*nix (Unix, Linux, *BSD) is much more difficult to infect, as you don't automatically have "admin" privileges the way you do in the Windows world. By default when you create a new account on a stand-alone PC, that account has Admin privileges which most viruses and other malware can exploit to infect the O/S. Unix-based operating systems (Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, Mac OS/X, etc) do not give normal users the right to run code with elevated privileges, which is what would be needed to infect the O/S. Let's say you wanted to install a piece of software. Under most unix-based operating systems (I'm not familiar with *all* variants, so I'm saying "most" to cover my butt) you have to be "root" or equivalent to install software. The O/S won't LET you install software. In Windows most users have the ability to install software (unless they are specifically denied that by virtue of having been given special reduced privileges.) That's not to say that it's not possible to infect a Unix-based O/S, just that it's a LOT harder to do than a Windows O/S.
-----Original Message----- From: Steven M. Caesare [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 12:38 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: RE: Mac Anti-Malware " For the most part that is true, as OS X is based on Unix (BSD to be exact, I think.)" Please to be explaining. -sc -----Original Message----- From: John Aldrich <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 12:34 PM To: NT System Admin Issues <[email protected]> Subject: RE: Mac Anti-Malware That's a good question. The most common answer you're going to find is "we don't need antivirus/anti-malware." For the most part that is true, as OS X is based on Unix (BSD to be exact, I think.) That being said, there has been some recently publicized (in this list even, I think J) activity that warrants looking for anti-malware on the Mac. My suggestion would be to check the "usual suspects": McAfee, AVG, Symantec (YUCK!), etc. I just did a little bit of looking (not much, mind) and the ONLY thing I found was Avast! has a Mac version. Trend Micro (maker of PC-Cillin and host of the free on-line virus scanner "antivirus.com") makes a Mac version of their stuff, so it's available. You just have to look a lot harder to find it than with Windows anti-malware. J From: Jon Harris [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, June 04, 2009 12:21 PM To: NT System Admin Issues Subject: Mac Anti-Malware What is a good Mac OS X(?) Anti-Malware software? I have zero experience with Mac's and was just instructed to begin looking for some software for one. Anyone got a good recommendation they will offer up? Thanks and I am off to see what is out there. Jon Harris No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.53/2154 - Release Date: 06/04/09 05:53:00 ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.53/2154 - Release Date: 06/04/09 05:53:00 ~ Finally, powerful endpoint security that ISN'T a resource hog! ~ ~ <http://www.sunbeltsoftware.com/Business/VIPRE-Enterprise/> ~
