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It is possible for an Apple Macintosh to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is Yes. However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft Windows user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users don't even run an antivirus protection program.
Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows.
- Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
- Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more users. Because more users use Microsoft Windows, it is a lot better of a target than Apple Macintosh computers.
- Most of the virus writers are familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, and therefore are only going to be able to create a virus for that platform.
- Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows.
A listing of virus protection programs as well as virus protection programs that support the Apple Macintosh computer can be found on document CH000514.
Note: If you're running a virtual PC on your Apple Macintosh, because it's emulating Microsoft Windows, it can become infected with Windows viruses and you should be running an antivirus protection program on it. In addition an Apple Macintosh can serve as a virus carrier, meaning that a virus could be stored on an Apple Computer but not infect it. If that infected Macintosh were then to connect to a network or forward an infected e-mail to a Windows computer it could become infected.
Additional security threats
Although a Macintosh computer is less susceptible to viruses because it is a human who's operating the computer you still can be a victim of Trojan horses, phishing, and other online fraud. If you're a Macintosh user we still recommend keeping informed about how to keep safe while online. See document CH000507 for additional information about keeping safe online.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThere are no viruses that affect Mac OS X. If the Mac is running Windows then it can be infected by any virus that a PC running Windows can get.
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What are some virus protection applications for Macs?
macs dont get viruses macs dont get viruses
Can the dns virus infect Macs?
DNS is not a virus. DNS stands for Domain Name Servers or a way how your PC will connect to the web. This virus the FBI Terminated was called DNSChanger. Macs were hard to edit as always'
What can virus protection offer a mac user?
Most people do not require additional virus protection for their Macs. Mac OS X is not invulnerable to viruses but it is much more secure than Windows. I have used Macs for a number of years without any issue, without additional virus protection.
What was the first virus to breach a Mac computer?
The first virus to breach a Mac computer was the iBotnet virus. The iBotnet virus was reported in the month of April in the year of 2009. However, Macs usually do not get viruses.
Why don't Macs get virus?
the mac has a special micro chip in the hardrive but its only compatible with mac.
What is the Norton Antivirus system used for?
The Norton Anti Virus system is used for computers that are at risk for viruses. Norton Anti Virus is one of the leading anti virus systems for macs and pcs.
Is winndows7 virus free?
No computer is virus free, not even Macs. The reason windows has more virii is because more people have Windows Operating System. Therefore a virus programmer is looking for most of the time what will make them more money. This is the reason Macs have less virii then Windows. Is it harder to hack Mac then Windows no they are about the same comparing Windows 7 and Mac OS 10
Is it safe to download the Royal flush pinball game for mac's?
It is if you check it for a virus. I got an old Mac virus from a Royal Flush download once. Keep in mind that it plays on the 6080XX Macs.
How are Macs better than PCs?
Macs are not virus or malware prone. Mac hardware usually lasts longer than PC hardware. Mac OS X's GUI may be easier to navigate. Mac OS X has a fast start-up time. Macs hardware and software are from the same source, making compatibility more likely.
Can you switch your itunes from your PC with virus's to my new mac without getting virus's?
No the virus will not be passed first off because macs are virtually virus free and the file that is infected is most likely only comparable with PC however if you are really worried I would suggest just downloading a new version of itunes from apple.com for free.
How do you know your PSP has a virus?
it probably doesn't because like macs it runs on a different os. if your really unsure however you can scan the psp drive on your computer.
Why are Mac computes virus free?
AnswerMacs are not virus free. There are however way less viruses for Macs than for Intel/Microsoft PCs. There are just a handful of Mac viruses in circulation but tens of thousands are written for regular PCs. Macs are built on a very secure operating system, derived from a very secure Unix like system called BSD. This helps defeat viruses before they can do damage.There are also far less Macs around than Intel/Microsoft PCs so there is less incentive to expend a lot of effort writing a Mac virus.Also, Macs have no registry meaning there isn't such an obvious weak point.
