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WildBill wrote:Windows XP

Then by all means, external hardware firewall.

I assume you have a router? That's most likely also a firewall; check your docs on how to configure and administer it.

I run AdAware SE and Spybot S&D on my daughter's XP computer, especially since she likes to visit myspace (which is rife with malware). Both programs were going full time trying to kill processes; I finally had to completely disable Internet Explorer. (We use Firefox, but IE was still there, and the malware kept trying to launch IE.)

The BEST way to avoid infections is to be 100% Microsoft-free.

gigag04 wrote:

KBCraig wrote:The main way to avoid such infestations is to not use anything from Microsoft.

I try to not be too big a Mac bigot, but I haven't had a single virus, trojan, or malware since 1990. I use Firefox for MacOS X.

I mean this in love

<flame>

That's okay. Any Mitch Hedberg fan can't be all bad!

You are also paying way too much for older slower hardware in a pretty case! The only reason Windows is hacked the most, is because hackers can make the biggest statement by doing it.

Actually, I think they choose that platform because it's so pathetically easy. Hackers (not real hackers, but "h@ckerz" and crackers) start off as codekiddies, who think they've done something cool by writing a script.

In coding reality, writing a Windows virus is akin to kicking a legless dog. It just ain't that big of an accomplishment.

Why write a virus that will affect 10% of the computer loving population?

Companies spend millions developing apps for that 10%, just like companies develop parts and accessories for cars that will never approach even 2% of the automotive market.

When you consider the size of the marketplace, that 10% is a significant market.

OSX is KIND of neat, but integrating it into a network is a joke.

Eh? You just plug it in!

That said - I'm going to get a power book because of music reasons (artsy fartsy see) - they integrate well as a midi controller.

</flame>

Welcome to the light side. :D

But - all in all - its your choice to get a mac and I'm glad you enjoy yours!

For all the talk about how much Macs cost (and they're not cheap!), they last forever. My six year old B&W G3/350 is chugging along just fine. It's never been to the repair shop. I've never had to buy or subscribe to virus protection. It came with OS 8.6; I upgraded to the first Public Beta of OS X, and I'm currently at 10.3. I swapped the CD drive for a SuperDrive, and I've added memory. I'm going to upgrade the processor and add a larger hard drive before upgrading to 10.4, and then I'll have a machine that will stay current for another 4-6 years.

How many x86 boxes do you think I would have to buy during that same timeframe? Add up the hardware cost, repairs, lost data because of complete re-installs, and professional tech support, and wintel is just as expensive as MacOS. Similarly configured high-end wintel systems do cost just as much as a Mac box.

But, no flaming perceived on my end. My wife sticks with her XP box, because that's what she's comfortable with. I still love her anyway. :;

I've used both systems extensively, and I see no reason to put up with the Windows headache if you don't have to.

Kevin

The main way to avoid such infestations is to not use anything from Microsoft.

I try to not be too big a Mac bigot, but I haven't had a single virus, trojan, or malware since 1990. I use Firefox for MacOS X.

Since I am forced to use a PC at work, and my wife sticks with what she knows (which is Windows), I use Firefox for XP, and periodically sweep those systems with Ad-Aware SE and Spybot S&D.

Kevin