I understand that programmers don't create viruses for Macs, I get that. I was wondering how universal that statement is. For example, if I was using P2P (peer to peer) software such as LimeWire, are my risks for getting a virus the same, reduced, or greater than if I was using a microsoft/windows based computer?
I really would like to know what the statement really applies to.
Thanks
2007-02-06 07:48:46 · 6 answers · asked by tgoace 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
A virus is a program, and as such it has to target a platform. A virus that targets Windows, which 99% do, will not run on an Apple platform. Apple's OS won't know how to interpret the code, and even then won't have access to the code libraries it needs to run. The virus is a chunk of binary garbage on an Apple. Your risk of virus' from P2P software is about nil. You may get a lot of them, but they won't be able to do anything.
2007-02-06 07:54:47 · answer #1 · answered by Pfo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There have been viruses written that effect Mac systems. Now that they are running a linux kernel there is the possibility that it will become more of a target.
While it may not be as big of a target for virus writers as Windows systems, it is still a target for Malware authors. Last month was Month of Apple Bugs (do a yahoo search on it) it will show that people are looking for ways to exploit the Mac.
What is worse being wide open to viruses/trojans/spyware or having a little protection from the known variants of malicious software? There are rootkits (somewhat like a virus) that can allow remote control of a unix based (that includes Mac).
2007-02-06 08:28:24 · answer #2 · answered by ruloopy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Macs do not get viruses because no one has created any is strictly true.
Regardless, say if I was on a mac and I downloaded a virus from Lime wire according to the Mac the virus still does not exist as it is not written to attack the Mac. Hence it is of no threat and not a viruses.
Macs can get viruses but I have had one for 4 years and nothing.
2007-02-06 07:54:31 · answer #3 · answered by Chεεrs [uk] 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol...the reason that programmers don't write viruses for Mac is that when just a few people use Mac and a virus takes at least 100 lines of codes then, they won't waste their time to write a virus for just a few people...the invest their time on a bigger group which is Windows...
yes, Mac REALLY don't get viruses because programmers don't want to waste time.
and if you use LimeWire (also known as VirusWire when it's used for Windows) in Mac you'll be safe completely not even "safer" but "completely safe"
2007-02-06 07:56:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are very very very low compared to a windows machine
a mac is much more protected in its design while windows is more open
therefore giving hackers a greater window into the windows machine
no pun intended
2007-02-06 09:40:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
DUHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EVERYTHING WITH MEMORY CAN BE CORRUPT ((GET A VIRUS))
2007-02-06 14:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋