Slashdot Mirror


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."

2 of 513 comments (clear)

  1. I might be missing something, but.... by 8127972 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    "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.
  2. Re:All I know is ... by Crash+Culligan · · Score: 1, Redundant
    I'm no network admin, but all I know is since I switched to Mac I have no Norton or Symantec software running and there's no signs of threats anywhere.

    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.

    --
    You cannot truly appreciate Dilbert until you read it in the original Klingon.