Re: help me understand how a Mac is virtually immune to viruses?

In article <fAvyf.7814$ZA2.2870@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
"Beryl Gormley" <no@xxxxxx> wrote:

> After my initial question about a computer switch to Mac, I got to thinking
> about some of my colleagues at work mentioning that a Mac is virtually
> immune to Win viruses. I know this may be elementary (my dear Watson), but
> how is this so? Wouldn't the Mac be using the same programs for Win surfing
> (Firefox, for example) and be receiving the same spyware and other crap
> downloaded in the system as on the Win environment?

My purely personal, heavily biased opinion based on more than 20 years
of using all sorts of computers ;-)
Windows XP comes with a firewall but you have to switch it on yourself,
otherwise many ports will be open. A typical Windows box will take less
than a few hours on a DSL line to get the first successful visit of an
unknown intruder. Mac OS X has a time proven industrial strength UNIX
firewall (ipfw) with a nice user interface. And the ports are closed
when you unpack the box.
Mac OS X (as any Unix) has a clear differentiation between what a user
does and what the system does. Windows XP to this day does not do that
as clear cut. An indication of this is that you do not need uninstallers
on a Mac - you just put the programme in the thrash.
The first successful virus or other malware would certainly bring
worldwide "fame" to its author, much more so than virus number 68 745
for Windows. The argument of only x% market share is moot with respect
to this.
Obviously with the switch to Intel processors the only difference lies
in the operating system (and design). But I do care.

If you like to get work done instead of pampering a computer I suggest
you give Mac OS X a try. Unless you are heavily in games only. The entry
ticket is not expensive, try an iMac, Mac mini or an iBook unless you
are willing to take the plunge with a MacBook Pro, G5 quad core PowerMac
or such - you might be in for a very pleasant surprise and first hand
experience.

HTH

Marc

--
Switzerland/Europe
<http://www.heusser.com>
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