why not? Base language, different?
2006-11-14 16:24:49 · 6 answers · asked by JonnieB 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Yes, it's basically true. There are no viruses (or almost none) for Mac OS X. This is probably because Mac OS X is based on BSD Unix, which is a much more stable and secure operating system than most (if not all) versions of Windows.
Some people claim that the lack of Mac viruses is solely due to the smaller market share of Mac OS, but I do not find this argument plausible: the market share of Mac OS, while less than that of Windows, is still significant, and one would have expected some enterprising hackers to start creating Mac OS X viruses if it were feasible. Since this has not happened, I think Mac OS X's superior security model better explains the facts.
There *are* a relatively small number of viruses for Mac OS 9 and earlier. Most are relatively benign, and seem to have been written more as proofs of concept than with malicious intent. There are also a few exploits for minor security holes in Mac OS X, but these are not viruses and, in any case, are not terribly serious.
By the way, most Mac OS X users (myself included) do not run antivirus software, since it's unnecessary in the current state of affairs. That would be suicide on Windows...
2006-11-14 16:43:24 · answer #1 · answered by MarnenLK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its $, first computer virus found on a Commercial machine was a Mac, they don't advertise that, but its a fact. The most viruses are one Windows, because its so freakin easy to compromise and abuse the sloppy code. MS-DOS, what a joke.
If Norton.McAffee,TrendMicro and them saw Mac sales rise dramatically, and they are, they would write the viruses for them.
Then sell the Anti Virus Software and a years subscription.
Macs get viuses, its just the Code is so much cleaner it dosnt have such a devastateing effect, yet.
2006-11-14 16:35:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is true. Apple computers were the only computers un-affected by the problem of the date year, 2000. This is another plus for Apples computers , maybe not the most expensive of all computers.I believe that it has to do with the way in which these computers were constructed.They do not seem to get viruses.
2006-11-14 16:35:42 · answer #3 · answered by skeetejacquelinelightersnumber7 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They still get viruses, just not as many as Windows. It's because Windows is used by far more people, and therefore, a virus coded in Windows' language will affect more people.
2006-11-14 16:30:05 · answer #4 · answered by D14BL0 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no, it's not true. they just get less viruses! it probably has to do with the fact that not as many people use macs as windows, and windows has a heck of a lot of viruses
2006-11-14 16:28:21 · answer #5 · answered by m0rph0s1s 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
None of the coders are interested in taking over a mac because it because there aren't enough of them to help them ddos a website
2006-11-14 16:31:40 · answer #6 · answered by Wootmasta 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋