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Windows vs Mac Security
sdhorne writes "There is a good technical discussion over at InfoWorld on the merits of launchd and what is lacking in a comparable Windows secure solution. It is a throw back to the UNIX vs Windows security discussion that has been hashed out for many years." From the article: "it always traces back to Microsoft's untenable policy of maintaining gaps in Windows security to avoid competing with 3rd party vendors and certified partners. Apple's taking a different approach: What users need is in the box: Anti-virus, anti-spam, encryption, image backup and restore, offsite safe storage through .Mac, and launchd. Pretty soon any debate with Microsoft over security can be ended in one round when Apple stands up, says 'launchd', and sits back down."
Windows has a lot of holes, sure. but ~95% of the people who use computers, use windows. including people who want to damage it, and just piss people off by sending out malware, and hacking the crap out of it.
If OSX had that kind of a market share, youd bet your ass that everyone would be breaking down its walls, in exactly the same way.
Lets say you want to create a virus, or an annoying spyware/malware thing. Would you rather it effect Apples measly market share, or Microsofts dominant machine?
Most mac users are just as dumb as most windows users, they just tend to have some sort of superiority complex. Ive worked with os9, osX, and windows, and theyve all got their major and minor flaws, neither is really better than the other, from a sheer 'does this work' standpoint.
"Apple's taking a different approach: What users need is in the box: Anti-virus, anti-spam, encryption, image backup and restore, offsite safe storage through."
I had a look at this page:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/
I didn't see any mention of an anti-virus app.
Did I miss something?
This is my opinion. To make sure you don't steal it, it's covered by the DMCA.
That may be, but you may still want to install some form of anti-virus solution on your machine, simply as a courtesy. Norton Antivirus for Mac will not just pick up Macintosh-specific viruses and those pesky Word macros. No, the database which NAV routinely updates contains the full suite of Windows viruses as well.
And let's face it, it would be bad to find your favorite machine on the network is a Typhoid Maccy.
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