[waldojim]

nonseq, on 10 April 2012 - 02:55 PM, said:

The following is what Apple currently says about the Mac and OSX. As far as I can tell it's true as presented. It certainly matches my personal experience.

Quote

It doesn’t get PC viruses.
A Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers. That’s thanks to built-in defenses in Mac OS X that keep you safe, without any work on your part.

Safeguard your data. By doing nothing.
With virtually no effort on your part, OS X defends against viruses and other malicious applications, or malware. For example, it thwarts hackers through a technique called “sandboxing” — restricting what actions programs can perform on your Mac, what files they can access, and what other programs they can launch. With FileVault 2, your data is safe and secure — even if it falls into the wrong hands. FileVault 2 encrypts the entire drive on your Mac, protecting your data with XTS-AESW 128 encryption. Initial encryption is fast and unobtrusive. It can also encrypt any removable drive, helping you secure Time Machine backups or other external drives with ease. Other automatic security features include Library Randomization, which prevents malicious commands from finding their targets, and Execute Disable, which protects the memory in your Mac from attacks.

Download with peace of mind.
Innocent-looking files downloaded over the Internet may contain dangerous malware in disguise. That’s why files you download using Safari, Mail, and iChat are screened to determine if they contain applications. If they do, OS X alerts you, then warns you the first time you open one.

Stay up to date, automatically.
When a potential security threat arises, Apple responds quickly by providing software updates and security enhancements you can download automatically and install with a click. So you’re not tasked with tracking down updates yourself and installing all of them one by one.

Protect what’s important.
OS X makes it easy to stay safe online, whether you’re checking your bank account, sending confidential email, or sharing files with friends and coworkers. Features such as Password Assistant help you lock out identity thieves who are after personal data, while built-in encryption technologies protect your private information and communications. Safari also uses antiphishing technology to protect you from fraudulent websites. If you visit a suspicious site, Safari disables the page and displays an alert warning you about its suspect nature.

http://www.apple.com...ter-os/#viruses

Well, one thing we can take away from this for certain.

Apple computers are not PC's. So sayeth their website.
[bad joke]
This is where Macolites reply with "So sayeth the flock".
[/bad joke]

[nonseq]

waldojim, on 10 April 2012 - 08:29 PM, said:

Well, one thing we can take away from this for certain.

Apple computers are not PC's. So sayeth their website.
[bad joke]
This is where Macolites reply with "So sayeth the flock".
[/bad joke]

Well, I guess you're right but if PC World doesn't cover Macs, the total number of article views for PC World will drop precipitously.

Macolites?

[KLanD]

nonseq, on 10 April 2012 - 01:15 PM, said:

KLanD, on 10 April 2012 - 12:37 PM, said:

Word play. Apple knows that to the general public all malware are virus'. They also stated in some print ads that Macs don't get PC virus'. Which is entirely true, but then again, PCs don't get Mac virus' either. To the general public this isn't interpreted as, 'Macs can't get a PC virus because it uses a different OS' it's interpreted as 'Macs don't get any form of virus whatsoever'. Apple knows this and they use word play like this all the time. I'm not saying other companies don't do it as well, but Apple is one of the best at it.

Also, if you can't find any documentation of Apple infections, you aren't looking hard enough or you are ruling out everything but a very specific piece of malware.

http://www.guardian....plemacs.viruses
http://openlearn.ope...553&section=1.1
http://en.wikipedia..../Computer_virus
http://www.sophos.co...macosxleap.aspx

And those were just in the first few. Looks like the first documented Apple virus was in 1982... first PC in 1986?.. now how about that..

I give up. You believe only that which you want to believe. I asked for virus and you give me worms. I'm done with you. You don't understand because your mind is made up. Your wrong on this and have offered no proof to the contrary. All you have offered is weasel words and they demonstrate ignorance and bias.



"Cut me some slack, Jack! Chump don' want no help, chump don't GET da' help! ... Jive ass dude [may not have a cebebral cortex] anyhow! [Golly!!!!!]." Jive Lady (Barbara Billingsly), Airplane , 1980

So in other words, you are claiming Macs don't get virus'?

You say I use weasel words? LMAO!

[KLanD]

nonseq, on 10 April 2012 - 02:55 PM, said:

The following is what Apple currently says about the Mac and OSX. As far as I can tell it's true as presented. It certainly matches my personal experience.

Quote

It doesn’t get PC viruses.
A Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers. That’s thanks to built-in defenses in Mac OS X that keep you safe, without any work on your part.

Safeguard your data. By doing nothing.
With virtually no effort on your part, OS X defends against viruses and other malicious applications, or malware. For example, it thwarts hackers through a technique called “sandboxing” — restricting what actions programs can perform on your Mac, what files they can access, and what other programs they can launch. With FileVault 2, your data is safe and secure — even if it falls into the wrong hands. FileVault 2 encrypts the entire drive on your Mac, protecting your data with XTS-AESW 128 encryption. Initial encryption is fast and unobtrusive. It can also encrypt any removable drive, helping you secure Time Machine backups or other external drives with ease. Other automatic security features include Library Randomization, which prevents malicious commands from finding their targets, and Execute Disable, which protects the memory in your Mac from attacks.

Download with peace of mind.
Innocent-looking files downloaded over the Internet may contain dangerous malware in disguise. That’s why files you download using Safari, Mail, and iChat are screened to determine if they contain applications. If they do, OS X alerts you, then warns you the first time you open one.

Stay up to date, automatically.
When a potential security threat arises, Apple responds quickly by providing software updates and security enhancements you can download automatically and install with a click. So you’re not tasked with tracking down updates yourself and installing all of them one by one.

Protect what’s important.
OS X makes it easy to stay safe online, whether you’re checking your bank account, sending confidential email, or sharing files with friends and coworkers. Features such as Password Assistant help you lock out identity thieves who are after personal data, while built-in encryption technologies protect your private information and communications. Safari also uses antiphishing technology to protect you from fraudulent websites. If you visit a suspicious site, Safari disables the page and displays an alert warning you about its suspect nature.

http://www.apple.com...ter-os/#viruses

Of course the words are true, it's how this is interpreted by the general public. Shorten down that whole thing to a blurb and what do you get? "Macs don't get virus'".

[KLanD]

Evildave, on 10 April 2012 - 03:54 PM, said:

KLanD, on 10 April 2012 - 12:44 PM, said:

Actually a better metaphor would be that you both live in the same neighborhood, but you don't have anything the criminals want, so they just leave you alone. You don't put locks on your doors cause you've never been attacked, so why start now right?

70,000 new pieces of malware EVERY SINGLE DAY for the PC, versus one or two a year for OS X.

You're not even on the same planet.

I know.. I use facts, not stuff I pull out of my @ss.

[KLanD]

42n81, on 10 April 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:

If you find my comment too difficult to parse and decode because of your "language thing", I'll be only be too glad to repeat it again, while typing more slowly.

Actually it's your lack of English (or proper English) skills that is the problem most of the time. So I can safely say that you do mean that "Apple computers don't get virus'"

Perfect, thanks for proving a point.

[KLanD]

42n81, on 10 April 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

Yet, you keep shoving the "Macs don't get virus'" mantra" into everyone's face and when anyone tells you that Mac's don't get Windows PC viruses, which are the most prevalent by a HUGE margin, you go right back to the starting line and repeat the "Macs don't get virus" mantra.

The only person on this thread repeating the "Macs don't get virus" mantra is YOU. Most Mac users are going "Yeah, OK, so what?"

Sounds like it really pisses you off that Mac users aren't panicking.

You guys are the ones making the claims, I think Macs can get virus'.

[KLanD]

Evildave, on 10 April 2012 - 05:20 PM, said:

Oh, noez! Another critical zero day bug for Windoze, being exploited. Patch patch patch! Hurry hurry hurry! Where's the links to antivirus scareware stuff that promises to clean it?
http://forums.pcworl...now-exploiting/

Suckers. Even though 'Microsoft Update' will 'fix' the exploit (and kill any number of malware examples relying on it), people will stampede to buy any new edition of 'antivirus' that promises to protect them.

Well, except for Vista, since Microsoft says they won't support it anymore. Seems like only a very few years ago, it was the most secure thing, ever. Now they're throwing it under the bus.

It's not that Microsoft doesn't patch exploits. They've just fallen terribly behind after growing the malware business based on their platform to such a horrifying level that there's a whole INDUSTRY dedicated to NOTHING BUT producing malware for Windows/IE, and other popular Microsoft products.

Funny thing, I betcha LibreOffice/OpenOffice don't fall for the same bug that M$ Office has. Not that there aren't problems in either, there just isn't a gigantic industry of people earning their daily bread doing it.

Exactly as the Microsoft apologists say.

But again, given a CHOICE, why live in a high crime neighborhood?

Don't use Microsoft Office, don't use IE, and if possible, don't use Windows. There go 99.99999% of your threats. Virtually 100%, if you use Linux wisely.

You know, like living in a SAFE neighborhood. It's not impossible that you'll be hit by a car, or suffer some form of crime. It's just a lot less likely than in the middle of a stinking DMZ ghetto with bullets flying everywhere.

What a bitter person you are.

[KLanD]

Evildave, on 10 April 2012 - 07:57 PM, said:

You HAVE been conned.

"My Magic Rock protects you from TIGERS! See any tigers? IT WORKS! IT WORKS!"

How stupid is that? If the real tiger comes, you're screwed, and it's the same with malware and 'antivirus'.

People running OS X mostly infect their own machines, running trojans. Is there a way to protect from trojans? Yes. Only allow them to download from secure app stores. Or educate them to. (Good luck with the latter....) Don't let them download anything executable from 'mywarezizcool.kr'.

Need to 'protect' your clueless grandma from herself and her grandkids? Buy her a computer, install what she needs, set up an account, and don't give her a way to elevate her permissions. Or buy her a sandboxed 'Chrome' machine, since all she does is read emails and open any potential malware links she gets.

Apple's iOS has very few 'security' complaints, even compared to Android. You play nice in the sandbox, or your app is pulled. My 77 year old dad loves his iPad. Just what he needed. Absolutely NOTHING to 'administrate' or worry about. Like magic.

Can Windoze be made 'secure'? Yes... but not when OEMs build windoze machines that log in with 'Administrator' privileges by default. And they still do. Even most manufacturers of wireless routers now slap a default password on them, because dimwit users who didn't know any better always turned them on, set up the default 'open' networks, and forgot about them. There are so many PC manufacturers who are hideously irresponsible, and Microsoft lets 'em do it.

Kinda sounds like Apple's "Magical" tablet.

[nonseq]

" Well, boys, I reckon this is it - nuclear combat toe to toe with the Roosskies. Now look, boys, I ain't much of a hand at makin' speeches, but I got a pretty fair idea that something doggone important is goin' on back there. And I got a fair idea the kinda personal emotions that some of you fellas may be thinkin'. Heck, I reckon you wouldn't even be human bein's if you didn't have some pretty strong personal feelin's about nuclear combat. I want you to remember one thing, the folks back home is a-countin' on you and by golly, we ain't about to let 'em down. I tell you something else, if this thing turns out to be half as important as I figure it just might be, I'd say that you're all in line for some important promotions and personal citations when this thing's over with. That goes for ever' last one of you regardless of your race, color or your creed. Now let's get this thing on the hump - we got some flyin' to do. "

- Major T. J. "King" Kong (Slim Pickens) Dr. Strangelove, Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.

This post has been edited by nonseq: 11 April 2012 - 08:43 AM

[waldojim]

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

Well, I guess you're right but if PC World doesn't cover Macs, the total number of article views for PC World will drop precipitously.

Macolites?

What do you want me to say? It was either that or Sheep. And calling people sheep is SO last week!

[nonseq]

waldojim, on 11 April 2012 - 08:31 AM, said:

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

Well, I guess you're right but if PC World doesn't cover Macs, the total number of article views for PC World will drop precipitously.

Macolites?

What do you want me to say? It was either that or Sheep. And calling people sheep is SO last week!

Shouldn't that be "Macolytes?" Are Macolytes like Andrones?

As for sheep, have you ever herded sheep? Sheep are pretty independent thinkers in the final analysis. Why do you think shepherds have to use those cool dogs? Sheep don't just follow the leader, you have to keep them bunched. Now cattle....

This post has been edited by nonseq: 11 April 2012 - 08:45 AM

[bcappel]

42n81, on 10 April 2012 - 07:24 PM, said:

bcappel, on 10 April 2012 - 05:10 PM, said:

Evildave, on 10 April 2012 - 04:38 PM, said:

70,000 a day. I'm not just pulling that number out of my buttocks.

http://research.clou...rg/content18103
http://whitepapers.p...om/content18103
http://www.kaspersky...N-10-107947.pdf
http://www.faronics....-are-avoidable/

[snip]

Two of your "sources" are identical, and the other two are from companies that sell anti-virus software...aren't those the companies that you claim are "conning" everyone? Where do any of your sources claim the count is Windows PC only?

It's easy to find anything online that fits your agenda. But if you'd like unbiased data try here: http://www.av-test.o...istics/malware/

I have several windows PCs, I have several Macs, I have several Linux boxes. I have anti-virus running on one windows box. I have a second completely identical windows box that does not have anti virus on it. There is absolutely zero different in performance. The whole idea that anti-virus measurably affects performance is yet another con job, complete nonsense. Maybe that is true on Macs, I don't know. The claim that only Windows PC's are vulnerable to attack is also complete nonsense, as this article proves.

Then why isn't the second Windows machine running anti-virus software? Running a Windows box without A/V is a definite no-no, unless we've all been conned of course.

It was claimed earlier that the infection ratio is similar between Windows and Mac platforms. Assuming that's true, and assuming that a much larger proportion of Windows machines run anti-virus when compared to Macs, and also assuming that the anti-virus is actually effective at stopping most threats, what does it say about the comparative ratio of infection between unprotected Windows versus unprotected Mac boxes when a relatively small percentage of unprotected Windows boxes account for most of the infections?

Doesn't that say anything about the respective threat level when the largely anti-virus protected OS (Windows) performs no better than a largely unprotected OS (OS X)?

The threat level is obviously much larger for a Windows PC. Many more virus's are written to target it. If my goal in writing a virus is to infect the most machines possible, obviously I am going to target the OS that is on the vast majority of machines.

[bcappel]

Evildave, on 10 April 2012 - 05:20 PM, said:

Oh, noez! Another critical zero day bug for Windoze, being exploited. Patch patch patch! Hurry hurry hurry! Where's the links to antivirus scareware stuff that promises to clean it?
http://forums.pcworl...now-exploiting/

Suckers. Even though 'Microsoft Update' will 'fix' the exploit (and kill any number of malware examples relying on it), people will stampede to buy any new edition of 'antivirus' that promises to protect them.

Well, except for Vista, since Microsoft says they won't support it anymore. Seems like only a very few years ago, it was the most secure thing, ever. Now they're throwing it under the bus.

It's not that Microsoft doesn't patch exploits. They've just fallen terribly behind after growing the malware business based on their platform to such a horrifying level that there's a whole INDUSTRY dedicated to NOTHING BUT producing malware for Windows/IE, and other popular Microsoft products.

Funny thing, I betcha LibreOffice/OpenOffice don't fall for the same bug that M$ Office has. Not that there aren't problems in either, there just isn't a gigantic industry of people earning their daily bread doing it.

Exactly as the Microsoft apologists say.

But again, given a CHOICE, why live in a high crime neighborhood?

Don't use Microsoft Office, don't use IE, and if possible, don't use Windows. There go 99.99999% of your threats. Virtually 100%, if you use Linux wisely.

You know, like living in a SAFE neighborhood. It's not impossible that you'll be hit by a car, or suffer some form of crime. It's just a lot less likely than in the middle of a stinking DMZ ghetto with bullets flying everywhere.

Virtually 100% of the threat is gone if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux wisely.

Windows is specifically targeted because it has overwhelming market dominance. All platforms are vulnerable, as this article proves.

[nonseq]

bcappel, on 11 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

Virtually 100% of the threat is gone if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux wisely.

Windows is specifically targeted because it has overwhelming market dominance. All platforms are vulnerable, as this article proves.

So really it would be more accurate to say that "Users of all platforms are vulnerable". At least it seems to me that social engineered malware is the biggest threat.

[bcappel]

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 10:17 AM, said:

bcappel, on 11 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

Virtually 100% of the threat is gone if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux wisely.

Windows is specifically targeted because it has overwhelming market dominance. All platforms are vulnerable, as this article proves.

So really it would be more accurate to say that "Users of all platforms are vulnerable". At least it seems to me that social engineered malware is the biggest threat.

Good point, I agree with that statement completely.

[waldojim]

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 08:40 AM, said:

Shouldn't that be "Macolytes?" Are Macolytes like Andrones?

As for sheep, have you ever herded sheep? Sheep are pretty independent thinkers in the final analysis. Why do you think shepherds have to use those cool dogs? Sheep don't just follow the leader, you have to keep them bunched. Now cattle....

You know what, you are right, I did spell that wrong - my bad. FF spell check doesn't like either version though, for what that is worth.

[42n81]

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 08:40 AM, said:

waldojim, on 11 April 2012 - 08:31 AM, said:

nonseq, on 11 April 2012 - 07:27 AM, said:

Well, I guess you're right but if PC World doesn't cover Macs, the total number of article views for PC World will drop precipitously.

Macolites?

What do you want me to say? It was either that or Sheep. And calling people sheep is SO last week!

Shouldn't that be "Macolytes?" Are Macolytes like Andrones?

As for sheep, have you ever herded sheep? Sheep are pretty independent thinkers in the final analysis. Why do you think shepherds have to use those cool dogs? Sheep don't just follow the leader, you have to keep them bunched. Now cattle....

Macolytes and Andrones ... the modern day Hatfields and McCoys.

I just love the smell of flame wars in the morning. (Adapted from Kilgore's memorable quote)

[RickDobbelmannqbtt]

bcappel, on 11 April 2012 - 09:52 AM, said:

Virtually 100% of the threat is gone if you use Windows, Mac, or Linux wisely.

Windows is specifically targeted because it has overwhelming market dominance. All platforms are vulnerable, as this article proves.

Windows is targeted because of their GAPING COLOSED SOURCE HOLES.

Microcrap is still using a kernel based on WINDOWS NT!!!


NAME ONE wide spread Linux virus/malware/troan. YOU cannot because there has NEVER been one. Linux dominates the server world! why isn't linux eploited on the server side? BECAUSE IT CANNOT HAPPEN!!!

Wake up and free yourself.

This post has been edited by bcappel: 11 April 2012 - 01:03 PM
Reason for edit: No swearing allowed

[42n81]

KLanD, on 11 April 2012 - 07:36 AM, said:

42n81, on 10 April 2012 - 04:21 PM, said:

If you find my comment too difficult to parse and decode because of your "language thing", I'll be only be too glad to repeat it again, while typing more slowly.

Actually it's your lack of English (or proper English) skills that is the problem most of the time. So I can safely say that you do mean that "Apple computers don't get virus'"

Perfect, thanks for proving a point.

Seeing as I am the ultimate authority on what I say and what I mean to say, I can "safely" assure you that you misunderstood and continue to misunderstand my statement.

But if that's what you want to believe, and you want to use your misunderstanding to justify getting all pissy about Macs and their users, there's not very much I can do about it.

That fact that I can explain to you in several languages exactly what I meant to say in no way takes away from my ability to express myself in English.

What exactly qualifies you to judge someone else's mastery of "proper English"? Being an educated and well informed sort, you no doubt realize that English, being an international language, comes in may colors and flavors. If you have difficulty understanding something, just ask. I guarantee you that your panties won't bunch up as much if you do.