From: Jim Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Thanks. That was exactly the kind of informed and helpful reply I was seeking, since I couldn't find any reliable reference anywhere concerning OS X 10.3 and 10.4 adware/spyware/malware/keyloggers, etc.
I wanted to amend my last answer in light of your additional clarification regarding your request.
I said that there is no spyware/adware for the Mac. This is true.
However, there ARE what I would call "maliceware" products that can "spy" on users such as keyloggers. I call these "maliceware" rather than "spyware" because "spyware" has, thanks to PC users, taken on a somewhat different meaning.
"Maliceware" (this term is of my own invention) requires PHYSICAL ACCESS to the machine/victim in order to work, and/or the (possibly unwitting, though you'd have to be pretty damn stupid) cooperation of an admin-level user in order to install.
"Spyware" generally refers (these days, anyway) to internet programs that snoop on your surfing/buying/computing habits. Such things exist for the Mac, but again must be installed manually, ergo I'd call them "maliceware" rather than "spyware" just to keep the two types distinguished from one another.
the time is nearing when those of us in the Mac community will have to stop being so smug about our security superiority.
We're not *smug* about it -- we just recognise a better-built and intrinsically more secure OS when we see one. Is OS X utterly impervious to all possible attack? No -- if it were, why would Apple ever issue any Security Updates?
BUT ... and this is the important thing ... it is a FACT that Mac OS X is MORE secure, MUCH more difficult to remotely compromise and MUCH more generally secure in its default state than our largest competitor. RELATIVELY speaking, we're safe as houses.
OBJECTIVELY speaking, we can always improve security. Lucky for us, Apple is less lackadaisical/more proactive/less afraid of bad PR on this topic than our largest competitor.
Bottom line: I can't speak for all Mac users, but I can say that IMHO the general attitude of Mac users regarding security is falls somewhere in the middle between "I'm utterly lazy" and "I'm paranoid to the point of mental imbalance."
Even the laziest Mac users are more vigilant about security than most Windows users just by the fact that they bought a Mac in the *first place.*
_Chas_
"To use the Mac is to be confronted, over and over, with the idea that the most mundane task can be done artfully and compassionately, beautifully and invitingly. " -- Glenn McDonald
-- The iMac List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and...
Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | - Epson Stylus Color 580 Printers - new at $69 | & CDRWs on Sale! |
Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html>
iMac List info: <http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/imac-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/>
--------------------------------------------------------------- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
