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While popularity may play a role, the real reason MS products are attacked so often is because the target is so big and easy to hit.

The claim that popularity is the ONLY reason for attacks assumes that all platforms are equally vulnerable and designed equally. This is not the case. Each OS is designed differently with different strengths and weaknesses.

MS' weakness is security because its strength is ease-of-use and backward compatibility. Windows (and DOS beforehand) was/is designed for use by a single user at a single computer. During the initial design of DOS, the Internet was not even conceived, thus they didn't design for multiple entrances into a machine.

Also, they marketed the fact that each new system of DOS and windows would be backward compatible. Because of this, they needed access to certain ports and protocols. These ports and protocols allow access to portions of the OS/computer that external users should have access to.

OSX and other *nixes were built from the ground up with networks and multi-users in mind. This allows better security (note that nothing is totally secure at this point), and better design in terms of what program is allowed access to sensitive portions of the OS and computer.

OSX and Linux are nowhere near hack free and when it does get hacked it is far worse.

(Credit card breach exposes 40 million accounts In what could be the largest data security breach to date, one has their eye on the Windows machine, some one's sneaking in thru a Unix/Linux backend.)

If you keep DOS OS ie. Windows 98 which cannot be truly secure too long you are just asking for big trouble. And who's fault is that. The Internet is just like asking Chester the Molester into your home.

You just don't hear much about anything but Windows hacks.

Kind of like the MSM vs Republicans.

All the pcs are work have Norton. None of the Macs. Since Symantec says the Macs are vulnerable, I guess we better start plunking down $$ for a subscription, huh?

Symantec's warning is just being made just in the public interest, right? I mean they are just a caring, unbiased observer right? I mean they take money for their security programs with only the greatest reluctance and all that, right?

< /sarcasm>

During the initial design of DOS, the Internet was not even conceived

It was in full use by military, contractor and educational institutions. I was using it in that state. And it was run by UNIX. Is it any surprise that UNIX machines fare better in the Internet?