Lets face it, we live in a world where many industries thrive on things either going wrong or creating total chaos. Lets look back at the Y2K syndrome when all the computers
of the world were supposed to crash when the clock struck midnight on January 1, 2000. The news was publicizing all kinds of disasters from electrical systems shutting down to a global computer meltdown. January 1 came and went with nothing more then the normal parties and the Times Square ball drop.
Another good example is the Weather Channel. Lets face it, if the weather was perfect and there were no tornados, hurricanes or floods this station would have never been around for as many years as it has. But how many times has a weather event been publicized for days as being this really bad scenario and in the end it really was not as bad as predicted. This is to be expected with an unknown and predicable thing like the weather. The “Wolf” syndrome has to be implemented both for ratings and to be sure people actually listen when the real deal actually comes.
In yet another example, how many times have you heard the TV news talk about a crippling computer virus that is going to take the world by storm. It is true that computer virus infections are out there as well as hackers and they will always be out there in some shape or form. But the forecasted computer pandemics usually never actually transpire.
When Microsoft issues security patches for Windows, it means that a vulnerability exists that could allow a hacker to gain access to your system. In most cases, an exploit has never actually occurred it is something that could happen under the right circumstances. The average computer user would likely never allow this to happen. There have been some exceptions where exploits were actually undertaken but not in the vast majority of cases.
Another example that is still in the process of transpiring is the end of support on Windows XP. Most news outlets are having a hay day with this one, especially Microsoft. I do agree that after support ends there will be some exploits that simply will not be plugged but I highly doubt it is going to be the mega disaster that some folks are trying to make it.
Since nobody has a crystal ball, time will tell what the future will hold after April 8 but the impact will not be near what is being predicted. But hey, if there was not a bad thing to dwell on we would all get bored, right? In addition, if Microsoft did not push it, their sales would not be as good for Windows 8. Remember in the end, it is always about money. Microsoft wants you to buy that new operating system so they can add to their bottom line. They do not make any money if you keep Windows XP.
In short, the cry wolf syndrome will always exist and events will always be pushed to the max. It is always good to be aware of events such as computer viruses and especially weather events. Although many folks have given up on weather predictions since they are so often wrong, you should always prepare if the experts tell you to just in case the worst case does happen. As far as computer virus events, always be vigilant and careful where you surf and what you open and you could remain virus and exploit free for many years.
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Written by, Joe Z Posted by Ross Deprey
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