Macs Don’t Have Viruses?
When I read about new proof of concept code in OSX that allows arbitrary code execution by manipulating flaws in system files, I sigh, and wonder why the public has the misconception that their Apple Macintosh computers are somehow safer and less prone to malware than PCs. According to an article by the Register, Apple is not focusing enough on the security of their core operating system product:
This is almost certainly the year of the OS X exploit,” said Jay Beale, a senior security consultant for Intelguardians and an expert in hardening Linux and Mac OS X systems. “The OS X platform may be based on a Unix platform, but Apple seems to be making mistakes that Unix made, and corrected, long ago.
Perhaps we should call it OS V, for virus, instead. Then the public would have a symbol to remind them that Apple’s operating system cannot provide perfect security:
One only has to look at the Secunia OSX vulnerabilities page or Symantec’s OSX threat advisory center to realize that the Apple platform has the same potential for malware as any other. No software is bug-free; yet Apple is trying to foster a reputation that pretends it is:
Historically, Apple has not had very good external communication skills. They have a tremendous marketing team, but the amount of information (as opposed to marketing hype) that comes out of Apple is low.
When a software company would rather hide the flaws in its software until the “next patch” rather than publically own them, there’s a big security problem. When the next 0-day OSX exploit comes out, do you want to know about it, or would you rather pretend it doesn’t exist?
Top 10 Reasons Not To Buy A Macbook Pro
Here’s my list of top-10-reasons not to buy a Macbook Pro, Apple’s latest and greatest luxury notebook. While some of these problems have been addressed, many are still riling consumers who long for a Macbook Pro v2.
1) Your batteries might swell, explode, or stop working due to heating problems. Your case will be warped out of shape in the process.
2) The name “Macbook Pro” is considered horrible, and generally not the new status symbol your $2000+ notebook should be.
3) Performance on old Power PC code is mediocre. All your old Mac apps will generally run slowly, slower than a G4.
4) The Macbook Pro is shoddily and quickly manufactured in China. It may or may not have manufacturing defects that will need later repair, such as a loose fan.
5) Overheating will cause serious problems for your Macbook, if it suffers from blocked vents or the infamous thermal paste problem.
6) Some Macbook Pro owners report a hissing noise from the display if it’s running at less than full brightness.
7) No Firewire 800 port, which means significantly slower external device performance.
Wifi support in the new Macbook Pro is somewhat sketchy; Airport doesn’t work as well as it used to.
9) Macbook Pro pricing is higher than the corresponding Dell or other Intel Core Duo notebooks.
10) Like the Sony 13.3″ Vaio’s with metal cases, the Macbook Pro also can induce an electric shock to the user, through the metal case.
The problems generally fall into one of three categories: manufacturing defects, feature reductions, and design problems. Some problems fall into two categories. For example, the heating problems are caused first by poor design with higher power consumption, and second by manufacturing defects with thermal grease, vent blockage, and shaky fans. Digg if you like.
Pretty New Macbook
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