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    Apple, Windows, and viruses?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by tx515, Jul 8, 2006.

  1. tx515

    tx515 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Since Apple computers can run Windows now, are they vulnerable to pc viruses?
     
    tx515, Jul 8, 2006
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  2. jujube

    jujube Notebook Deity

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    Yes, they are just as vulnerable but only on the PC side. Your Mac OSX will not be affected by a PC viruses... at least not yet.
     
    jujube, Jul 8, 2006
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  3. Mystic Image

    Mystic Image Notebook Consultant

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    Just to clarify...
    1. Just because the computers are capable of running Windows does not mean that it will catch a PC virus... however, if you do run Windows, you will be susceptible to all the viruses that PCs get.
    2. Sticking with OSX will mean you continue to be immune to PC specific viruses.
    3. Though often overlooked, viruses for OSX exist and the possibility of viruses becoming a serious problem on OSX exists.
     
    Mystic Image, Jul 8, 2006
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  4. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    To be accurate, the viruses talked about for OS X are proof of concept. There are NO viruses in the wild for OS X. And OS X cannot be effected by a Windows virus. Windows cannot write to an OS X partition, so it would be impossible. Perhaps, through Parallels, but even then it is sandboxed pretty well.

    **EDIT** While all computer users, including Mac users, need to be vigilant and practice good behavior, the chances of viruses becoming a serious problem on OS X are very slim. It is inherently more secure. Once you use OS X you understand how completely different the security model is. But Mac users do tend to get a little lazy and should be a little more vigilant.
     
    cashmonee, Jul 9, 2006
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  5. xbandaidx

    xbandaidx Notebook Deity

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    I couldn't have said it any better really.

    Just remember as long as you don't run anything windows you are fine, there are ways to emulate windows programs on a mac, but in the case of emulation you are fine.
     
    xbandaidx, Jul 9, 2006
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  6. raiderlax27

    raiderlax27 Notebook Consultant

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    i had a teacher get a virus that killed her mac (the old colorful ones). i made fun of her for the rest of the year.
     
    raiderlax27, Jul 9, 2006
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  7. cashmonee

    cashmonee Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    That was probably OS 8 or 9. Neither of which were very good, or secure. Understand that the change from OS 9 to OS X was not like 9x to XP. It was a complete rebuild, from the ground up. So, yes OS 8 and 9 were not very good, OS X is a completely different story.
     
    cashmonee, Jul 9, 2006
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  8. tx515

    tx515 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm trying to decided between the new Macbook and the Lenovo Z61t. Thanks for all the input. I don't know why I would need both operating systems but it is cool to have. I have never owned a Mac but I've had lots of use with them at work.
     
    tx515, Jul 9, 2006
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  9. xbandaidx

    xbandaidx Notebook Deity

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    Just go with whatever your most comfortable with, personally I found that using a mac really streamlined a lot of the work I do, just about everyday I find something new I never knew about before.

    Hey, what better time to jump into the mac arena?

    G'luck with your choice.
     
    xbandaidx, Jul 9, 2006
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  10. RadcomTxx

    RadcomTxx Notebook Deity

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    before os x, there were some viruses for mac, but the number was still under 100 viruses.
     
    RadcomTxx, Jul 10, 2006
    #10