why is this?

okay i've heard and read alot of people talking about how Mac OS pretty much is guaranteed no viruses..why isn't it the same for windows..? I've never used a mac so thats why i'm asking

 

Windows isn't built upon a Unix framework.

 

Virus makers target the most common platform, to reach the most people.

Since mac users are a relatively tiny percentage of all pc users compared to windows users, there is less incentive to target Mac OS.

Its like if you were writing a video game to sell, would you write it for the Xbox, or would you write it for the Atari Jaguar? You'd write it for the Xbox, because writing it for the Atari Jaguar would reach (much) fewer people

Same thing. There's just not enough mac users to justify the effort.

 

okay..i see. totally understandable..to bad there has to be viruses in the first place..what the heck is the point?

 

Mostly to wreak havoc.

Also, how else would Symantec and McAfee stay in business?

 

Yeah I would like to add to mtylerjr's post. Look at the Iphone. I believe it is built on MacOSX 10 (correct me if im wrong), and now it's being hacked like there's no tomorrow. So popularity = more hackers targeting it.

 

Also, some virus writers/distributors are doing it for money:
http://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/419

 

Hackers do it because they can. They actually do a public service resulting in an improved OS. I could just imagine Microsoft and others scrambling to plug the hole in their programs. Serves them right for releasing unstable programs.

 

They do it because Windows is an easier target.

 

it is popularity. AND how do you know if an OS is completely stable, hackers will always look for holes, just like terrorists will always be looking for more way to terrorize. Its the nature of things. You never know until after someone else exploits it.

 

For a long time, most Windows users have run as Administrator (i.e. with full privileges) because that's been the default. So that made people more susceptible to virus attacks. With Vista, it's no longer the default... so that should help a bit.

Otherwise, it's the popularity of Windows, and the prevalence of security flaws in Windows and popular Windows software.

 

Since most businesses and individuals use Windows, it's more lucrative to exploit it. Macs can be hacked also and yes also Linux. When Macs and Linux are hacked the news spreads and then dies quickly. With Windows it'll make headlines for days because they want maximum exposure for people who use it thus to monitor their system. There are no 100% secure OS.

 

LOL..good points everybody. i don't use mcafee or norton..I use a different one. I also use spyware and adware programs. but yea good points it just sucks when you get one..LOL

 

I bet you use p2p and browse pr0n sites alot.

 

With that being said, please stop spreading the news about using Firefox.

The sheer number of new users is creating a market for hackers to exploit the weaknesses.

 

Why make a virus for Mac PCs? Mac PCs only make up 5%-7% of the World Market. For every 1 Mac OS user, there are 19 Windows users. Mac viruses are just as easy to make and send, but why?

 

Not 100% true. I agree that if Mac OS X had 90% market share they'd have much more viruses, but not to the same level of the current ones targeting Windows.

First, Mac OS X is based on UNIX. Better security right there. Second, OS X by default has a lot of things built-in meant for better security. You need to type a password every time you install an application or change a critical system preference. When downloading an application you have to Okay it before it actually reaches your desktop. And if you tell us "Vista has that now", well, OS X had it since 2003.

So once again, OS X's lack of viruses is largely contributed to its lower market share, but it still is more secure than Windows is right now if OS X had 90% market share.

 

I have a similar set up with my desktop and laptop. Spybot Search and Destroy only allows programs I want to start up and prevents any unauthorized programs to install. I am somewhat impressed, I can run Mac OS with fewer spyware scanners, virus scanners and several other programs I am currently running.

 

Firefox headline... the most "safe" and "secure" browser to date and then a couple of days later news comes out.. "Firefox has been hacked and they're frantically patching it"! What a pie in the face! hahahaha

I haven't seen Opera hacked yet... my second choice for browsing besides IE7.