Can Macs Get Viruses?
Although PCs have dominated the computer industry over the years, Macs have always maintained a fair market share and have become very popular in certain key demographics. One common reason that people cite for preferring Macs over PCs is that they are immune to computer viruses. However, is it actually true?
Technically, no, it’s not. Macs are in fact vulnerable to contracting viruses to some extent, as are any type of computer. However, the global percentage of computer users that are using Macs is too insignificant to make them a big target for virus engineers. A computer virus written for a PC will not work on a Mac, just like any software written for a PC will not work on a Mac. Basically, it is not worth the time and effort of the virus engineer to write malicious code to work on Macs Vs PCs. With the vast amount of people that use Windows based PCs, viruses and other types of malware will likely continue to be written to target them.
Also, just like Linux, Macs offer one of the most secure operating systems on the market. The nature of the Mac OS is very different from Windows in the way that it functions and it is much more difficult to compromise its security.
This does not mean, however, that you should switch to a Mac simply because you want to avoid virus threats. With all of the quality antivirus and PC security software available today, it is easy to protect yourself and enjoy all the features that Windows has to offer without having to worry about virus attacks.
Since it’s not terribly difficult to protect your PC from viruses, you should factor in the other main differences between Mac computers and PCs to help you make an informed decision on which one is best for you. It should all come down to your personal preference.
If you do decide to go with a Mac, keep in mind that you are not automatically immune to contracting a computer virus. All of the same diligence that PC users should use while surfing the web should also be implemented by Mac users. Although viruses written for Macs are rare, they do exist. Assuming that you cant catch one will only improve your chances of accidentally doing so.
It’s pretty easy to go about your business safely on a Mac without stumbling upon a computer virus. Don’t download any email attachments from senders you don’t know and trust. If a Mac virus was to be distributed, this is the most likely way that it would be done, especially if criminals get a hold of Mac user email lists.
Even though downloading an unknown attachment that happens to contain a computer virus would probably not cause anything to happen since the virus would most likely be written for a PC, thereís no need to take that risk. The same laws of exercising caution while using the internet apply no matter what type of computer or operating system you might happen to be using.
Tags: apple, computer virus, mac, virus
