Comments on: Apple pulls support page recommending Antivirus software

By: JaggedXJ

JaggedXJ — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:27:27 +0000

Check Wikipedia for “White van speakers”

By: Graham

Graham — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:17:41 +0000

People find more problems with windows because there are more problems with windows. Mac OSX is better than windows in every way, and yes, it is more secure. And Macs even run windows better than PCs. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.

By: Mike

Mike — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:21:42 +0000

I’m really surprised that the vast majority of people have never run anti-virus software. I always assume people have the software and just run it every once in a while. I use ClamXAV when I want to scan a file I’ve downloaded or received via email, but I don’t have it set up to continually scan. I read a post today at Mac Guru Lounge on the Top 5 Mac Security Tips for the Holidays, which also talked about running AV software.

By: Likeabite

Likeabite — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:21:58 +0000

@ Graham…of course it makes sense…just read any tech analyst or blogger who posted about this and you’ll know I’m right. No matter how good a system is, as more and more people use it more and more problems will begin to surface because different people will find different problems. If no one uses a mac how can they find the problems inherent in it? And if no one uses and mac why bother making viruses or malware for it when it will affect no one? There’s no individual who knows anything about computers can say that the mac is safer than windows. You’re only perceiving it to be safer because no one has given you a reason to think otherwise and with an 8% marketshare why would they??

By: Graham

Graham — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 21:11:03 +0000

No, the reason they have a lot more to work on is because their program is a piece of crap. So by your logic, if less people used windows it wouldn’t have as many problems? That doesn’t make any sense. Windows doesn’t work correctly right out of the box, it isn’t the fault of malware or viruses. Go find a bottom of the barrel mac and use it for a week, you’ll never go back to a pc. Far too primitive.

By: Likeabite

Likeabite — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:33:31 +0000

@ Graham…the reason Windows releases a lot of patches and fixes is because they have a lot more to work on since everyone and their mother not only uses windows but also develops malware and viruses for it. No one uses macs in the larger picture so of course they do not have as many bugs or viruses and issues as windows. It only makes sense. If macs had the market share windows has do you think the dynamics would be the same? No.

By: Graham

Graham — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:14:38 +0000

I’ve had a mac for about a year now. I got one after my pc crashed for the 107th time. I haven’t had a single problem with it yet. It has about 2/3 the computing power, and half the ram as my old pc, but runs about twice as fast. Instant shut downs, starts up in about 15 sec, I never have to reboot, and although I don’t have an antivirus and I download a lot of P2P stuff, I’ve never had a problem. I was a pc user for almost 20 years before I got my mac, and I’ll never go back. If you want to dig at apple, allow me to mention how microsoft repeatedly releases software full of bugs that just slows down computers. Processor speed is a lot greater than it was 4 or 5 years ago, but does your pc run any faster? The answer is no, it doesn’t. I’m glad to pay a premium for a far superior product. One that I can count on. Have fun with windows.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:03:26 +0000

The KB was pulled because the blogosphere engaged in an irrational freakout about a technote that has been on the site, in some form or another, for many years.

http://www.tuaw.com/2008/12/02/apple-updates-antivirus-version-numbers-security-savants-lose-g/

Is AV software necessary for most Mac users today? No. If you run AV software, should you run more than one app at a time? Heck, no. Is a diverse ecosystem of security applications a good thing for the platform and for the immune response of the Mac OS X population in the face of potential malware? Yes.

By: JakeyBoy

JakeyBoy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 21:03:12 +0000

@keymaker
i’m in WA state. Its a long running scam. I remember that one from 5 years ago or more back. Nothing you can really do other than tell the store manager to confront them. I’m not getting shot for trying to bust their scam! Its too bad people fall for it…but what can you do? Can’t call the police, because its not illegal to buy something for $50 and sell then turn around and sell it for $500…thats ok, i’m sure most of those guys are scum and will get what they deserve on way or another..

By: zargon

zargon — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 18:26:11 +0000

@keymaker – As far as your used mac comment. I don’t think that is totally the case. I think it has more to do that only Apple makes Macs. PCs are a dime a dozen with countless vendors making systems and hardware that are constantly being updated, which drives the prices down on old and used hardware.

By: keymaker

keymaker — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:55:19 +0000

@JakeyBoy, Dude what part of the country you from? I seen those guys at Home Depot that would pull up to you with a fake invoice and some Huge ass speakers claiming that it was added to their usual delivery orders by mistake and that they can’t come back to their warehouse with it, the boxes have a price stamp on to it that reads $2000+ am in northern NJ where they’re doing it by the way

By: keymaker

keymaker — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:47:19 +0000

I’ll say it again, Apple never said that they where immune to viruses, what they did say and it’s completely true is that they’re over 1/2 a million computer viruses/spyware/worm, out there all written for PCs which makes OS X immune to them, i used a PC for work and have been a PC user like everyone else by default for about 13 year and a Mac user for the last 3 years and i’ll say it again, you have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than your mac getting infected by Spy/viruses/worm.
Why the heck do you think is so hard for a mac user to go back to windows even though windows has way more choices and is more open? want a good example try buying a use mac on ebay or craiglist, people won’t let them go, unless you pay almost what it cost new, which leaves you no choice but to buy them new at the store, try doing the same thing with a PC, not even if is new you will get 1/2 of what you pay for

By: afstech

afstech — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:35:50 +0000

@kansei
About the PC with spyware, try these 2 free programs that I have had lots of success with:

Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware
http://malwarebytes.org/mbam.php

SUPERAntiSpyware
http://www.superantispyware.com/index.html

On the topic though, you can’t prevent users from using their PC without being stupid and clicking something. The only way around that is to not use a PC. I also agree with Kansei’s last comment. You also got to remember that most viruses out there for windows require user interaction to get infection and very few can do so without.

By: JakeyBoy

JakeyBoy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:56:33 +0000

has anyone really and truly only had Macs their whole life and NEVER used a PC? I’m just curious. Seems like everyone knows about “viruses”, not just PC users. Most come from tweens playing stupid online games or downloading porn. Its just like the other day, I was at Home Depot and two guys were selling “overstock” speakers out of their truck. Its a scam, that people are dumb enough to do every day. Just like viruses, people will be dumb enough to subject themselves to it. Live and learn my children.

By: Likeabite

Likeabite — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:42:37 +0000

@ Kansei I agree with you about your last point. However, what people are missing is exactly what you do for a living. Apple and its users have not been hard at work on preventive measures against malware and/or viruses. Windows and their users have. So if and when it comes, which will be soon with Apple’s increased marketshare reported today, 99.9% of mac users won’t know what to do. That is the issue and unfornately, unline windows, there aren’t that many solutions out there for a problem like this on macs.

By: kansei

kansei — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:27:48 +0000

haha if you really think macs are “twice the going rate” and “just as susceptible”. granted, I’m writing this from my mac at work and I do like macs, but I’m a windows sysadmin so I see both sides of the street all the time.

Heck, just right now I’m trying desperately to rid a windows user’s computer of spyware that managed to slip past spybot search and destroy, stopzilla, and spyware doctor.

Macs are NOT nearly as susceptible to attack. Heck, the viruses that I’ve seen for macs require EXTENSIVE interaction from the user. Like um.. downloading a malicious file, opening the dmg, dragging an app out of the dmg, running that app, clicking through warning messages, etc.

Really though 90% of the problem in the windows world is the combination of windows xp, administrator accounts, and internet explorer. Vista + UAC + Firefox = you have to be mega stupid to get infected.

By: Likeabite

Likeabite — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:23:33 +0000

I think the reason they pulled it was not solely for revenue purposes, though that is just one aspect. I think it is like calling attention to a sleeping dog. For years hackers and coders have not bothered with the mac OS and for good reason, no marketshare. Now that Apple’s marketshare is increasing, having a statement like that available is only asking for it. That’s like stepping on a sleeping dog’s tail and not expecting it to bite you. If they want to sell antivirus software and at the same time announce it then developers and hackers will give those antivirus programs a reason to be used.

By: russd

russd — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:08:40 +0000

You already know why Apple pulled the page. For years AAPL has used “virus immunity” as part of its marketing campaign. Having to admit that MacOS is just as suscpetible to viruses and other malware gives cause to question whether or not Macs are worth paying more than twice the going rate for.

Personally, I like Macs, I just think they’re overpriced. But if that’s the niche AAPL wants to work in, cool for them. My AAPL shares are still giving a decent return. Like Barnum said, “there’s one born every minute”

By: andy

andy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:00:49 +0000

“two of the three recommended antivirus applications were available for sale from the Apple Store”
doesnt that say it all?