If you use a computer, and download stuff, be worried...

[Dale61]

OpenOffice takes a bit of getting used to (as does any new program), but you'll find that OO is probably better than M$Office.

The only problem you'll have is when (if) you ever swap files between others who don't have OpenOffice, as the file extensions are different. However, OpenOffice allows to save as a .pdf, so anyone with Acrobat Reader, as a minimum, can then open any files you send them. A .pdf is a far safer method of saving as well as the receiving party cannot make any alterations to your document.

[Cam]

But its not just MS programs. We are lucky the Sony rootkit debacle was a debacle, if it wasn't then rootkits would be popping up everywhere. They will try again somehow though, there is too much virtual money leaking through the net.

[Zeke]

Meh...

Buy a Mac.

[Culprit]

Unless the world has a global anti pirating policy it's all huff and puff. Australia is set to legislate for the legitimacy of mp3's and backing up your own cd's and DVD’s just like the old law that you could tape your vinyl album and play it on a tape player. Technology changes so fast that by the time the Governments change the legislation changes the technology makes them null and void.

Bit torrent is testing laws and the US Government is starting to realise that they don’t rule the world. One site the Pirate bay even lists its threats and responses. Good read as well as a laugh http://thepiratebay.org/legal.php

As far as Mac goes, great system just like the old Beta VHS. Costs push people to use PC’s plus the availability of software for PC are far more prevalent than that for Mac. Mac people brag that they don’t get viruses. Yes that’s true as only a limited amount of people use them and hackers etc could not be bothered.