How stupid can you get?

So I was talking with someone on Sunday, and he was thinking about getting a Mac computer...which I am a full supporter of apple computers. Since I was curious I asked him why he thought Mac's were so good...here is what was said.

Retard: "Mac's can't get virus!!"

Jacob: "WHAT!!! Any computer can get a virus, even Macs."

Retard: "You have no idea what you are talking about...even the Mac representative said they could not get a virus."

Jacob: You are sadly mistaken!! Let me tell you something...Mac's really have not had there security tested yet, because most hackers are not going to waste time building a virus for a Mac. Considering that the majority of computer users are using windows...(not to mention, anyone can build a virus for a windows computer).

Retard: I am telling you what the Mac representative told me.

Jacob: I can not believe you are believing this crap. If you go to a Ford dealer...they are going to tell you anything to get you to buy the damn car. For example...This Ford could pull 12 tarter-trailers, going up hill on a 90 degree angle in the snow...with the roads covered in ICE!!

Retard: Started to cry...then ran away.

So this has really got me thinking...Have Macs really been tested as far as security goes....are Macs really safer? Considering 90% use Windows and only 10% use Mac computers...have Mac’s been tested like Windows have been? Since the Mac number is going up…do you guys think this is going to attract hacker’s attention toward the Mac OS?

What do you think?

Note: I do not want this conversation to turn into a Mac vs. Windows thing...just wondering what everyone thinks about the above...really just the last paragraph.

shows people will say anything to sell their product....

I think you're exaggerating the conversation Jacob. I was there, and you're right. (Although he did not start to cry and I think you're going a little far in calling him a retard.)

If I were a hacker (jk jk) I would hack/build viruses for Windows, simply b/c it would effect more people.

This comes from Apple's website, but it does give some interesting stats.

http://www.apple.com/getamac/viruses.html
This article was written before Vista however.

http://securosis.com/2006/11/20/mac-...doesnt-matter/

Here the author argues that Vista may be more secure than OS X. But, says that we shall see what develops virus-wise for Vista b/c it has only been on the market for so long.

I think once everybody gets Vista (which is inevitable), the hackers will just have to get smarter, as both systems seem to be pretty secure. Mac OS X is undeniably more secure than XP.

I've never had a security problem on any of my macs but that's hardly solid evidence that they're any safer. I think if Apple is successful in winning more customers then macs will be targeted more and there probably will be security breaches.

My personal opinion is that it is a combination - macs don't really have too many security problems because the machines are perhaps a little safer than windows based pcs and because they haven't been targeted.

That said in the war against viruses, malware and the like I'd rather have a mac with a good firewall and anti virus program on. I'm a firm believer that system security is in your own hands whether you use windows or mac os. Firewall, anti-virus software, regular backups, system scans. Sure things will get through but at least they will be less common and if something bad does happen you shouldn't lose much.

Heartbraking when it happens though.

Pete.

I thought most people would catch the sarcasim there...no one in their right mind would cry over that...lol, but no joke everything else is on...ask Harmon!!

First of all, a Mac representative would never say "Macs can't get viruses." The security patches Apple releases from time to time somewhat show that it's not a perfect OS. Apple is plugging holes that could lead to a virus or person exploiting them. Of course Apple and others test for security. Again, Apple releases security updates. The point is that Apple is on the ball. By and large, Apple releases critical patches at a much faster rate than Microsoft does. There have been a small number of viruses that attacked OS X, but they have been promptly fixed in the past.

OS X is definitely safer that Windows XP, and I assume it is safer than Vista, although I really haven't seen any evidence supporting that assertion. Who knows what viruses may or may not come out for the Mac, but I do know that OS X will never have those super annoying popups that Vista's security employs.

I agree with you completly I think...lol, from the research that I have done I have concluded that Mac's are much safer and harder to build virus for...but in all reality I could build a virus for one...BUT the point being YOU STILL NEED SECURITY!! Also YES Mac's can get VIRUS...that is why I called him a retard...lol

Personally...this is only my opinion....but I HATE Vista. No joke I hate it. It has a few great features...but the operating system is just so annoying...okay any way rant complete...any one else want to comment.

Well, on the apple site, it does say this.
"*some random number* Viruses? Not on a mac!"
So...That could be taken many different ways.

Macs are more secure and targeted less. Which leads to a deadly combination of stats against Windows.

I still say that Mac's should have a firewall and some sort of virus protection as they are affected by virus. This person...did say that you can't get a virus on a Mac computer...which I know to be bull. I agree with you Ryan...a Mac rep would never say that, he must of miss understood. The rep probably said..."Mac's are safer than Windows, and are not affected by as many viruses".

Perhaps they are targetted less because most people use Windows Bennett? Or maybe it is because it is much harder to build a virus for Mac's.

Note: Just trying to keep the fire in this conversation going...am at school and very board...lol

Name one time when you shouldn't have a firewall. lol.

I even have a firewall on my Linux machine...so there!!

A combination of both. I don't know of one average Windows-owning person who really cares about Macs and their security.

What are the chances that the person you want to hack has a Mac? And furthermore, when you wanna hack a Mac what are the chances you have the time?

Although you can google "how to hack a mac" and find a page called how to hack a mac in 60secs. lol!

How did this turn into hacking? Dang that would be super hard to hack a Mac...lol

I don't believe that would work...lol

Well the hackers did not disclose any info. Which leads me to believe that they can't do it.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=33458

They just said "there is a major security flaw".

They decided to hack a Mac to disrupt a "Mac user base aura of smugness on security"

Gotta eat. I will post later.