Posted on 02/06/2010 12:09:39 PM PST by driftdiver
When I am asked the question "Which is more secure, Mac or PC?" I find myself stumbling around for a response because I don't have a clear-cut answer. I use both. And I use antivirus software with both.
So I decided to conduct an informal survey of a bunch of security experts and see what they had to say in the hopes that people can use the information to help them come to their own conclusions.
Before I provide quotes from the 32 experts who participated in the survey, along with edited comments from an interview with a Microsoft representative and a link that Apple provided, I'd like to share some relevant research from antivirus vendor ESET.
More than half of Americans believe that PCs are "very" or "extremely" vulnerable to cybercrime attacks, while only 20 percent say the same about Macs, according to this ESET survey. (Credit: ESET)
ESET released the results of a survey in November related to awareness of cybercrime in the U.S. The survey of more than 1,000 people found that while both PC and Mac users perceive the Mac as being safer, Mac users are victims of cybercrime just as frequently as PC user
(Excerpt) Read more at news.cnet.com ...
and, what, pray tell is this?
Apple OS X Snow Leopard Server -unlimited license $499
I will agree that it us not a source of problems.
Read on
So we finally get to your beef.... Macs are more expensive than PC’s.
(and I’m sure you’ll have an article written by “experts” that proves it)
Keep trying
>(and I’m sure you’ll have an article written by “experts” that proves it)<>
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/08/the_price_difference_between_macs_and_pcs_wid.html
What is your point with this article? Sounds like IBM cherry-picked a category for their measure.
The point is that Mac isn’t the perfect OS that so many mac believers say it is. Mac is better in some cases, worse in others.
Of course IBM cherry picked their OS. Just like Windows cherry picks its stuff and Mac picks its stuff.
Yep the Mac server OS isn’t the source of many problems. Of course there aren’t that many on the Internet to start with.
Keep trying to do what? Those were your words and they definitely show that you have a beef with Macs that goes beyond technical capabilities.
I just paid $1400 for a 15.4 MBP, can you show me a $500-$700 windows machine with the same specs (and software)?
“Those were your words and they definitely show that you have a beef with Macs that goes beyond technical capabilities.”
No, I have a beef with mac users who have a holier than thou attitude.
I simply consider mac products to be over priced. You’re asking if a windows machine less than 1/2 of the price of a mac can beat it? Your logic escapes me.
So you agree that the article you posted to support your argument has cherry-picked stats that don’t really matter?
I don’t think anyone in this thread argued that OSX is perfect. But you posted an article (and then a snarky opening comment) that just begged to be replied to... what did you expect when you did that?
“So you agree that the article you posted to support your argument has cherry-picked stats that don’t really matter?”
No, the article I posted represents a fairly large sampling of security experts and their opinions.
“I don’t think anyone in this thread argued that OSX is perfect.”
?? frequently happens at least when it comes to security, performance, and lifespan of the equipment.
“what did you expect when you did that?”
I’ve found it doesn’t really matter what I post when it comes to these threads. Some posters will attack anyone who doesn’t bow down to the ‘Mac is God’ attitude. Some posters claim all windows developers are criminals and proudly repeat their assertion.
Mac is an ok product but I don’t think I’ll ever purchase another one due to the mac crowd. I’d rather not be associated with that attitude.
Macs and mac users have vulnerabilities and people considering a computer purchase need to know that.
Good article.
But it’s kinda like comparing the Porsche 911 and an Impala LTZ.
Both have 6 cylinder engines of almost equal size. Both have 4 wheels and windshield wipers.
How can the Porsche cost more? And why would anyone want one?
(for the record, I’m a Vette man and I wouldn’t want a Porsche at all)
Still virus free after 3 years with the Macbook and in 2 months, the Mini hasn’t contracted anything either. Don’t feel any pressure to get anti-virus software cuz’ I don’t watch porn nor do I download files I am not certain about. OS X is just awesome :)
Stop posting to me!
Perhaps you like being called a criminal.
specify them. And tell exactly how they are exploitabe or are vectorable. You claim they exist. It's up to you to provide proof of this palpable threat. I call Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. FUD.
Name the Exploits. Not proof of concept exploits that have never been seen out side of a computer lab, name the "numerous" OS X exploits that are "out there" in the wild impacting Mac users adversely. NAME THEM.
No the experts in the article claim they exist. Address the article of the thread instead of making personal attacks.
that's false. Microsoft made a $150,000,000 purchase of restricted preferred stock as part of a lawsuit settlement they essentially LOST. At the time of this mythical MS bailout, Apple had $1.4 Billion in cash and liquid assets. MS also, as part of the settlement, agreed to license FROM Apple the disputed software patents for an undisclosed license fee for five years, re-activate and agressively market the canceled Mac Office, and Licence TO Apple at no charge certain MS patnents in perpetuity. The three interlocking agreements outlining this patent lawsuit settlement are available online for anyone to read.
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