Thinking of MAC

Ronaldo2

Hi.I've been thinking of getting MAC, specifically a Macbook. I have only used pc's before and would like to get peoples thoughts or experiences of these. The reason I am thinking of moving over to a Mac is because most viruses/ malware seems to be directed at windows. Is the extra cost worth it?

Voodu Child

Keeping a windows system virus and malware free is extremely simple (imo). Just takes the very smallest bit of effort and cop-on.

If that is the only reason you're thinking of buying a Mac, I would probably say no, it's not worth the extra expense, plenty of good windows anti-virus software are completely free.

But if you have other reasons (you like the UI, need Mac-only software, etc) then it might be worthwhile.

AlmightyCushion

I'm with vodoo child here. I've rarely had problems with any sort of malware, in fact the last time I thought I had a virus it turned out to be a corrupted codec or something like that. Just use firefox, a good anti-virus program, keep windows up to date, and stay away from seriously dodgy sites (I don't even follow that last one ) and you'll be grand.

Adam

voodoo_child wrote: »

Keeping a windows system virus and malware free is extremely simple (imo). Just takes the very smallest bit of effort and cop-on.

If that is the only reason you're thinking of buying a Mac, I would probably say no, it's not worth the extra expense, plenty of good windows anti-virus software are completely free.

But if you have other reasons (you like the UI, need Mac-only software, etc) then it might be worthwhile.

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

I'm with vodoo child here. I've rarely had problems with any sort of malware, in fact the last time I thought I had a virus it turned out to be a corrupted codec or something like that. Just use firefox, a good anti-virus program, keep windows up to date, and stay away from seriously dodgy sites (I don't even follow that last one ) and you'll be grand.

+1

I've NEVER had a problem with viruses, and I'm a heavy net browser, and frequent sites that wouldn't even be considered very safe (not pr0n before you ask!)

The only way people end up with viruses/malware is through clicking stupid spam advertisements, downloading obviously dodgey software, using cracks/other warez that aren't legal. And even at that, any half decent protection will save you from most of this! Heck, on this very pc I've been using for over 6 months with absolutely no firewall (not even XP's built in option!)

Overheal

basically OP, its very hard, to next to impossible, for malware to 'jump' onto your system. In 90% of cases you have to allow it to install or run on your machine. Its down to being smart; knowing when and when not to download and install a piece of software, researching software before you use it, etc.

One of the biggest offenders is tricking users into downloading "anti-spyware" or pop-up blocker software that will do exactly the opposite.

If you're having problems with your machine try:

Install Firefox web Browser (then install plugins NoScript and adBlock Plus)
Install Spybot Search and Destroy
Install AVG anti-virus (or if you have a paid service, use that)
Install Zone Alarm Firewall
Install Adware SE Personal

if you still have problems try a fresh install of windows.

That will provide near-draconian amounts of security to your machine without a terrible amount of extra hassle. I myself just use FF Norton and Spybot and I've never had problems.

art

Flip side of that though is buy a Mac and just use it. You don't need to download spybot and run it, or download Adaware and run it, or have zoneAlarm installed and running, or have AVG installed and running. If you want to have something that just sits there and works out of the box with little or no configuration, and no security worries (at least at this time anyhow), then the Mac is a very good option.

Having said that, if you leave all the security options switched on, as they are by default, in Vista then you are pretty secure too (though you may feel like you are moving through treacle at times trying to get simple things done). And, of course, always use FireFox to browse the net.

So I'd agree with what others have essentially said, your decision on the type of laptop you want should not just come down to security concerns alone but if you do get a Mac you won't be going far wrong.

astrofool

art wrote: »

Flip side of that though is buy a Mac and just use it. You don't need to download spybot and run it, or download Adaware and run it, or have zoneAlarm installed and running, or have AVG installed and running. If you want to have something that just sits there and works out of the box with little or no configuration, and no security worries (at least at this time anyhow), then the Mac is a very good option.

Or just use Vista x64

Creamy Goodness

you won't get much work done with MAC considering it's a make-up brand.

trout

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

I've rarely had problems with any sort of malware, in fact the last time I thought I had a virus it turned out to be a corrupted codec or something like that.

slightly off topic(s): According to the Internet Storm Centre, fake codecs are a vector for malware ... in the wild, and possibly undetected.

http://isc.sans.org/newssummary.html ... search for codecs

AlmightyCushion

trout wrote: »

slightly off topic(s): According to the Internet Storm Centre, fake codecs are a vector for malware ... in the wild, and possibly undetected.

http://isc.sans.org/newssummary.html ... search for codecs

Nah I'm pretty sure it wasn't malware. Whenever I opened a folder with video files in it I would get a "Data execution prevention" message box. I thought it was a virus for a while but after a bit of digging on the interweb I found out it could be a corrupt codec. I un-installed and re-installed k-lite codec pack and it was sorted.

BostonB

Ronaldo2 wrote: »

Hi.I've been thinking of getting MAC, specifically a Macbook. I have only used pc's before and would like to get peoples thoughts or experiences of these. The reason I am thinking of moving over to a Mac is because most viruses/ malware seems to be directed at windows. Is the extra cost worth it?

Theres only one way to find out.

conzy

DONT DO IT!



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