaking, users of spyware-infected work computers “live with” the problem for 18 work hours – more than two full workdays – before getting it repaired, asserts CompTIA.
Plus, it takes a support technician roughly 2.8 labor hours per infected PC to eliminate spyware and correct the related problems. (Note: The CompTIA survey covered employees at North American businesses with 10 to 200 computers.)
Of course, research reports have their limitations. Companies can certainly use remote administration tools and managed services platforms to apply blanket fixes to their systems. But nevertheless, CompTIA’s findings reinforce why The VAR Guy blogs away using either Mac OS X or Ubuntu Linux.
Neither he — nor his nonexistent support staff — can afford a 20-hour spyware distraction. Mac OS X and Ubuntu Linux certainly have room for improvement, but our resident blogger doesn’t lose much sleep worrying about spyware, worms or viruses.
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You cites a study from a Microsoft lobbying arm which blames the users, not the O/S (Windows). Yes, it’s a lobbying arm.
[…] A new report from CompTIA (the Computing Technology Industry Association) provides some clues. Here’s a look. March 6, 2008 · Linux, News, Open Source […]
It’s partly the operating system’s fault, and partly the user’s fault, but both those things could be stopped in their tracks if the network administrator implemented “default deny” practices on executable files. Default Deny is where all applications are blocked from running except where the administrator has allowed it. Windows’ own controls for this aren’t very good, but there are some inexpensive programs that provide this functionality.
Also, is the lack of spyware the only reason why you’re using Mac OS X and Ubuntu? It seems to me that it’s not a great reason for switching.
[…] The VAR Guy: The True Cost of Spyware […]
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This story has been submitted to fsdaily.com! If you think this story should be read by the free software community, come vote it up and discuss it here:
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Hey why not add fsdaily to the list of share links on your site. Your stuff seems to end up there quite often anyway and i’ll be more likely to add your posts if I can just click on a link.
The VAR Guy has been super-busy on a few projects. But yes, FSdaily would be a nice addition to our point-and-click system. We’re giving it a look and our resident blogger thanks FSdaily for driving readers his way.