Spyware, trojans, viruses?

Sorry, I'm on a Mac. Would anyone explain to me what those things are?

A serious question from a PC user.

Why hasnt anyone developed a Mac Virus?

Could be because there aren't as many users as PC...

There have been one or two MAC viruses, but nothing of any consequence, and this is simply because even if you made one that destroyed every MAC OS in the world, no one would notice.

Bill

You have hit the nail right on the head

Bill

You don't want a long a geeky answer (even if I were smart enough to give one!) to why so little malware for the Mac, but yes, being only 10-15% of the market share has a little to do with it, but primarily, it is because OSX is built around Unix, a very secure enterprise quality OS.

Windows allows WAY too much to go on in the background without you EVER being aware of it. The Mac OSX demands a little more input from the user before potentially bad things can get on your drive, or mess with your OS. The cost of not having to nursemaid your computer is vigilance against those who exploit that very ease...

I've been running on broadband for over seven years on a Mac with NO virus software, NO spyware detector, and NO router or firewall except the built-in OSX software one. ZERO PROBLEMS....

Laugh it up, fuzzball...! Most of you would trade your right nut not to have to deal with all that Windows cr@p...

[This message has been edited by Diki (edited 09-01-2007).]

Dnj....they probably would send me some demo's but what would I do when the next round of sound files gets discussed?

When I had my worst crash, I was running Norton Anti-virus and ZoneAlarm firewall and every three days I would sweep with Spybot, Ad-Aware, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor, and Pest Patrol. Remember how everyone remembers where they were when JFK was targeted? I can remember exactly where I was when I clicked on that one "link" and the computer immediately went to "computer heaven." The re-install (and programs) took two weeks out of my life.

Yes, I am missing a lot but I'll miss even more if the computer goes down again. I'm trying to keep the odds on my side. The only other solution is to buy a cheap Dell and use it just for downloading.

Bill,

Thanks for taking the time to write out these tips. You've probably read already that I'm running anti-spyware and a firewall, though I know some are better than others.

Backups: Yes, I bought a program that backs everything up onto a second hard drive as soon as I save it to it's original location. Then I save the whole hard drive to my externals at the end of every day.

Router: Yes, that IS a good idea. I'm going to look into that as an addition to my arsenal.

I don't have Flash Player 9 installed as I'm trying to keep my plug-ins to a minimum to keep the Registry from bloating. I'm assuming I need it for streaming audio, but I should still be able to download a sound file? Yes?

There is no "play bar" on my screen where you said it should be. But....there is a faint blank rectangle there. Clicking on it does nothing.

Are my supposed to be registered to access the features of the site? I'm on a roll here. I couldn't even register! It wouldn't accept. Unless my firewall is blocking cookies?

If you or anyone has any other ideas, I'd like to hear them. I'm also going down to the library to try and connect on a high speed and IE browser.

BTW, my worst crash was the "rootkit" one. Try getting one of those out before it eats up all your data as an appetizer.

I'm anxious to hear Diki's demo's. They told me he arranges better than Enio Morricone and sings good enough to be on American Idol! And that he also has good posture!

I think we'd all love to hear a few & maybe learn something from them also.

Hi Mark
If you install Flash Player 9 the black bar will turn into the play bar, and you will be able to listen to the songs. (I don’t think the site allows you to download them)
After reading how you have set up your computer, I can see why you are having problems. (You are too cautious)
To use an analogy, if you drive on the Motorway (Freeway) at the correct speed everything is normally fine, if you drive too fast it can cause an accident, if you drive cautiously (Slowly) it can also cause an accident, as everybody around you is not expecting it.
The same applies to computers, if you block virtually everything from running on your computer (Cautious) you facilitate conditions for others to exploit, the same applies if you let too much in, (Drive too fast) therefore follow the instructions below and you should be fine.
1. Use a router to connect to the Internet
2. Download and install the latest service pack for your computer
3. Download the Latest Browser for your computer
4. Download and install all security and hardware updates
5. Reset all their security settings to their default
6. Download and install Windows Defender
7. Install a good security package (Zone, Norton, AVG etc)
8. Leave all the settings at their default settings
9. Go to your account on your ISPs site, and activate any security settings and/or features they provide
10. If a web site asks you to install something, make sure it has a valid security certificate and is from a reputable company, (Adobe, Microsoft etc) and you can then allow it to install and run. (If you make a mistake it can easily be removed later)
11. Make sure all automatic updates for your OS and security software are turned on
12. Run a manual security scan weekly
13. Go to some reputable security sites that will test your computer for online vulnerabilities, (They will try and attack your computer as a hacker and/or virus writer would) if any are found you can then easily plug them.
It may be a good idea to run these security scans before you follow the instructions above, so that you can see the difference before and after. (Warning, make sure you are wearing some dark brown trousers, (Pants) as while you may think your computer is safe, (Because you have limited your downloads and upped you security settings) but in actual fact you will find it is wide open.
Finally, just remember that not everything or everyone on the internet is out to get you. (Basic common sense prevents 99.9% of problems)
Hope this helps

Bill