[Ham-Computers] Do Apple Computers have Virus and Spyware Problems?

[Paul]

On Sun, 2005-01-30 at 18:51, Jim Hill wrote:
> Hi:
> I'm helping a couple in their 70's "get connected" . They were given an 
> Apple laptop by their children, who live out of town.  I have heard that 
> Apple computers don't have virus problems, either because of better written 
> software or because hackers prefer Microsoft products.  What about Spyware?
> 
> Sorry about the semi-off topic post, but it's tough getting older people 
> into their first computer, particularly when your experience with Apple is 
> with the 2+.  (No zings please, I'm 76).
> 73's Jim w6ivw

Apple computers are much less susceptable to virus programs, it's the
windows system that say come on in, what can I do for you? You want to
take , sure go ahead, do what you want wherever.

Even with XP updated and using Norton Internet protection she still got
3 viruses & a trojan within 2 hours of first connection to adsl - she
decided something was wrong where Norton was unable to send so many
emails (that she hadn't written) that the box clogged up.

Other systems - Apple, Linux tend not to give full pemissions for any
user to do what they want like windows does.

Saying that, you'll be connecting to windows spam and virus production
factories, so its probably better to fit some anti-viral software that
you receive from them, if only to stop you passing it on.

If you want to set your mind ar rest, look at 

http://macscan.securemac.com/about.html

Of course, depemnding on what model it is, you could install linux,

http://tuxmobil.org/apple.html and laugh.

For a light-hearted look at windows viruses on another os see:

http://os.newsforge.com/article.pl?sid=05/01/25/1430222