Mac vs. PC (PIC)

[Sketcher]

Where does Mac say run AV? Link please.

http://www.macworld.com/article/137241/2008/12/antivirus.html

So you can dish it out, but not take it?
Looks like someone needs to pull their big-boy pants up!

I dish it out to people who give it.

 

[WalksWithLimp]

I've only heard good things about Windows 7, so far. The media-handling stuff I've heard from a friend who's been testing it sounds damn impressive. I'd love to take a look. It sounds like Vista done right -- and easily the best Windows ever. With an interface that makes sense.

BUT I'M JUST A HORRID APPLE FANBOY SO WHAT DO I KNOW?

 

[WalksWithChrist]

http://www.macworld.com/article/137241/2008/12/antivirus.html


I dish it out to people who give it.

Comment after the article:

I think one of the reasons Apple recommend virus checkers is not because Mac OS X is susceptible but because many Mac users use Microsoft Office which means Mac users are still open to macro viruses.

Hmm how about that...
(yes, I know it's just a comment! thought I'd head that one off...)

And when you get dished back...the whining begins. As we have seen today.
You have no room to complain about anyone being rude here sir.

 

[WalksWithLimp]

Macs *DO* require antivirus software. When they run Windows.

 

[Sketcher]

Comment after the article:

I think one of the reasons Apple recommend virus checkers is not because Mac OS X is susceptible but because many Mac users use Microsoft Office which means Mac users are still open to macro viruses.

Hmm how about that...
(yes, I know it's just a comment! thought I'd head that one off...)

And Flash, and Firefox . . . btw I'm not going to defend MS Office because I use OpenOffice.

 

[WalksWithLimp]

What about Flash and Firefox?

 

[WalksWithChrist]

Another article comment:

Re: Apple quietly recommends using antivirus software


I sell Apple products, including Anti-virus programs from Intego. When customers ask me for an anti-virus program (usually new Mac owners), I tell them they don't need it if they are in an all Mac environment, but if they are in a mixed Windows/Mac environment I suggest it.
I explain that there aren't any solid "viri" out for the mac, just concepts. Getting a anti-virus application for your Mac will just make it easier for a user to coexist with non-Mac users/systems.
In a mixed OS environment (or if you're the only Mac user) there are so many Windows based viri, Mac users are bound to receive infected files (though I don't understand how a "protected" Windows system doesn't disinfect/quarantine these viri before they are sent out.
I understand there are free Mac and Windows anti-virus programs (applications). I would at least arm your system with one of these offerings.
Downloading from unknown sources (torrents/P2P/etc) are ways to get infections/corrupted files.
Just like dating if you don't know where they have been wrap it!
2¢

Great link I must say!!

 

[WalksWithLimp]

Downloading from unknown sources (torrents/P2P/etc) are ways to get infections/corrupted files.

God bless Usenet!

 

[Sketcher]

What about Flash and Firefox?

They're both very prone to security exploits, and, as you know, a lot of Mac users use them.

 

[WalksWithLimp]

What security exploits are they prone to that affect Macs? Specifics, pls.

 

[HeelyJoe]

WalksWithLimp, I'm curious as to why you think it's so bad that Windows users are required, practically speaking, to run antimalware programs.

I have been running Windows XP with Avast Antivirus installed, with no firewall, and I have been spyware and virus free the entire time. I am behind a router with an NAT firewall, so a software firewall is superfluous (in my opinion). So honestly, I really don't see your point.

Yes, an unsecured Windows computer will almost certainly end up with malware at some point. Is this even relevant? No, not at all, since I have spent exactly $0 protecting my system and have run into exactly 0 problems. And I'm not exactly the safest searcher, either, so my surfing habits are not the cause of my security.

So please, explain to me what your point is. I can attain the same level of security in literally five minutes after installing Windows. For no additional cost.

 

[WalksWithChrist]

And Flash, and Firefox . . . btw I'm not going to defend MS Office because I use OpenOffice.

I need to see if OpenOfficed will run on Vista now that I have it.


Open source rox!

 

[WalksWithChrist]

WalksWithLimp, I'm curious as to why you think it's so bad that Windows users are required, practically speaking, to run antimalware programs.

I have been running Windows XP with Avast Antivirus installed, with no firewall, and I have been spyware and virus free the entire time. I am behind a router with an NAT firewall, so a software firewall is superfluous (in my opinion). So honestly, I really don't see your point.

Yes, an unsecured Windows computer will almost certainly end up with malware at some point. Is this even relevant? No, not at all, since I have spent exactly $0 protecting my system and have run into exactly 0 problems. And I'm not exactly the safest searcher, either, so my surfing habits are not the cause of my security.

So please, explain to me what your point is. I can attain the same level of security in literally five minutes after installing Windows. For no additional cost.

I'll throw in my two cents if you don't mind.


That's all well and good for us tech-heads who know a thing or two. But the average consumer doesn't care much to get behind a firewall, know which AV to chose, etc.
They just want to work.

That is Mac's strength. The power to go out of the box with little to no hassles or know-how.

The article posted a few posts back has some decent additional comments that go into this in some detail if you're interested in having a good read.

 

[peanutbutter12]

I'll throw in my two cents if you don't mind.


That's all well and good for us tech-heads who know a thing or two. But the average consumer doesn't care much to get behind a firewall, know which AV to chose, etc.
They just want to work.

That is Mac's strength. The power to go out of the box with little to no hassles or know-how.

Always cracks me up.

[youtube]pBYOpiMdEy8[/youtube]
Mature language.

"The next time your daddy says that his computer isn't working, I want you to tell him it's broken, ok? And tell him to give it to you to play with, and send him back to the store to buy an iMac, ok? It's a computer especially built for idiot.... umm, for umm, mommies and daddies."

Maybe in 2001 they didn't know about AV, but everyone who has a Windows based system knows these days that they need an AV program. I can't think of one person who doesn't. Heck, even my own parents who barely know how to turn it on know they need AV, and most stores are more than willing to install it for them.

But it all goes back to the two facts I stated:

1. Windows based PC is made for intermediate users, however, MS has thrown so much security on Vista that it's hard to muck it up anymore.

2. Mac has no virus development because it has a very tiny percentage of the market share. It has nothing to do with running on a Unix base. Heck, there are viruses out there for Linux, but they aren't widely developed because compared to Windows users, it doesn't make sense. People who develop these things are interested in spreading them around, not trying to find people who can be affected by it.

[youtube]s0Gzq-QEt0s[/youtube]

"I'll buy almost anything if it's shiny and made by Apple"
Sums it up quite well.

 

[WalksWithLimp]

WalksWithLimp, I'm curious as to why you think it's so bad that Windows users are required, practically speaking, to run antimalware programs.

Are you honestly telling me that it makes perfect sense to be required to run additional software like that on a brand-new device? The equivalent of having a special machine attached to your car at all times because "it's a specific kind of car" and it will otherwise crash into trees on its own if you don't?

You don't understand that at all? I hope you're being facetious, because it boggles the mind. It also shows how utterly screwed up things are when you (and millions of others) have been trained to think that's normal.

2. Mac has no virus development because it has a very tiny percentage of the market share. It has nothing to do with running on a Unix base. Heck, there are viruses out there for Linux, but they aren't widely developed because compared to Windows users, it doesn't make sense. People who develop these things are interested in spreading them around, not trying to find people who can be affected by it.

Wow. Just keep repeating the lie, right? Never mind it's been debunked. Tell me why Mac OS8 had viruses, then. And somehow OS X (with a larger market share than Linux) has none.

I love how you, who has no real working knowledge of OS X (and likely no practical experience with it) somehow knows better.

And you call me "fanboy"? Hilarious.

 

[peanutbutter12]

Are you honestly telling me that it makes perfect sense to be required to run additional software like that on a brand-new device? The equivalent of having a special machine attached to your car at all times because "it's a specific kind of car" and it will otherwise crash into trees on its own if you don't?

You don't understand that at all? I hope you're being facetious, because it boggles the mind. It also shows how utterly screwed up things are when you (and millions of others) have been trained to think that's normal.

Not because it's a problem with the OS. Because it's a problem with people who like to break it.

Wow. Just keep repeating the lie, right? Never mind it's been debunked. Tell me why Mac OS8 had viruses, then. And somehow OS X (with a larger market share than Linux) has none.

I love how you, who has no real working knowledge of OS X (and likely no practical experience with it) somehow knows better.

And you call me "fanboy"? Hilarious.

Hardly a lie. It's pure fact. However, people such as yourself seem to refuse to acknowledge it as such because it makes you look small maybe?

I've used OSX and I don't like it, which is why I stick with PC for the most part. If you do, that's fine and dandy. I personally don't care. What irritates me is the whole "I am better" war Mac likes to promote with these lies about every other OS on the planet. It's things like that which continue the stigma that Vista is a bad OS when it's really fantastic.

Also, you might want to recheck your facts as Linux has over 30 million estimated users. I'm willing to bet that is more than OSX.

 

[WalksWithChrist]

Always cracks me up.

[youtube]pBYOpiMdEy8[/youtube]
Mature language.

"The next time your daddy says that his computer isn't working, I want you to tell him it's broken, ok? And tell him to give it to you to play with, and send him back to the store to buy an iMac, ok? It's a computer especially built for idiot.... umm, for umm, mommies and daddies."

Maybe in 2001 they didn't know about AV, but everyone who has a Windows based system knows these days that they need an AV program. I can't think of one person who doesn't. Heck, even my own parents who barely know how to turn it on know they need AV, and most stores are more than willing to install it for them.

But it all goes back to the two facts I stated:

1. Windows based PC is made for intermediate users, however, MS has thrown so much security on Vista that it's hard to muck it up anymore.

2. Mac has no virus development because it has a very tiny percentage of the market share. It has nothing to do with running on a Unix base. Heck, there are viruses out there for Linux, but they aren't widely developed because compared to Windows users, it doesn't make sense. People who develop these things are interested in spreading them around, not trying to find people who can be affected by it.

[youtube]s0Gzq-QEt0s[/youtube]

"I'll buy almost anything if it's shiny and made by Apple"
Sums it up quite well.

Re: the first vid. Welcome to my world! Looks like me in my job...very scary. lol On my last job I did "flashing appliance" support for the general public. SCARY!!!! And I did indeed use kids once or twice to get things done. It works very well!

Re: the second vid.
I have *got* to get me one of those!
It's shiny and flat...gotta have it. lol


Ok, reality time. Who *exactly* is this "everyone" you speak of?? Cuz I haven't met them!! I work the "internet helpdesk" 40 hours a week and I can tell you with FULL confidence that "everyone" is about as dumb as a post when it comes to protecting their PCs.
No offense to my luddite friends out there.

You know who you are.

Yes the general public has become much more aware, but they're not quite there yet unfortunately. I know cuz I get asked the most *basic* of questions about AV and related stuff literally every time the subject comes up with folks that don't work in IT. And even sometimes with folks that DO work in IT! That's the truly scary part right there...


Yes Windows is getting more secure. They are becoming more like Apple all the time! Funny how that works. lol

And 14% ain't "tiny" either. Hey mustard...ketchup.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=20751

Was there anything else you wanted to add?



I have had two coworkers recently (with very little prodding from me!) switch to Macs and they are breathing *huge* sighs of relief.

 

[peanutbutter12]

Yes Windows is getting more secure. They are becoming more like Apple all the time! Funny how that works. lol

http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/12/is-apple-os-x-more-secure-than.html

And 14% ain't "tiny" either. Hey mustard...ketchup.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/mac/news/index.cfm?newsid=20751

Amusing considering tuaw reports 10% as of Jan 2nd, 2009.
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/apple-market-share-tops-10-windows-share-lowest-since-tracking/

I have had two coworkers recently (with very little prodding from me!) switch to Macs and they are breathing *huge* sighs of relief.

Good for them. I don't like the GUI nor do I like the file system. I've also had more problems with Macs in the studio than I have with my PC. To each their own, but I will stick to what works.

 

[WalksWithChrist]

http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/12/is-apple-os-x-more-secure-than.html


Amusing considering tuaw reports 10% as of Jan 2nd, 2009.
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/apple-market-share-tops-10-windows-share-lowest-since-tracking/


Good for them. I don't like the GUI nor do I like the file system. I've also had more problems with Macs in the studio than I have with my PC. To each their own, but I will stick to what works.

Are you reading the comments on these articles? They are very enlightening! lol

One quote from the article I will respond to:

I'd say on the whole, neither OS has an inherent technical advantage. There are pluses and minuses in each column, but no clear winner.

That's great. But the bottom line to me is...what is the actual effect on Macs? Miniscule to none thus far from everything I've heard or read. Please post any results to the contrary.

I searched for "Mac (the OS, not the company) market share" to find my link but you're posting Apple market share.

 

[WalksWithChrist]

http://broadcast.oreilly.com/2008/12/is-apple-os-x-more-secure-than.html


Amusing considering tuaw reports 10% as of Jan 2nd, 2009.
http://www.tuaw.com/2009/01/02/apple-market-share-tops-10-windows-share-lowest-since-tracking/


Good for them. I don't like the GUI nor do I like the file system. I've also had more problems with Macs in the studio than I have with my PC. To each their own, but I will stick to what works.

Just curious...what problems have you had with your studio Macs?