Why is a Microsoft Windows-based PC so vulnerable to security threats while a Mac is not?

Question

Why is a Microsoft Windows-based PC so vulnerable to security threats while a Mac is not?

Answer 1

Simply because the pc buying public makes up over 90 percent of the market. People who are hellbent on producing malware arent interested in the 5 percent who use an apple pc. Now we have peep buying macs, installing windows on them, and believing they are safe from malware. This is another myth, you run windows, you will get malware. If Apple ever becomes anywhere near as popular as windows, the malware will abound! Apple has always had to be different, making their software proprietary for their system. Look at the Ipod for instance. Another joke! You have to have apple proprietary software and a special music format to user an Ipod. You dont need this with any other music player! You can buy about any mp3 player, hotplug it into any pc without loading software and copy and paste files. The public that doesnt realize these little facts fuels the fire for Apple products, not the people who know.

Answer 2

Because Microsoft is such a giant people will attack it more. Why spend time working on spyware that only works on a small group when you can make one that works on a really large one?

Answer 3

Windows is no less secure than Mac OS - in fact, Windows is better designed as far as security is concerned. The bottom line is that people who write malware want to infect as many targets as possible. Windows is run on 90%+ of all computers, while Mac OS, Linux and others make up less than 10%. Therefore they target Windows. As Mac OS gains more market share, there will be more viruses and other forms of malware that attack it. There are several Mac viruses already, and Apple releases security patches on a regular basis.

Answer 4

Mainly it has to do with how few Mac users there are so hackers haven't spent time writing programs to get into Macs.

Answer 5

Small market share. Currently 8% used to be 4% which greatly reduces the chances of spyware and viruses.. But as the market grows for Mac, that will change dramatically vs 90% of market for Windows..



The argument that OS X has less viruses is true, but that is against XP, BUT Mac OS X has viruses, a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".



Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 under 30 minutes, and hacked within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008. Linux and Vista were not able to be hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered.

All macs are standardized with Cameras, if your system gets hacked, the hacker would more likely be able to turn on your camera.

Please Note: All OS's have vulnerabilities.



LINUX ADVANTAGES:



1) Install Linux, and then get tons of stuff for free. Updates done, etc.. Linux is very easy and has tons of software that will be updated automatically. (Checking a checkbox in either two ways to install (Add/Remove or Synaptic Package Manager), search for something I want, check a box and click apply)

2) If you like the effects on a Macintosh go yahoo or google COMPIZ FUSION. It can do just about any cool effect a Mac can do and more...

3) If you like the Dock on OS X (Mac) google/yahoo Cairo Dock, avant window navigator.

4) Linux is MORE SECURE. I surf the internet and can even run some windows programs on Linux.



LINUX OS

If you are worried about viruses, spyware, security, Try Linux (it is free), I have included some information about Linux and links so you are not lost if you decide to try it.



Easily turn your system into a Dual booting computer with Linux, fast, safe and secure, easy to use (contrary to belief). You then get the best of both worlds (Windows with all of its supported products, freely go online without the worry)





Macintosh's are far from bug free. Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.





http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml

http://www.ubuntu.com/

http://www.kubuntu.org/

http://www.freespire.org/

http://www.pclinuxos.com/

http://distrowatch.com/

http://polishlinux.org/

http://www.desktoplinux.com/

http://xwinman.org/gnome.php

http://xwinman.org/kde.php

http://www.linuxalt.com/

http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/

http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/

http://www.avast.com/

http://www.free-av.com/

http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows

Google/Yahoo OS X on PC

Answer 6

1) Because basically Most people use Microsoft windows PCs so they are more common so some how that makes Microsoft computers more venerable. All so it is so easy to get software to program stuff for a PC but not a mac.

2) I have no idea. sorry

3) Thats a very very very good question. What I think is that people can program for PCs but when it comes to mac it is way harder to get the hang of programing. There is mac viruses out there that can harm your mac, but I still use my mac without virus protection because I know if my mac gets a virus the person who did it would be going to jail.

Answer 7

Cause

1. More people have Microsoft Computers

2. Easier to write codes for



Simple

Answer 8

I will give you the short 2 worded answer..Bill Gates...

Answer 9

It is not about the coding that makes windows vulnerable. Windows is subject to more threats because it is the most popular OS in the world.



Viruses, spywares, adwares, are like programs and applications. They need a compatible OS to run. Since MS OS are the most popular, these programmers design these viruses to run on them.



To make it short. Why would a virus programmer make a program that runs on Mac when the most users use MS OS? So they made it generally for MS OS to get more hits.