Macs don't need an antivirus?

True, but an anti-virus program doesn't plug holes - it detects malware infected files and deletes them. Viruses depend on a few factors, among these are: a) that the user is downloading files with embedded malware from dubious sources, b) that the user is running as root c) that the user can just execute (as root) a random file they downloaded from somewhere... none of this applies to a *nix system, which is why AV software is unnecessary.

*nix files are not executable by default. The executable flag is actually a permission, with windows it's simply a case of adding ".exe" to the end of a file name and double clicking...

Even on any nix system even the bastardized one that is OSX you still use a browser it still uses plug-ins and your still vulnerable no OS is immune their are viruses in jpegs and mp3s there are all kinds of mail in bugs users are stupid and will compromise their security AV gives them and the other machines around them that extra layer of security and anyone with any OS that doesn't run AV is an ***** plain and simple and should unplug their computer because they are really too stupid to own and run one!!

You clearly haven't got a clue what you're talking about and have resorted to flinging insults.

A browser running on a *nix system does not run as root, that's a major difference between this type of system and windows. Malware embedded in jpegs and mp3s isn't executable under a *nix system, also it probably wasn't written to execute on a*nix system in the first place... even if it was, a user would have to set it as executable (by logging in as root) then they would need to execute it as root to have it do any meaningful damage to the system...

According to you, almost every GNU/Linux user and developer is a "*****" because they don't run an anti-virus program? Get yourself off to any GNU/Linux or BSD *nix community forum and try posting such a ridiculous statement there... you will soon realise who is the "*****"...

I've been using nix since redhat 3 and have administrated and do administrate 100's of nix boxes and stand by what I've written I know many users love to express the same sentiments as you and you are just plain wrong!you do not need to be running as root to compromise a system ,that is a fallacy that is also a myth spread by nix users that are to caught up in the greatness of it to admit to any flaws in it,that inability and attitude is one of the biggest reasons that the nix desktop is having such a hard time catching on except in the periphery of the OS market!

What utter garbage... and pulling on the old "i've been using it since <distro x>" tactic, doesn't help your argument either - you've produced nothing to back up your ridiculous claims. The people you refer to that are "just plain wrong" just happen to be developers and highly experienced users. It is in fact you that are "just plain wrong". The "myth" here is what you're spreading about *nix users needing anti-virus software... that's just bollocks - it worries me that someone would read your posts and take it on board.

If you did your research you'd know that av software for linux is targeted at the mail server/samba server market. i.e. the software detects and removes windows viruses, not "linux viruses".

There was a similar thread to this not long ago - posted by a moderator no less. It saddens me that such utter bullshit is being peddled on this board these days. This is probably why TS' "alternative OS" forum gets so little traffic. Well after nearly 6 years here, I'm done - not because of you wizardB, in fact thank you for showing me it's time I moved on from here.

over and out.

Yeah, that kinda sucks. We don't need to lose a key member of the Alt OS Universe. Caravel, coooommmmmeeeeeeeee bbbbbbaaaaaaaaacccccccccckkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk...

Okay, that was kinda nutty on my part. In all seriousness, we can all agree to disagree on several topics. That much is common ground. But to disagree all for the sake of anti-virus apps on a Linux distro, of all things, well then we have a problem here. Caravel was right about a key point. You have to be running as root to execute certain tasks, whether it be Linux or *NIX. Add to the fact that the majority of embedded malware and spyware were specifically programmed and coded for Win OS'es without the need for administrative privileges.

I don't claim to know anything about Linux or any of their distro flavors. In fact, I started using Fedora Core 10 last year and I still have not gotten around to whether to use Gnome or KDE as my desktop environment. And I'll be the first to tell you that it's very cumbersome and has a steep learning curve, one that I will be able to master within time. So I wouldn't know a wristlock from a wristwatch in that environment, much less know if an antivirus solution is warranted in Linux under any circumstances.

Okay, I will stop ranting now.

You are right that there are those that espouse arguments for which they neither cite authoritative references and/or clearly identify a lack of experience

Suggestion: Make Y O UR case, cite references and as they say, "Just consider the source" and giggle to yourself. The UseNET group on NNTP suffered from "too many experts" too, but when we read personally flames, it's a strong clue that there's an issue. I've written SUID *nix code so you can evaluate - - and I would bet many can't

PLEASE revist and resume your contributions ! ! ! :grinthumb

This CAN be true only if the admin does silly things with permissions, groups, and shared passwords. If true, the illness is on the Admin, not the system.

horse-dookie. ALL computers with the exception of closed loop systems need security software.

I agree but we are not talking admins here we are talking users and anybody that has serviced any machines no matter what the OS knows what lengths they will go to thinking they actually are making their comps better,I and probably most of you could run our machines almost forever without a problem but the average user does not have the sense to not click yes just so he can see the picture of that special woman hence my affirmation that all comps should have AV and only an ***** say other wise and I stand by that...and if someone wants to take it personal that is their prob not mine or anyone elses I really get tired of so called experts going off in a huff just because someone question their special OS and claim that it isn't perfect!

oh boy - - I'll take my own advice and

"Just consider the source" :blackeye:

Doesn't matter what computer or OS you use if you willingly download and run a file.

At the same time, what if the Mac computer did not have AV, and then the subsequent Windows computers it sent to did not have AV either? Every computer (mac included) involved in the movement of that infection is at fault for potentially spreading that particular copy of the virus. The likelyhood or ability to be infected by a virus does not take it out of the infection path, so I would still agree with the "as a precaution for other computers" mindset, especially in a mixed OS environment. It only takes one weak link to break the chain, though nowadays even the weakest link is quite resilient compared to 5 years ago.

I accidentally bumped into this thread, and having read it all the way, it would have been better if caravel stayed and continued his valuable contribution (as many have already wished). Anyway, debate of nix superiority aside, I think 'a user needs to be vigilant about how they set up their box / usage etc.' I haven't bothered with any of Nix distros in years but the last time I had 'any kind of virus' on my PC was in way back in 1992 ..... so my experience tells me if you are careful (with right set configuration) no matter which system you are using you should be okay.

Kinda like not vaccinating your child on the assumption that other parents will vaccinate their kids?

Typhoid Mary didn't get sick, so she didn't care about washing her hands when she handled food of other people who then got sick.

I agree that your average private Mac user probably wouldn't worry about what they pass on to another private user, but in a mixed corporate environment that's a pretty stupid strategy.

I was replying to SNGX1275, that's why I quoted to what I was responding to. =)