A week or two ago someone asked for recommendations on anti-virus and firewall software. I promptly replied, pointing them towards ZoneAlarm and AVG, the free firewall and anti-virus programs I use. Shortly after that someone posted that the individual should “get a Mac, they don’t come with viruses.” First, of course Macs don’t come with viruses – PCs don’t either. Second, just because you have a Mac doesn’t mean you are invincible to viruses. In fact, Apple is now has been pushing anti-virus software for Macs.
Because of Apple’s increasing market share more and more viruses are targeting Mac users. Also, because of all the marketing that has led people to believe Macs are somehow immune to viruses, Mac users don’t expect to get a virus, which means they probably don’t take basic precautions when browsing the web and downloading files. Mac and PC users alike should be wary – not paranoid – about viruses. So, please, don’t give me the “Macs don’t get viruses” line again.