Category: Technology Author : Steven Hodson Posted: December 1, 2008
Tags : Apple, mac, malware, security, viruses, windows
If there has always been one constant in the on-going my operating system is better than yours head butting that happens between Windows and Mac users it has been over the issue of security. Mac users have loved being able to lord over us poor ol’ Windows users how they don’t need to worry about things like malware and viruses. This obnoxious attitude hasn’t been helped either by Cupertino running ads pointing out how Mac users don’t need to worry about such silly things as viruses. As Brian Krebs says in a post about this today
Just under three months ago, I asked an employee at our local Apple store whether I needed anti-virus for my MacBook, and was told not to bother, that it was not necessary. I wonder if this means Apple will stop running television ads saying Mac users don’t have to worry about malicious software?
This of course is in total contrast to a technical note that Apple has added to its support site where they say the following
“Apple encourages the widespread use of multiple anti-virus utilities so that virus programmers have more than one application to circumvent, thus making the whole virus writing process more difficult.”
The support advisory even goes on to recommend some possible anti-virus utilities for the Mac faithful to install on their oh so secure machines
Here are some available anti-virus utilities:
· Intego VirusBarrier X5, available from the Apple Online Store
License: commercial· Symantec Norton Anti-Virus 11 for Macintosh, available from the Apple Online Store
License: commercial· McAfee VirusScan for Mac
License: commercial
For years Windows users have had to suffer the better than thou abuse from Mac users and now; as more than a few Windows users have said – myself included, the tables have indeed turned. So all you Windows users out there bookmark that Apple advisory. Then the next time some Mactard starts making fun of you because of things like viruses and how they don’t have to worry about such mundane things – slap them with that link.
Neener Neener – it looks good on them.
![Just because it’s Easter….. [massive awwww moment]](http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/2010/04/Carrot-100x100.jpg)
Dec 1, 2008
And yet you fail to post proof of ANY virus for the Mac. Why? Because no such animal exists.
Neener, Neener….
Dec 1, 2008
then please explain to me why Apple is encouraging Mac users to install AV utilities? When you can do that in a way that makes logical sense (meaning no usual Mac fandom crap) then maybe I'll take your Neener Neener's .. untill then I raise you two more
Neener Neener
Dec 1, 2008
You STILL have yet to point out ONE single virus for the mac platform. While windows has MILLIONS of different virus strains.
To realize how ignorant your view really is:
Both Yugo's and and M1 A1 Abrams Tanks have seat belts. So in your argument since they both offer seat belts they must both be the same safety wise. Actually. in the computing world OSX is safer than a tank because there is not one single virus out in the wild that effects it. Now do you realize how stupid you sound?
I've been an MSCE since 1991 and even I realize your argument above is completely ridicules.
Neener, Neener, and check mate.
Dec 1, 2008
Hang on sec Robert. Where in my post did I say Mac's were open to massive attacks now?
No where.
All I was pointing to is a fact – Apple is now recommending that Mac users install an anti-virus utility of some sort. That is it but in the process if Apple is recommending this then Mactard no longer can point to Windows as being the only OS that needs an AV.
Period.
Dec 1, 2008
I'll say it one more time sloowwwlyyyy for you since you don't seem to understand. OSX does not need AV software because there are no Virus available for OSX. Just because some support doc writer “suggested” it in a help doc does not make it true.
Jesus, do you believe everything every software / hardware company puke tells you? Well, wait… you must because you run windows where AV programs are REQUIRED.
Gotta love “writers” who have no clue about the subject they are writing about.
Period.
P.S. Maximus sucks, Renegade rules!
Dec 1, 2008
> P.S. Maximus sucks, Renegade rules!
ROFLMAO .. that just made the whole exchange worthwhile Robert. As for the rest let's just call it a gentleman's draw
Dec 1, 2008
Deal, draw it is.
P.S. I wrote the Official FAQ for Renegade back in the day. Man I sure do miss those days…
Dec 2, 2008
Windows vs. Mac on security sounds like pest vs. cholera on life expectancy.
Dec 2, 2008
Aaaand all the more reason for me to continue using Linux.
Dec 3, 2008
NO DRAW!
In fact, Apple has, apparently, removed that very old and no longer relevant page. Check Macworld…
Apple removes antivirus support page
“We have removed the KnowledgeBase article because it was old and inaccurate,” Apple spokesman Bill Evans, told Macworld. “The Mac is designed with built-in technologies that provide protection against malicious software and security threats right out of the box.”
http://www.macworld.com/article/137267/2008/12/…
So to reply the article's title, I think I'll just carry on making fun of Windows' security.
Dec 3, 2008
holy crap you suck. Macs also dont crash right? My friend got a trojan on his mac Mr. Smug I know Everything. Just because YOU have never seen something doesnt mean it doesnt exist. What would you do if you got a virus? Ignore it. You would ignore something rather than admit that you suck
Dec 3, 2008
ya I saw they pulled the article. all I can say is enjoy your time free from the scrutiny of virus and trojan writers.
Dec 7, 2008
I use windows. I eat anything MS puts out. I'll keep doing it until I die. Why? I like being shoved around by people
who continuosly put out such bad fecal material that after a few months it's got more patches than a hippie's jeans!
Use an apple without av/firewall….you MIGHT get infected. USE A WINDOWS machine and you WILL be infected.
I use Windows. After Vista, though, I am going to switch. Screw these people.
nyah nyah
Jan 7, 2009
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Jan 12, 2009
back a year i was caled to a friends house to repair is mac mini and the macbook cause he remembered to edit and use a word .doc that had a bad macro… what happen??? infected the .dot from office and from there sent macro enabled files to is working mates…. no virus hein?? for me, that understand quit a bit of computer SO's would no state that there is no virus for the mac community… because the is! final and simple!!! if you dont have at least a simple antivirus scanner to check at least for these macro infected word .doc you'll get a infected OS X and a way to infect other also!!
no virus for mac's hein??? tell me stories….
Jan 12, 2009
back a year i was caled to a friends house to repair is mac mini and the macbook cause he remembered to edit and use a word .doc that had a bad macro… what happen??? infected the .dot from office and from there sent macro enabled files to is working mates…. no virus hein?? for me, that understand quit a bit of computer SO's would no state that there is no virus for the mac community… because the is! final and simple!!! if you dont have at least a simple antivirus scanner to check at least for these macro infected word .doc you'll get a infected OS X and a way to infect other also!!
no virus for mac's hein??? tell me stories….
Jan 19, 2009
Thanks guys. but i think it is just because of users. mac is used cheaper than other windows.