Is apple's Mac OS X (Operating System) really better than Microsoft OS (Xp...)?

Question

Pretty confused with the reviews found in the net... i have seen a lot of reviews attacking the Microsft OS's. Many state that its security features are biggest loopholes. its target'd because of its popularity and extensive usage world wide right or is it designed with flaws? Apple Mac OS X is called the most secure OS.... is that true?

Answer 1

Microsoft seems to be a big target for hackers, which is why you're always hearing about trojans, viruses, worms, etc. that attack its OS. Likely, this is because it's such a popular OS and the majority of businesses and corporations use it. For some reason, hackers seem to largely not target Mac/Apple, though Mac did suffer its first targeted virus not too long ago. I'm biased, because I've been using a Mac for 13 years, but I do find I have very little problem with spyware, adware, viruses, trojans, worms, etc. so I would agree that it is a more secure OS than Microsoft. As for being the "most" secure ... hard to say -- any talented hacker could create problems on any computer if he/she wanted to!

You can find out more info about Apple/Mac security issues here:
http://www.apple.com/getamac/viruses.html

As you can see, they have a pretty awesome track record! :)

Answer 2

It really depends on how you look at it. Any computer connected to any Internet connection is vulnerable to certain types of attack. As you said, Windows XP because it is the most common and a primary target. There have been OSX exploits mostly through iTunes and Quicktime and Apple has been slow to release patches and that is where Microsoft beats Apple. Microsoft gets updates out faster than Apple can and sometimes Apple won't even admit a flaw exists. But I suppose they have some leeway there, OSX isn't attacked that often. Not only because it is less common but because the Unix core behind OSX doesn't grant all applications access to the core OS. If an application attempts to go beyond its boundaries, OSX will not allow that to happen, it'll either halt the application or just let it sit there and do nothing and surprisingly, it won't crash. That's not to say OSX never crashes, it does but as with any OS, including Windows, it is usually due to a third party application or driver.

The reason OSX is more secure is because you are not running as an Admin or "Root" user all the time. In OSX typically you are logged in to what would be considered a standard user account but you are still allowed to make system level changes but applications are not allowed access to the core of the OS and it is not needed under a Unix system. Microsoft will be introducing something similar to this with Vista but they have a few kinks to work out of it.

But now that it is possible to run Windows XP on the Intel Macs using Boot Camp the Macs are exposed to the same issues that Windows is.

I think it is time for users of Windows XP to take accountability for their own security. If you are not running anti-virus, spyware protection and a firewall, you are putting yourself in for a world of hurt. Any half-way decent secure installation of Windows XP and yes, you can secure it, is just as rock solid as OSX. Most of the problems that arise from Windows XP are the person using it has no or outdated security software and two, they have no idea how to use it properly. The other issues stem from using bad third party applications or poorly manufactured hardware, remember most of the time you get what you pay for. Most of the crashes people experience from Windows are they don't maintain the system properly. In my five years of using, maintaining and correcting Windows issues, I haven't had a single installation go up on me. I also do yearly reinstalls to keep it fresh.

Answer 3

I've used OS X since inception, and XP on the odd occasion. Not only have I never had a virus, security breach or any such issue with Mac, I can also promise you that OS X is like drinking champagne, while Windows is like choking down used motor oil.

Answer 4

You are going to see a LOT of answers here.

Short answer is Yes. Windows has design flaws, and its popularity make it a target. As far as most secure, at least for the average computer user, OS X is definitely most secure. And you are just going to ENJOY it more.

Answer 5

If you nothing about the computers Mac OS X is for dummies.
Microsoft gives you more choices and Microsoft computers allow you to upgrade your hardware.
If you are a scientist: Microsoft
If you are an artist: Mac

Answer 6

Mac OSX is not the most secure OS. Look at the distribution of OSX and Windows. If you want to write a Virus, or something like that, it would be more effective to write it for Windows.

--> much more Damage.

Answer 7

Yes, Mac has always been better. OS X is based on Linux or Unix. Micros***t has been based on add more memory, it'll all work next year, and don't buy that innovator's software, we'll sell the same thing next season. After multiple lost court decisions they do the same error again and say this is a new situation. And then the MS veep or lawyer says "I don't think the court trusts us". Well Duh.

Answer 8

I'am not an expert but ask a computer guy. my opinon is yes.

Answer 9

Ya.

Answer 10

Maybe it is, maybe its not.