Is it all the spyware found ONLY in windows PC?

Question

Hi, I have read the link below. It mentions "hasn't detected a single piece of spyware targeted at Macs or Linux machines"
I am not sure how true is this statement now.

http://www.oreillynet.com/windows/blog/2004/10/spyware_targets_only_windows_u.html

Answer 1

It can very well be true because about 90% of the market uses Windows. Why would you make something that you want to make money off of for only 10% of the market?

Answer 2

Yes, it's true.

If/when everybody switches to Macs, the spyware will follow them.

Also keep in mind that Macs are more expensive than PCs and weaker, and there aren't as many good programs for Macs.

All in all, the best thing to do would be to keep using a PC, but protect it:
• By not using Internet Explorer unless you *absolutely have to*. Use a better browser such as Firefox or Opera.
• By using anti-spyware protection such as Ad-Aware and Spyware Blaster.
• By using an antivirus such as AVG Free or Avast.

The nice thing about the specific programs I have mentioned above is that they are all free.

I've included links to the websites of those programs, below.

If you switch to Apple, you won't need any of those programs, but when you *do* need something — and you eventually will — Apple will charge you hundreds of dollars for an OS upgrade to get it.

Answer 3

Adware and malware creators want to infect as many people as they can! Due to the fact that Windows users are 90 percent of the internet, They aint gonna waste time programming viruses for the other ten percent! You can do as the people who use macs suggest if you dont mind LARGE limitations on what you run for software or, you can become more intelligent in your knowledge of the internet! You are the person who infects your computer! Not the creators! Using p2p services is the biggest problem as far as viruses go! You are downloading crap from another users PC! How many of these people are infected? Secondly, downloading porn or internet games or for that matter any number of other downloads are usually infected with spyware and page hijackers! Last but not least! You can run as much protection as you want! No virus protection or adware protection catches it all! Viruses and adware are created daily! Virus protection cant remove something that it doesnt know exists yet! One more thing, opening everything people send you in e mails is not a good practice! Your mother could be infecting you not knowing she has a virus! I use two e mail accounts, one for close contact with friends and family, I NEVER open attachements in it! I use a secondary web based e mail for everything else such as yahoo mail. It filters tons of crap for me!

Answer 4

Well Windows certainly is the largest operating system on personal computers that I am aware of so it stands to reason that attacks would be primarily against it.

However, I wouldn't bet that any other operating system is totally bug free especially based on one person's authority.

Answer 5

Yes!!!
Spyware, Viruses, all the nasty stuff hackers develop is just for you; PC users.
We Mac people feel your pain (rhetorically speaking of coarse).
Buy a Mac and stop worrying. :^)

Answer 6

I also heard about it. I think it's real. Linux is safer.