Hi Eugene, Ronni, Peter,
I would definitely concur with you that one of the reasons that I love Apple products, is for the generally safe and friendly user experience - however we still need to apply our own security levels as we see fit: I mean, all our computers would be much more secure if we kept wireless and bluetooth turned "off", but.... If we set up an Airport network, we must choose to protect it, the appropriate security system (eg WPA2) and an appropriately "secure" password. I require a password log-in to my computers on start-up, wake from sleep and wake from screensaver - but, in my experience, many Mac users don't do this and have auto-login enabled. I don't claim to have a lot of experience with Bluetooth security - but when I have used it in the past (and I'm going on memory here) it has been set so as to have to approve each request to transfer info on a case by case basis - I am either initiating the action or I have to "accept" someone else's connection or file. To be honest, I would be much more concerned about the security of my wireless and bluetooth enabled laptop than my iPhone - though that just reflects my personal situation regarding what I have on my phone/laptop. However, I must admit, I'm a little confused by some of the arguments against Bluetooth file transfer. Having read a bit more, it is obvious that Apple haven't, in fact, prevented Bluetooth file transfer - they have just decided not to offer an easy Apple way to do it - which I would have thought would be the best way if you really wanted to "guide" the consumer into the best practice. Apple have, in fact, provided the means for third party apps to perform all manner of file manipulation & transmission and have approved such apps on their app store - and, whilst they all are subject to Apple approval, obviously some will be much better than others in terms of features/interface design/ease of use. So the problem for the first time user is how to find a suitable app (short of buying lots and then discarding the ones you don't like). On of Apples key strengths, I feel, has been the way they include beautifully designed software already incorporated in their devices to enable the new user to really enjoy the whole experience - as you gain experience you may then choose to look further for more features/options: I might prefer Image Capture/Photoshop - but I appreciate that iPhoto provides a very user friendly interface for many new (& not so new) Apple users. If I wanted to start making movies, I would be happy to look at iMovie - more demanding users may well move to Final Cut Pro. Having these various levels available is key to catering to users of differing experience - everybody should be able to tweak "System Preferences" - some people should probably never open up "Console". I'm happy enough now that I know there are third party apps which will do what I want (& more) and I am very grateful to Peter for pointing me to iFiles. Hopefully, I am sufficiently aware/cautious not to stuff-up too much with the power unleashed by some of these apps. However, I find the app browsing experience very frustrating in the iTunes store -the categories are too broad and searching always brings up such a huge selection - with no easy way to compare features short of clicking through them one-at-a-time. I actually find Google an easier way to find apps - but that is also very hit & miss. I guess, given that there is obviously (well-documented gripe) a significant demand for bluetooth file transfer (even if limited to photos) and given that it can be achieved by a variety of third-party apps - I find it surprising that Apple haven't come up with an "Apple way" to do it - ie a simple, easy and secure implementation for less experienced users. Anyway, that's just my 2c worth (you get a lot for 2c, eh?) - as I say, I'm happy enough that a third party app will get the job done. Cheers Neil -- Neil R. Houghton Albany, Western Australia Tel: +61 8 9841 6063 Email: [email protected] on 1/10/10 9:01 AM, Eugene at [email protected] wrote: > I support you Ronni and Peer, > > blue tooth was introduced to allow computers to communicate wirelessly with > devices such as keyboards, mice and printers, it was never originally intended > to move files. It's speed reflects this. > > Apple is like a very protective parent. They will over engineer their products > to ensure that their children have safe user's experience. All applications > on iTunes are vetted first and must conform to a standard. Apple can remotely > disable rogue applications. Syncing and updating is done via the iTunes and > the computer. Some people don't like this almost heavy handed approach. > However Google and Microsoft are copying these same strategies with Android > and WM 7.0 > > Apple is now a big target, if something goes wrong they are automatically at > fault. Antenna attenuation was exposed on a number of smartphones but only > Apple coped the flack. Exploding mobile batteries were quite common but once > again Apple was named when it happened twice (in the UK and France). God > forbid if a virus was discovered on an iPhone even though these have already > been found on Android, WM 6.0 etc. > > It is possible to surreptitiously add software to many mobile phones to track > the user, access their personal details, use their accounts, eavesdrop on > their personal conversations etc. Apple has employed many security measures > to protect their clients from these attacks. The compromise that Apple leaves > us is a mobile phone that is less accessible for casual tethering. > > The Mac was always a fairly tight and secure platform and we have always > enjoyed a virus free user's experience whilst we looked at the 100,000s of > security threats encountered by PC users. Do we want to open up the iPhone and > iOS so that rogue apps have greater access? > > I am happy to be embraced by Apple's security blanket. > > Regards, > Eugene > > > > -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- > Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> > Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> > Unsubscribe - <mailto:[email protected]> > > On 01/10/2010, at 8:20 AM, Ronda Brown wrote: > >> >> >> On 01/10/2010, at 8:03 AM, Peter Hinchliffe wrote: >> >>> >>> >>> On 30/09/2010, at 6:26 PM, Rob Davies wrote: >>> >>>> Neil, >>>> iTunes. >>>> It is just a USB device, so any program that does this as sent before >>>> DiskAid which links into FileApp on phone. >>>> >>>> Check in File Manager it will be a device so all should be accessible, >>>> there is a image capture program loaded within 7 and VIsta that will show. >>>> >>>> If you search Apps store I am sure someone would have found cure, for >>>> Bluetooth. Try Google also! >>>> >>>> But, Apple do not want Bluetooth access except for devices, reasoning >>>> anyones guess but security would be a good one. >>>> >>>> Bluetooth is a huge network security risk because of its portability and >>>> devices, inclusive of what can be transferred and run without physical >>>> connection from server or a portal. >>>> Mobile phone sitting on someones desk could be piggybacking into network >>>> running applications or daemons controlling network or removing data. >>>> Acting as a portal to somewhere else out of building. Hence no phones >>>> within Data Centres, even though they block mobile transmissions. >>>> >>>> Cheers! >>>> `RobD... >>>> >>> >>> I well remember hearing a story some years ago when Bluetooth was in its >>> infancy on computers and mobile phones, where students were able to connect >>> though BT to a certain university lecturer's laptop which had been left >>> running on the desk in his office, thereby downloading copies of upcoming >>> exam questions. I doubt that much has changed in this regard, especially >>> given many peoples' attitude to security. >>> >>> >>> Peter Hinchliffe Apwin Computer Services >>> FileMaker Pro Solutions Developer >>> Perth, Western Australia >>> Phone (618) 9332 6482 Mob 0403 064 948 >>> -------------------------------------------------------------------- >>> Mac because I prefer it -- Windows because I have to. >> >> >> Thanks Peter for supporting me in this "Security Issue" with using Bluetooth. >> Your story above is certainly not the only time this has happened. >> Apple are determined to keep the iPhone as secure as they possibly can. >> You cannot secure Bluetooth when it is "Always visible and connectable"! >> Your Phone is then open to any onslaught, it is then a huge security risk. >> >> People go to all lengths to secure their Networks and Macs, and yet are >> wanting to have the iPhone "Insecure" beats me, I certainly want my iPhone >> as secure as it can be. >> >> >> Cheers, >> Ronni >> >> 17" MacBook Pro Intel Core i7 >> 2.66GHz / 4GB / 1067 MHz DDR3 / 500GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200rpm >> >> OS X 10.6.3 Snow Leopard >> Windows 7 Ultimate (under sufferance) >> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:[email protected]>
