climberdan asks: my wife and I are planning to get a new computer. She wants a Mac, but I think this has more to do with how they look than anything else. I have always been a PC user and although traditionally I understand Macs have been pretty safe from viruses etc, I’ve heard recently that they too are now becoming more susceptible to attack. Which in your opinion would be safer?
Pete replies: the chances of falling victim to a Mac virus are remote. The majority of modern virus writers are motivated by profit alone and are working the rich seam of Windows system, with little interest in the Apple Macintosh platform. The Unix–based MAC OS X offers better security than older operating systems. The first Mac OS X virus, Leap.A, was discovered in February followed by other 'proof-of-concept' viruses. They were not unleashed on the world at large, but were made available to antivirus companies, so that analysis reports would be produced ‘in honour’ of the author’s skills so to speak.
However, Macs do need to be used in a secure fashion.
Comments
SiloMunke said: With the new Intel processors inside the Mac the specs are the same Also with Boot Camp you can have both Windows and Mac if you get a Mac Those Under-Spec more expensive arguments are no more
Ivor_Monkey said: In my view fear of potential virus infections is an odd basis to choose between a mac or pc Purpose upgradeability compatibility and value for money are much more important You can protect against viruses But you cant upgrade a mac as easily or cheaply as you can a pc IMHO Macs like ipods might look good but are under-spec and overpriced
Ian Patterson said: Why not try Linuxsecure reliable no virus problem easily networkedand free