Switched to a Mac

[isbister]

As I threatened some weeks ago, and encouraged by some of you, I've bought a Mac to replace my aged PC. I opted for a 2Ghz Mac Mini in the end and it's absolutely brilliant. I'm on a steep learning curve at the moment but really everything is much easier, and much better, than I anticipated. Only extra expense was I had to get a new modem that ran off an ethernet port.
My question is, having used Windows for years I can't believe I don't need virus protection software anymore...this is true right?

[isbister]

[Lauren S]

I'm not a mac user, unless it rains  ;D.
You might find this useful.
http://www.macdailynews.com/index.php/weblog/comments/do_apple_mac_os_x_users_need_antivirus_software/

[BAK]

no ibister .. it is not true that you do not need any anti-virus software.

It is true that a mac is much less likely to be attacked but there is still a risk.

The majority of PC users use Windows hence it is no surprise that this is where virus writers mostly concentrate their energies.

Despite what anti-Microsoft people like to say software such as OS X (Mac) and Linux (various machines) could equally be targets but the user base is so small, relatively speaking, that  it is not worth virus writers spending too much time and effort on them ... yet!

[Baccy Man]

There is mac specific malware being written it only requires simple code to create it. In addition you you can pick up windows viruses by the thousand although they will not affect your computer there is a risk of you passing them onto other people. Mac users regularly disribute viruses to windows users although it is unintentional it doesn't make them very popular. It is also completely avoidable if they simply used free anti virus software the viruses would be detected & deleted so they would not cause problems for other people.
I'm not sure why viruses annoy me so much removing them pays my bills but rather than ranting about them I suggest you look at this thread where they were discussed recently.
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,37281.0.html

[isbister]

Thanks for replies, I'm still confused...

[Eristic]

Thanks for replies, I'm still confused...

When one computer in 10,000 was a Mac it simply was a waste of time writing the code to attack the machine. Now with Mac usage rapidly on the increase coupled with the US military opting to use Macs instead of broken windows it is now a useful target for miscreants.

Any operating system can be compromised but the code required has to be written for the purpose. It's a matter of expense v reward.

I've just had a quick peek at some web stats of mine to get a current picture of mac use:

bluewisteria 4.1%
david-frary.com 6.4%
thegardenseat.com 6.6%
eastgatenhornsea 6.9%

Once Macs go over 10% in common usage windows may implode, and bear in mind that most of these machines do not have anti-virus installed they will soon become desireable targets.

[isbister]

Thanks again for info...so which virus checker should I be looking at - what do you guys have?

[Baccy Man]

I would just use a free one like http://www.clamxav.com/ while I think there is a need for an antivirus program I don't believe it is enough of an issue to spend a lot of money on it yet.

[asbean]

I had a Mac.  It had an antivirus program.  A friend brought a floppy so I could print something for her as her printer was broken.  The AV prog detected a virus.  When was this?  1992.  If it was important then, it is even more important now.