Comments on: Apple suggests Mac users install antivirus software

Apple advises Mac users to install antivirus software in nod that even Mac users aren't immune to rising malware threats.

[ScaryMonkey69]

LOL! Gotta love Penguinisto's attempt to sound "big & bad". Most likely he doesnt own a single Mac.
Even if he or she does, it is free from Viruses & BOTnets, but full of other Malware. Since he/she seems SO darned focused on just 2 things, they're most likely blind & oblivious to the other stuff.

Odds are they can barely use a computer and have no frickin' clue what they're doing. They just like to argue to sound "smart" because otherwise their job at McDonald's becomes a reality.

[Penguinisto]

Ah, assumptions and ad hominem.

Hey, if you can prove me wrong, please do so. Show me where I am supposedly wrong.

Oh, wait - there's something else you need to see first: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-10111958-83.html

...nevermind, eh? ;)

[AppleSuxLeo]

Correction: Steve Jobs is "a bag of hurt"

[Avacado97]

Penguinisto:

Does this count or am I just tripping? I mean it says it IS an OSX virus, maybe a different version from what you are running. But just Google "Mac Virus", take out the pages that refer to articles like this one and there's plenty of information out there.

http://antivirus.about.com/od/macintoshresource/p/oompa.htm

As far as Windows always getting viruses. I have been using Windows since Windows 3.1. While I have watched people around me get viruses I have yet to be infected. Since XP came out I quit using anti-virus software as I am also an avid gamer, and virus-software slows my machine down. I haven't had a virus period. And I go to some pretty scary site in search for this or than. Although my experience with computers gives me a keen perception when downloading a file as to whether or not I should take the risk in opening it.

The point is. No one is safe. And as more and more people switch to Macs, so then, inevitably more and more hackers look for ways to exploit the platforms. They aren't going to look at is and go, "Macs are too much trouble". Not when there's money involved.

[Penguinisto]

Actually, that one has been dead for quite awhile now. It was a trojan that required you to install the thing with admin privileges and never got anywhere. That's why I compared getting infected on OSX to winning a ton of money on Powerball - it can happen, it does happen, but its so rare that it makes no sense to go to any length of defense - just use simple common sense while you're online, and you're set.

"The point is. No one is safe."

Agreed. Nor will OSX spend the rest of its existence without the possibility of at least one mass virus. OTOH, it makes no sense to spend a lot of money and run a CPU-sucking A/V solution against that one possibility.

[Avacado97]

Agreed. Im sure you aren't running a AV client. And neither am I and neither of us have problems. OTOH we are both probably a little bit more knowledgeable on what we should install and what we shouldn't, where in the web we can or can't go, and what to look out for if we think things start to look suspicious.

[pubmat]

As a mac user, NO WAY am I wearing a computer condom.

[ferretboy88]

Why don't Apple users spend more time using their computer for fun or work and less time on trying to get us to join the cult. Can you play Crysis on OS10?

[SecondHarmonicGeneration]

Personally, I think MACs are overpriced. It also seems so banal that a user would not install AV software on their computers, even if a computer company claims that their product is infallible. I scoff mostly at Apple products and software. I'll be a loyal PC user forever. MAC users are really into themselves anyways.

To the person who said that CNET are morons, that's just uncalled for. I agree with Ms. Mills that if you have a bigger insight on what's going on, email her or CNET directly especially if you have the arrogance to call them morons on their own forum.

[mcflyer54]

Based on the initial cost of an iMac or notebook it seems that Apple could, and should, include preloaded antivirus software. The determination to use or not use the software could be made by the equipment buyer and prevent need to make an additional decision and purchase. Many new iMac buyers are under the impression that their Mac in virus proof and thus doesn't consider the importance of, or need for, antivirus software.

[Aitrusskyy]

The problem with almost all of the comments is that everyone is viewing the information, rating the OS's , and arguing from an end users standpoint.

A few years ago (around 2-3) there were statistics that 95% of the world was using Microsoft windows. It is basic knowledge that in fact most people use Windows and that more and more people are switching to Mac everyday whether it be from ignorance, popularity, pure proven statistics Mac is better or what not. It is happening.

Now viewing this from the standpoint of a user is useless because users don't make the exploits, users simply use.

Imagine you are a hacker/cracker. Imagine you have the knowledge to exploit a machine. Because humans are imperfect and humans make all machines, all machines are therefore only as good as we are good at making them. Now imagine you want to use your skills and knowledge to steal money, no... to earn money. Imagine you can get away with it, perhaps steal millions, cause confusion, hide your footprints.

Or imagine you simply just want to cause chaos with a perhaps hidden end result to say perhaps gain access/control of high security computers (government etc...).

Now knowing that, knowing yourself and your abilities. Which would be the smartest OS to target? Which would yield you the most returns?

It's really not rocket science, and it's really not an argument of any OS being better than another; And if it is then you are viewing as a user.

This is a think for yourself post.