Mac Or Windows? Who’s Really Secure?

If you’re a Mac OS X user then you haven’t run into many, if any, security issues other than Apple’s occasional Security Update. If you’re a Windows user, on the other hand, you’re constantly working to keep the holes plugged in the dike. It’s a lost cause. Here’s why…

Microsoft designed insecurity into Windows. Mac OS X comes with security built in. Who’s really more secure?

Back when Windows NT was all the rage for all it could do for the desktop and server arena, Microsoft opened the kernal for use. It’s the hole in Swiss cheese that causes all the other holes, so to speak. Later, Microsoft worked hard, despite a court order not to, to integrate the browers Internet Explorer into Windows.

The chicken wire fence security in Windows and the chicken wire fence security in Internet Explorer simply increased the number of whole holes to attack.

And attack, and attack, and… you get the idea. Here’s why Windows compare badly to Mac OS X or even Linux.

Rob Pegoraro of the Washington Post says,

Hahahaha.

Microsoft built vulnerability in to Windows. Windows XP ships with five “ports” (those holes that allow an operating system to communicate with the outside world) fully open and exposed. Window’s Messenger Service listens for alerts sent by a network owner-- and receive pop up ads sent by spammers.

Windows’ Remote Procedure Call was designed because, as Microsoft says, of a need for network compatibility. Microsoft also says, RMC isn’t to be used in a hostile environment-- like the Internet.

Well, duh! Does Mac OS X or Linux have those same two problems? Nope.

Wait. There’s more. Can you say “Firewall?”

Windows XP has one. It’s turned off by default. And turning it on requires a mistake-prone Five Step Procedure. Red Hat Linux has its firewall on as default. On Mac OS X, it’s also off by default, but isn’t necessary because nothing’s turned on that would allow an outside user to get inside.

Patches, patches, who’s got patches? Microsoft seems to have a new one every week. No wonder they can’t get out a new version of Windows XP. Holes are developing faster than they can close them.

Credit Linux (any flavor) and Mac OS X for making update downloads an automatic thing. Two clicks and you’re there. Secure alone again, naturally.

By default, Windows XP allows unrestricted “administrator” access to a computer. For anyone. Whether they’re the current user, or a thief who just broke in from the Internet. Installing “backdoor” applications that run without you knowing it is a breeze in Windows.

It’s almost impossible with Mac OS X or Linux.

Somone once said that the only secure computer is unplugged. That may be correct. Millions of Mac and Linux users operate many times more securely than a Windows computer with all the latest patches and updates.

Turn on your firewall. Open only those “ports” that need to be opened. Secure your Mac with your login ID and password if you’re in an office. Open attachments carefully and only from someone you know-- and check to make sure they sent it to you in the first place.

When your Windows using friends go “Arrrrggghh!!” with each new problem, just smile. And keep typing.

By the way, a recent news report says Linux has now surpassed Mac OS X as the Number One Unix-like system on desktop computers. Add Mac and Linux together, Microsoft may be well under 90-percent market share.

It’s a start.

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