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Posted on 03/08/2006 1:29:41 AM PST by Swordmaker
Viruses that aren't viruses. Hysterical reports that equate Mac OS X security to Windows. Media reports about Mac OS X "worms, trojans, and viruses." Totally unsubstantiated reports that Mac OS X can be "hacked in under 30-minutes" (the lack of proof screams for attention). Which, of course, is the headline that's blared.
Why all of this noise about Mac OS X and "security issues" lately? I'll tell you why: Microsoft and their parasites are getting nervous. Market share is increasing for Apple Macintosh. The Windows platform means billions of dollars to Microsoft and companies built and run around Windows' deficiencies. Throw in antivirus purveyors now threatened by Microsoft's slimy entry into the market (it's beyond belief to Mac users that Mafiasoft will now charge suckers $50 per year to "protect" their own product) that are looking for a new market and you have more than enough reasons for the spate of articles questioning Mac OS X security.
Many people are worried. And rightly so. What if a large portion of people switch to Mac from Windows? What happens to the mom and pop operations that depend on selling boxes that run Windows and that have no experience with Macs? What happens to the antivirus companies that depend on the Windows security mess? How will they sell their wares to Mac OS X users? What happens to Microsoft's Windows profits? What happens to software makers that make Windows-only software? The list goes on forever; there's a whole economy based on fixing and supporting Windows.
Munir Kotadia's latest for ZDNet is just another in a string of FUD pieces (see related articles below) designed to introduce doubt about the Mac in Joe and Jane Sixpack. Gotta keep 'em in the fold; by whatever means possible, it seems. Big bucks is involved here. (In all fairness, Kotadia has written at least one pro-Mac security piece, too.)
People are switching to Mac from Windows. Apple's Mac market share increased over a percentage point in the last year alone, according to Gartner and IDC. That is why Mac OS X's security is being attacked in dubious articles (weakly, but attacked nonetheless). In fact, over a year ago, I warned about Mac backlash from those interested in protecting their Windows turf. Such backlash will get worse before it gets better. These people and companies aren't about to let facts get in the way of continuing to fill their pockets with Windows-related profits.
Ultimately, these articles mean good things for Apple. It shows that the Mac is gaining and it's making a lot of people who depend on keeping the masses stuck on Windows very, very nervous.
SteveJack is a long-time Macintosh user, web designer, multimedia producer and a regular contributor to the MacDailyNews Opinion section.
From another article: He manages a total of 12,000 desktops, including nearly 5,000 Macs.
Your insight that there is a lot of financial incentive to discredit Macs as they gain market share is on target.
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