Truth About Computer Security Hysteria
These folks were made for each other
Rob Rosenberger, Vmyths co-founderFriday, 13 March 1998 SCHOOL OFFICIALS EXPELLED a student in Godwin Heights, MI for bringing viruses into the computer lab. Then they went a step further — they sent him a bill for about $18,000 to pay for antivirus software because the high school doesn't currently use any. Let me quote from the school district's home page:
"Godwin Heights Public Schools will incorporate and utilize technology throughout the District to better prepare students to succeed in the 21st century. Such utilization of current technologies will provide our schools with tools that will guarantee learning opportunities for all students."This seems like an impossible goal for a district which can't afford to use antivirus software due to supposed budget constraints. See if you don't agree after you listen to an audio report of the incident, complete with school officials who describe their side of the bureaucracy. I also encourage you to read PC World's exclusive story by Brian McWilliams.
The kid did something stupid to get attention. School officials reacted like cartoon characters. These folks were made for each other, no doubt about it.The school district's bill for antivirus software seems absolutely ludicrous. According to their logic, I don't need to install locks on doors leading into my house in an area known for burglaries. I can simply wait to sue a burglar after the fact for the cost of those locks! I dismiss the kid as a fool for recklessly taking computer viruses to school just to get some attention. And I dismiss the school officials for reacting like cartoon characters. These folks were made for each other, no doubt about it.