OS X Security
http://live.pirillo.com/ – Why does OS X have fewer viruses than on Window, and is there a "perfect" operating system out there that can’t be exploited?
It’s pretty simple to understand why there are more viruses on Windows than on OS X: more people use Windows than OS X. Hackers generally target the biggest nail in order to reach a much larger audience.
There is no such thing as a "perfect" operating system: every piece of software is going to have some kind of exploit, but there are several things you can do in order to keep yourself safe.
- Stop viewing porn online. There are many unscrupulous websites out there that will readily infect your machine with a virus or adware.
- Instead of downloading music, go to the store and buy the CD. Not only will you avoid any financially difficult legal situation, you’ll also avoid any website that promises free MP3 downloads but only delivers viruses and adware.
- Get a Netflix account instead of using BitTorrent. Aside from the legal issues, it’s very possible you’re downloading something malicious
- Instead of looking for software cracks or serials online, look for coupons. The "crackz" scene is filled to the brim with malicious websites. You’re not safe when you’re visiting these "seedier" websites.
- Do not run in Administrator mode. You should only run in Administrator mode when you’re installing hardware or software, but running in a lower security mode you’ll avoid a lot of the more invasive attacks.
Do you have any tips for protecting your computer while online?
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6 Comments
Ronald Gerard
June 26th, 2007
at 1:02am
well chris, tried your coupon, but they wouldn’t tell me where to put the code.
Ronald Gerard
June 26th, 2007
at 1:02am
well chris, tried your coupon, but they wouldn’t tell me where to put the code.
Chuck
June 26th, 2007
at 6:19am
You mean being ethical can actually be good for you? Wow, what a concept!
:-)
Chuck
June 26th, 2007
at 6:19am
You mean being ethical can actually be good for you? Wow, what a concept!
:-)
Johnny
June 26th, 2007
at 10:20am
Ok, you gave workarounds for every one except viewing porn online. Instead of viewing porn, what should we do sir? We await your words!
Terry
June 27th, 2007
at 11:39am
No thanks. I would rather have a simple to install and use operating system like Mandriva Linux and be able to easily do what I want to do, than accept the idea that I must continually and progressively give up the abilities of my operating system in order to protect my system. Sorry. But that whole scenario defeats the reason I would pick an operating system for in the first place.
And also, I find it hard to swallow that people only get viruses because they are breaking the law. And even if that were so, that still doesn’t excuse the operating system or browser or email client one tiny bit for not being secure enough to use on such basic primary functions without risking everything!
And while it is theoretically true no operating system is out of reach of viruses it is also true that properly structured operating systems such as Linux are not a fertile breeding grounds at all for such invaders and in fact act to contain and block the spread of such things. And further, while one can try to excuse MicroSoft for being the biggest as a reason it is most attacked by viruses, the truth is that the diversity of Linux and the individuality brought about by the sheer flexibility of choices in setting up the machines running under Linux, instead of the enforced conformity of Microsoft, is a barrier itself against viruses right out of the get go, creating a diversity that a virus can not be designed to embrace, and underlines one of the many design error reasons why MicroSoft is and remains virus central.
So, while the sage security advice here is in all effect, “If you don’t want viruses, don’t use your computer”……That final conclusion definitely isn’t for me! It’s more like an epitaph for Microsoft users.
Allow me to suggest, if you don’t want viruses, and if you want to use all the capabilities of an operating system without such fears, switch to Mandriva Linux, a very MicroSoft-like distribution of Linux that will have a very familiar feel to it. You will discover lots of choices in similar applications to those you have been running under windows, and also discover they are all free. Check it out.