Are Macs/Apples really Virus-Free?

Question

If so, why?

Answer 1

Yes, Macs are virus free. And this is why. First of all they're system structure is completely different and it would be extremely hard to make viruses for macs, let alone get them through the virus blockers and such. Second of all, all the people who make viruses are Windows-hating geeks who live in their mothers basements and wouldnt make a virus for mac even if they knew how. so yeah macs are virus free

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

"They're just virus free because so many people use windows that people who make viruses can do a lot more damage by writing them for windows"


First, look at the two factors that cause email viruses and worms to propagate: social engineering, and poorly designed software. Social engineering is the art of conning someone into doing something they shouldn't do, or revealing something that should be kept secret. Virus writers use social engineering to convince people to do stupid things, like open attachments that carry viruses and worms. Poorly designed software makes it easier for social engineering to take place, but such software can also subvert the efforts of a knowledgable, security-minded individual or organization. Together, the two factors can turn a single virus incident into a widespread disaster.

Let's look further at social engineering. Windows software on
operating systems like XP 2000 and even Windows 98 is either executable or not, depending on the file extension. So if a file ends with ".exe" or ".scr", it can be run as a program (yes, of course, if you change a text file's extension from ".txt" to ".exe", nothing will happen, because it's not magically an executable; I'm talking about real executable programs). It's easy to run executables in the Windows world, and users who get an email with a subject line like "Check out this wicked screensaver!" and an attachment, too often click on it without thinking first, and bang! we're off to the races and a new worm has taken over their systems.

An attacker has to trick the Unix or Linux user into installing a package or a tarball and most users of Unix are smart enough to check the signature or the source of what they are downloading before installing it on their computers.

Answer 4

Not really. All computers that connect to the internet have the risk of getting viruses. Since more people use Windows than Mac, there are more PC viruses. However, there are some viruses for the Mac. So the Mac is nto virus free. It can get viruses.

Answer 5

No. They are NOT virus free. They do once in awhile have a problem with viruses. There are a greater number of PCs out there and that's why PCs get hit more than the Macs. I have a PC only because of the cost factor. I'd rather have a Mac anyday!

Answer 6

They're just virus free because so many people use windows that people who make viruses can do a lot more damage by writing them for windows. If 90% of people had a Mac, people would be talking about how great windows was because it didnt have any viruses. It's just cause nobody bothers.

Answer 7

Who gave you that idea. They need to have their head examined.

Any name brand computer when loaded with your platform and you have paid for your LAN, and you go onto the WWW, (world wide web), you are at 100% risk of getting a virus, adware, malware and spyware.

People with the very best secuirty, antivirus/antispyware are going to get hit at one time or the other. Depends alot on what sites you want to enter or use. Like P2P or crack houses, porno sites, and gambling sites. These sites will hit you hard with trojans an all other kind of virus.

Your best security in the world is using good common sense. Don't give out personal information over the net, or use your real name. Stay safe and be smart.

Clinical Psychiatrist, France

Answer 8

Most viruses are made for windows/PCs, a Mac user will get it but it won't hurt the Mac computer, although the virus could spread to other friends (by emails, etc.), making the your friend's PC (if he has one) get it and ruin his computer. And the cycle just keeps going.

Answer 9

Yes, or at least according to a friend who has a Mac computer. Matter of a fact, he once put Norton Anti Virus on his computer and THAT program screwed up his system !

Answer 10

Yes, there is not a single virus our for OS X, yet. They have 4% of the computer population so why make a virus for it. It has spyware, rootkits, and adware though. So youre not invincible.