Ancient flaws leave OS X vulnerable?

ZDnet ^ | 25 January 2006 02:11 PM | Munir Kotadia

[Mind-numbed Robot]

I am running 10.4.4 and don't remember being asked to approve the download. Perhaps I set a preference in a way I should not have. I have also downloaded quite a few freeware widgits and other apps from Version Tracker and the Mozilla/Firefox websites. Is it possible that something I installed requires being a user to function? Some that come to mind are Automator and Quicksilver. I disable the strangers and I have trashed Quicksilver.

Thanks.

[goldstategop]

OSX's bugs are insignificant compared to Windows. I'm not even running an anti-virus program on my Mac Mini. The firewall is good but I've backed it up with Intego's NetBarrier X and I'm pretty secure when I surf online. To install software on Apple on OSX, a user needs to OK it first. There are no exploits to run malware on an Apple machine. As far as security goes, you don't really have to worry about it and I don't think that's likely to change if the market grows. Linux doesn't get viruses and malware either. No UNIX based OS in existence has faced that problem.

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[goldstategop]

You should have typed in a password when you set up Mac OSX. You can skip and you probably did but the need for a password keeps stuff from being installed on OSX that you don't want. The reason malware can't embed itself in OSX is there's no registry to write to. Every program goes in the Applications Folder and unless on comes with a dedicated installer/uninstaller, you normally drag the icon out of the virtual mounted drive and drop it in the App Folder and it will auto-install. When you want to get rid of it, you drag the icon out to the Trash, drop it in the can and click Empty Trash Can. *Poof* its gone forever!

(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Thanks. Now I do remember having to enter a password to install apps sometimes. However, with others I just drag them to the apps folder without a password (I think). Is it possible that some of the apps that control workflow, I guess they are setting up macros based on my mouse clicks, etc., have to establish themselves as a user to operate?

[bwteim]

Try Little Snitch, pref pane program.
http://www.obdev.at/products/littlesnitch/index.html

[joesnuffy]

I dont know.... Hi my name is Bill and imma Mac User :)

[sarasota]

Good one.

[sarasota]

Creative types love that imagery.

[Mind-numbed Robot]

Thanks. I had Little Snitch installed awhile back but it kept going off so mush I finally trashed it. I'll try it again.

[TheBattman]

When you've swallowed the cult's line long enough you can only function in denial...

Spoken like a true worshipper of Bill Gates.....

[SlowBoat407]

Creative types love that imagery.

Please, tell us more about these "creative types".

- SlowBoat407
Video Producer
Writer
Graphic artist
Mac User

[TheBattman]

What is your definition of "hobbyist friendly"? No - it's just about impossible to build a "Mac" from scratch. But on the other hand, over the years of being a Mac owner, I have done everything from cooling modifications, to HD replacements, case modifications, processor upgrades, processor overclocking, etc. Maybe not what you meant - but I have done all I ever cared to with my computers....

[coconutt2000]

I suspect that most OS X security flaws involve the hacker gaining physical access to the computer, or for the user to install a trojan of some kind.

In terms of personal computing, if the hacker has physical access to your computer you have other more serious problems.

[sarasota]

It's just an opinion, not a solicitation for weekend homework.

[SlowBoat407]

Please explain your comment. I'm afraid I don't understand. If you have something against "creative types", you'll have to be a little more clear about what it is that bothers you.

[sarasota]

Good Lord, no, I don't have anything against creative types. While I consider myself one but lack the skills to create on my iBook, I would never purchase a system that isn't Apple. My daughter is the truly creative one in the family--I'm still in the paper/pencil/pen era! My reference was to an ad (which I haven't seen, alas), speculating that it would appeal to the more creative individuals which I think is Apple's target audience? I have have overstated my case and certainly didn't mean any disrespect. :o)

[TC Rider]

Ancient flaws? Sounds like Jobs used code he found in hieroglyphics from an Inca tomb.

[mdmathis6]

They've targeted women and mothers who make the biggest decisions regarding house-hold purchases....single women and single moms especially.