Let me this this right....Apple ships a KNOWN virus on its harware and tells MS you should to more to fix this>>>>>>>>
Thats insane.....
Aple thought...Most of our IPOD buyers are MS so lets infect them bwahaahhahahahhaa..
Wake up MS you have a weak OS

Lets warp to your local hospital
Imagration wanna be comes in infected with bird flu AIDS, and countless other infections.
Then has the Gal to tell "North Americans" your fault cause you did not get shots!!!
Steve .... Your press dept really needs help man

GFI just responded to this issue with an article that warns about how easy it is for viruses and other malware to be introduced to corporate network. Companies are easily affected by iPods infected with malware, since most don’t seem to be aware of the dangers of media players and other portable storage devices.

http://www.gfi.com/news/en/ipodvirus.htm

Hmmmmm, so MANY seemingly off-topic rants here...it's hard to know where to start.

Let's make this simple:
Apple does NOT get viruses -> True
Microsoft DOES get viruses -> True
Apple shipped a VERY POPULAR product (known to be used by many consumers that ALSO use Microsoft products) -> True

So who is at fault?

The consumer, for using the most popular OS available?
The consumer, for using the most popular Mp3/Media Device available?

No - not the consumer. The consumer is the victim.

Back to the question - Who is at fault?
I think it's obvious that the *responsibility* lies with Apple. They released the product - which contained the virus.
Microsoft, because of it's popularity in the marketplace, becomes a target...not necessarily the fault of Microsoft. It's the nature of the system.

Are Apple products affected? Most definitely.
Should the customer beware? Most definitely.
Has Apple (with it's attempt at SPIN) done anything that Microsoft (or any other mainstream company) would not have tried (in some form) - no.

I wonder - what will be the impact on IPod sales in the next quarter? Probably minimal.

As to the 'Microsoft is for idiots' comment - just showing your own lack of intelligence.

Can anyone guess what OS *I* use? I don't *think* I've given it away in my comments.

Let's make this simple:
Apple does NOT get viruses -> True
Microsoft DOES get viruses -> True
Apple shipped a VERY POPULAR product (known to be used by many consumers that ALSO use Microsoft products) -> True

So Close, should have read:

Let's make this simple:
Apple does NOT get viruses -> Flase, Just not as many as Windows.
Microsoft DOES get viruses -> True
Apple shipped a VERY POPULAR product (known to be used by many consumers that ALSO use Microsoft products) -> True

ROFL! Wow...This made my day. GG Mac. GG Jobs. Go back to making a crappy OS and leave your iPod rest in peace.

Ahhh.... I love a good OS war.

It's always funny when absolute morons act like they're geniuses and post almost half of the 130+ comments on a story.

...and ironically, he calls everyone else a genius. The truth always comes out I guess.

the problem with your source is...it does not dictate how much of that is mac...everyone knows ipods are selling all over the place...no surprise there...

Hmmm, the latest source that I've found is right here on BetaNews

http://www.betanews.com/article/1161205774#c443285

Sigh

I'm reposting this at the top because I'm rather tired of reading posts from people claiming that Macs are on the decline and suggesting my news sources are in error.

Reality check: the notice below is consistent with reports from reputable analysts who have been saying that Apple's share of the PC world has been growing at 15% for the last several years.
-----------------------------------

From today's (Oct 18th, 2006) Wall St. Journal Earnings report:

APPLE'S NET JUMPED 27% amid strong sales of iPod players and Macintosh computers. Revenue rose 32% to $4.84 billion.

To nitpick just a little, that quote says nothing of market share, only increased income, and not how much of it is from iPod sales. It is quite possible that the figures below could be depicting a decline in Mac sales and a tremendous increase in iPod sales. I am not saying that is what it depicts, merely that those numbers are possible with a decline in Mac sales.

If you want to nitpick, then you should check the full report (I didn't think I'd need to defend it so much).

The report today includes such things as

1) The company sold 1.6 million Macs, for revenue of $2.21 billion -- its best selling quarter for the computers ever

2) The company's notebook unit sales grew 56% in the quarter from the same period the previous year

Both of these tend to support the growth claims that have been made by reputable analysts such as Gartner and others whose business it is to look closely at Apple so as to provide earnings guidance and who are claiming 15% annual growth.

That in itself SHOULD be sufficient to dispel claims from people that Mac is shrinking.

Go figure, Apple "accidently" infects Windows Machines with virus's...yeah...I belive that one.

Actual malicious code, more damaging that the harmless Sony rootkit....

I love the fact that they still manage to blame M$ for it!!
"As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses"

Perhaps MS could sue Apple for infecting their almighty Windows OS :P

Everyone got to Sue Sony didn't they?

Though 2 wrongs don't make a right....I wouldn't be opposed to having my Zune with an OsX virus on it.
I can hear Apple now "How dare MS play such a dirty trick?!".

No, what we hear is YOU positing and projecting YOUR feelings and imposing them on others.

He has every right to post his opinion on a public forum now doesnt he? i dont see how he is imposing them on others. If you dont like it you could just leave. Although if you need to cry about it, it is your right to explain how his comment hurt your OSX loving feelings.

Wow, sorry, didn't mean to upset anyone. I'm merely trying to have my point come across. Apple's reaction is completely illogical, to say the least. They should apologize to buyers AND to MS. I mean think about it for a minute, if my company sells beef, and the meat is infected somehow with, lets say, influenza, or some other virus with a vaccine, is it honestly fair for me to say "As you might imagine, we are upset at consumers for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it."
It just doesn't make sense. Apologize to consumers, apologize to MS, and move on.

And YOU'RE projecting YOUR feelings onto him.

"Wow, sorry, didn't mean to upset anyone."

Quit being such a p****!!! It's a forum you're supposed to piss people off:-)LMAO

Don't worry dude, there's alot of Idiots out there who don't know how to read and misinterperate alot of things...

You are a ****ing retard. What the hell do you think the comment system is for?

He's not imposing his opinion on anyone. He's expressing it. Did that offend you? I'm sorry. Maybe you shouldn't read it.

Someone is playing dirty, good job APPLE.

so because my product has a virus on it, i should blame windows for not protecting against the virus on my product. obviously.

Nope, because you choose to run Windows, you accept the inherent risks that come with it. Like a big boy.

Just like it you buy a car and drive on the interstate, you assume risks and responsibilities for your actions and the products you put in the vehicle. You do not sue GM or Ford or BMW if you have an accident or if you put dirty gas in the tank. And if you chose to use an alternative fuel you assume the risks of what the product offers distinct from the vehicle. Even if it is made by GM Chevy or BMW.

Its amazing that in the InfoSec world, if I install an application and the OS is not patched to protect it, I can tell you who they blame, and the manufacturer is not the first! We are expected to have performed due diligence in maintaining the OS at the latest level. And individuals are held liable for their failure to due so! Especially when there is a LONG history of KNOWN problems inherent to the platform.

I guess in the high school and college world that there are only victims, and folks are not held accountable for maintaining systems at the latest levels of code.

Speaks volumes regarding the difference between the 2 worlds doesn't it.

I'll keep that in mind if you get into a car accident man.

No ill will, but it's Apple's job to make sure that the IPod is safe, not Microsoft's.

With that kind of flawed logic, perhaps Microsoft should make a virus for Mac computers and let it loose on the Internet, and then Apple can inherent risks that come with it. Like a little boy.

So, using your logic, it is Microsoft's responsibility to keep Windows and my PC safe.

Right... Complete and utter BS.

At the very LEAST its a shared responsibility! And your blaming it on someone else is no better then someone else doing it!

Windows has known vulnerabilities, and it is your responsibility to patch them as they are identified and to use available precautionary tools And procedures. It is MS's responsibility to get their marvel under control. And it is a 3rd party vendor's responsibility to insure that their code is clean.

But ultimately, the fundamental source of the risk is the developer of the OS.

No it is microsoft's responsibility to keep it safe when shipped. there is no viri or spyware on it from factory.

I like how you can pick out windows flaws an utterly ignore the fact that this was apple's fault. you got a shrine to jobs in your bedroom in your mommy's basement too?

I have always wondering why Apple's fans are refer as lemming. Now, I finally see it.

ROFL

haha, wtf? They ship ipod's with a virus on it and instead of explaining how that happened in detail they take the opportunity to blast windows?

They have to know this makes them look like a fool. However at 25 instances only, it sounds like they were loaded on them maybe by a disgruntled employee?

That would seem likely. It's almost inconceivable that it happened by accident in that kind of environment. A practical joker, perhaps? :)

Enviroment where the ipods are built could surprise you badly. Some Apple factories in Asia were investigated for infra-human work conditions. Let me put it clear: Slaves working for food. No joke there. There, should be no surprise to find *anything* inside an iPod. A computer virus is a minor problem there...

Apples, worms? There's a joke in there somewhere. How in the hell does this happen at a manufacturing plant?

Again Apple always blaming someone else for their mistakes...

"As you might imagine, we are upset at Windows for not being more hardy against such viruses, and even more upset with ourselves for not catching it," Apple said.

Yeah, usually you don't leave the party you are "most upset" at as an "also".

If the tables were turned and it was M$ instead of Apple the whole world would have filed their lawsuits by now. And of course the first in line would be the EU.

So True

If Microsoft did it there would be more than 25 cases, and they'd be claiming it wasn't their fault all the way to court.

Is that the 'turned-table' you were talking about?

Though I agree that MS would say it's not heir fault, but they wouldn't blame Apple.

I never said that they would not deny it, c'mon we're talking about M$ here. But how many lawsuits have been filed against Apple thus far??? All I'm saying is if it were M$ the lawsuits would be raining down on them.

It's the whole "M$ evil" "Apple good" syndrome.

""It's the whole "M$ evil" "Apple good" syndrome. ""

No, I think it's more of "cash rich" MS. They free cash is more than enough to buy almost any company outright.

Agreed, I don't see any Microsoft commercials bashing Apple, but I do see Apple commercials bashing Microsoft every time I turn on the TV.

How about just make a better product and then let me decide what I want to use? I'd give it a shot if I could use my existing hardware.

I guess by their logic the person who wrote the virus shouldn't be at fault either...

dud what are you smokin? the apple commercials bashing MS? all the apple comercials are saying PC. do they mention any apps that windows uses. umm don't think so. geez too many kids on this form. betanews is turning into a daycare center

So everyone's pissed because M$ is successful and has enough money to buy the world 10 times over??? The whole point of having a business is to make money. 90% of companies out there have questionable business practices, M$ more that most but anyway. The other 10% will eventually be acquired by the 90%. Business is like poker, the more chips you have the more you can bluff and the more you can bully your competitors. And Bill Gates was a hell of a poker player. In the 80's Apple was just as bad, they did lots underhanded things to get ahead. It turns out that M$ was just better at it.

My point is, they are all scum.

They make direct references...

If you want a prime example, look at the 'ILive' Vs. 'I've got a calculator' ad.

Apple takes every chance it gets to bash MS. Not that MS doesn't deserve it... But if MS started doing the same thing back, the Apple cult would cry bloddy murder.

That's a lot of nice PR stuff, but how did the virus get on the devices in the first place? Is the manufacturing plant using "insecure" Windows machines which got infected and passed the virus on?

If so, I hope I'm not the only one who sees a massive amount of irony in that.

Apple: See, we told you Windows is less secure than Mac OS.

Gotta wonder who got fired over this.

It would be interesting if Apples macs were infected (storing the virus) and it oops copied onto several iPods

"The company also took the opportunity to blast Microsoft's Windows operating system for not doing more to protect customers from such malware."

Protecting themselves from apple? Do Apple really want Microsoft to turn on the offensive against the iPod? Quite easily they could withdraw access to iPods on the basis of security.

It even sounds like Apple *want* security vendors to class their product as malware carrying devices.

Maybe the Zune should come as standard with Mac Viruses.

I would like to point out that I would like an iPod, and they are actually good, cheap technology, but the c***iness of Apple is so baffling it is untrue.
I can't help feel that they're in for a fall.

"Do Apple really want"

Not only do Windows folks need to fear VIRUSES, but we all need to deal with your poor grammar.

Protecting themselves from Apple. That is clever.

But perhaps that is why Windows folks have the plethora of VIRUSES to worry about! ...And Mac users don't!

Bottom line after all of your whining:
Windows users need to be ever vigilent against viruses, while Mac users need worry much less.

Deal with it!
And try to stay awake during class. You might come dangerously close to learning something.

he used do instead of does...you really are stretching here to make a point...as has been said more times then anyone can count apple has a small amount of marketshare and no one cares about trying to hack mac.. "ohhh I hacked a mac all 3 people that are using them"...mac releases tons of security updates as well its not just windows...the point is a device that is considered to be safe brought a virus to its users...it was there on purchase...the user didnt even have to do anything other then connecting it

So true. The first time I used OSX I was able to hack it in 15 minutes. I was very suprised since so many people say they are hard to hack.

And try to stay awake during class. You might come dangerously close to learning something.

Have people said things like that alot to you in your life? You seem to have an affinity for that style a phrase.

That's a brilliant idea. Why not shutout the most successful MP3 player in the market, so people have to buy a Mac to use it?

Damn, why didn't I think of that!

Define: hack.

A Windows machine takes about 15 seconds to remove Administrator passwords. :P

you mean maybe mac os people should try creating their own os instead of stealing a version of linux to use as their core?

whats more expensive buying a new mac to go with that ipod, or returning the ipod and buying a new mp3 player? i think the later makes more sense.

Hack, clear OSX passwords and delete all system files without a reboot. THe next time the user trys to boot. How about faking and adding advertisment in Apple error report screen :)

The only person I see whining is you.

Suprised nobody has found a way to blame this on Sony...

Sending actual viruses on iPods is much worse than harmless rootkits, which shipped on a few thousands CD's

erm... they run on Sony Batteries?
Therefore since they can't run without batteries they couldn't spread the virus because they couldn't switch on?

Therefore Sony are to blame for the virus affecting people.

That outlandish enough for you?

hahahaha

apparently ... the laptop used to scan for viral threats and quality control was scrapped off the floor in a molten mess. Not even the safty flaw of having numerous laptops from various big names including there own to check in parrallel was safe from this melting issue.

hehe .. well you did ask.

The Sony battery which the laptop ran on failed to ignite in time. Thus allowing the virus to spread.

There.

PRICELESS!!

You know... Thinking about it.

It really wasn't MS fault for not protecting their customer, but rather Apple's fault for not making sure that Apple's consumers wouldn't fall victim to something like this.

Why isn't Apple making sure that their product are up to specs?

First melting laptops, then random shutdowns, and now viruses... Wonderfull quality control there guys.

Their quality control has always been 'interesting' to say the least.

The first few versions of any new product are always something to steer clear of, but this just adds to the intrigue.

Indeed...

"The company also took the opportunity to blast Microsoft's Windows operating system for not doing more to protect customers from such malware."

LOL and what more could THEY have done to protect THERE customers ... Virus scan? Quality control?

Hey, if they were using a symantec antivirus tons of viruses could have made their way into the ipod's os. LMAO

Good point :P

Hey, you build a Windows image and you are likely to encounter a virus! Thats life in the world of Windows. What, so Apple missed the latest (of HOW many has it been now?? - I would LOVE to see the figure!!!) round of MS patches...

Why should Apple be any more successful in avoiding WINDOWS viruses than MS and the rest of the victims... I mean users... no, I was right the first time, who use Windows?

Enjoy!!! Its Windows! And Windows users Love their viruses! An inseparable combination. Its part and parcel of the "Windows Experience"!

Hypocrite.

You will probably respond with how your over punctuated, MySpace typical, hypocritical postings are in spite of others, similar to Apple.

None of my computers have ever been infected with a virus, they all have run Windows operating systems, all have spent long hours with an always on broadband connection. Actually, I have only even encountered viruses about 3 times...ever. Why? Because I get updates regularly, stay away from the the dark alleys of the internet (or at least carry protection in the form of security utils when I do), and stay behind a router. If I ever decided to use a mac, I would do the same...because in my personal use, Windows viruses are not any more common than Mac ones.

How could I guess your clumsy ham-fisted approach to a comment would be here at a Windows/Mac story.

Got nothing better to do?

Quality Control doesn't seem to be your strongpoint either.

Well, You've heard it here.

The rumors of Windows viruses and the need for patches is all an illusion.

"Windows viruses are not any more common than Mac ones."

So, in your extremely limited exposurte to the Net you have encountered ONLY 3 viruses.

Compare that the Mac servers running 24/7 on the Net that have not had any viruses!

So by your limited experience, Windows only has a 300% greater chance of encountering a virus than a Mac.

"Windows viruses are not any more common than Mac ones."

You might want to pay more attention in math class.

Hmmm. At least two companies have failed to successfully market a commercial Mac Anti-Virus product! Not because they didn't work, but because there is no market!

Try running Windows without anti-virus!

Read a history book lately?

Or are you too afraid to be monitored by the commonplace video surveillance in the land of the socialism as you fear coming to the US because the extent of their overreaching social surveillance is to want a small scattering of personal info?

Oh, I guess you are upset that the US didn't ask you for permission to establish their own requirements! After all, Europe has done such a Grand job over the last century of insuring civil rights and freedom. In which country is the genocide this month?

If only we had known it would only take that to keep geniuses like you out, we should have implimented it sooner! You see! Its amazingly effective!

You know, your tirade may have had a point if you didn't omit a very important part of the statement you jumped on "in my personal use, Windows viruses are not any more common than Mac ones."

But apparently, you cannot understand that complex of a statement. Is Apple keeping things too simple?

You might want to pay more attention in math class.

Really? 3 is 300% more than 0? I guess I should've.

You wanna see selective quoting?
Hmmm. At least two companies have failed to successfully market a commercial Mac product! Not because they didn't work, but because there is no market!

In all honesty, I ran without anti-virus software for well over a year and did just fine without it. My computer is in perfect shape and there were no problems. The only reason I'm running anti-virus right now is because of my university requiring it for access to the network.

what does your inane comment have to do with apple shipping a windows virus?

It was a reply to his comment about my comment.
But as you obviously, by your own admission, have no clue, your ignorance only makes you stupid.

No genius, the problem is that you have extrapolated your personal experience to make some kind of broad statement about the risk of viruses in the Windows marketplace. Something even Microsoft disagrees with.

And even you went from no threat to at least 3 more occurances than on a Mac. Sorry the math is so complex. Maybe you can practice as you tally your Holloween candy after your mom has it xrayed for the terrible threats espoused in the urban myths that you evidently believe in.

...Like Windows viruses....just an urban myth.
Is MS overly paranoid?

So much angst from those who claim to have no interest in other platforms and especially about one they say doesn't even matter.

Poor baby...

I am sure you meant to include meaning in there someplace.

I think the entire platform debate is absurd, just like the your high school rationale.

Nice try at an intelligent come back. Almost twisted it enough to worm your way out of looking like a child.

"So much angst from those who claim to have no interest in other platforms and especially about one they say doesn't even matter."

Keep repeating it, maybe people will ignore your angst.

But not you genius!!!

It is so easy to push the buttons of the Windows folks who are so preoccupied with a machine they themselves claim is insignificant. And it is hilarious to watch those who say a company is so bad that they would never buy their products. As if they actually walked their talk, any issue of a IPod infecting their easily infected system would be moot.

But I am sure the whine of the folks trying to convince themselves that Windows doesn't have a MAJOR security issue will keep trying to make their OS more secure by saying that other OSes can occasionally fall subject to the same thing that their's does. As if saying that someone else can catch a cold makes you healthier! Hahaha!

So remind us again, How many thousands of unique real world viruses exist for Windows each year????

Well... Look at this way.

There was a virus found for Windows computers... The fault has been confirmed.

If the fault had been found for Macs, Apple would have claimed it never existed, and patched in the next ITunes Update, and hope that no one notices. Then when asked about it later, still deny, deny, deny.

The issue at hand is not that Windows has security issues.. Does everyone know this, Yeah, pretty much. Some have better luck or are better users then others.

But at the same time, I have seen OSX WiFi networks hacked, Botnet setup on OSX desktops, bad programs that totally takes apart a OSX system and forces an reinstall. I've seen it all.

It's not a security issue, it never has been... It's a fact that Apple blames another company for their screw up. If a car maker builds a car, and puts in faulty bumper and the car gets into a crash and the bumper fails and the driver dies, who do you think will be blamed? You think the driver will get the heat because they got hit and killed? Or the car maker for messing up the bumper?

When the whole Mac-Book WiFi threat came out, Apple denied, then blamed Intel, then blamed Microsoft, and quietly patched it. This is not the first(and probably won't be the last) time that Apple has stepped aside and passed the blame onto someone else, when they were responsible.

As a final point; if Apple wasn't at fault, why did they apologize? Why say your sorry if you didn't do anything wrong? It's another "makes us look good and make them look bad" tactic, which is the only thing that seems to be working for them lately. See 'Get A Mac Ads'.

Honestly man, get your head out of the grown and look around. Apple is doing the same thing MS did in the past to get ahead. It's the best way to get business... scare people away from the competitor. How do you think elections work? Huh?

I hope this settles this: Which is better OSX Vs. Windows. They both have their ups, they both have their downs. Just leave at that guys, come on.

Apple this Apple that Apple this Apple that
Fair and unbiased.

And the Intel Wi-Fi chip was hacked on the COMMON PC platforms! When the story broke, the hackers pointed out that it was a problem common to the Wi-Fi chipset, not a particular OS platform. How did it gain traction? Did you see any Windows WiFi hacked? Would they have even gotten covereage with that claim or would it havebeen lost in the noise floor of Windows problems? We all know the answer to that! Can't deal with the fact that Mac is just a PC? What distinguished Apple is that they have been the only manufacturer to offer a patch that addressed the hardware/firmware issue at the OS level. Another major manufacturer has failed to effectively address it in any form.

No one debated whether a virus was present as you try to argue with your if Apple blah blah blah. Funny, the story said that. No one denied it. And saying that the threats persist due to OS shortcomings neither deflects Apple's responsibility nor the fact that the assertion is true. Oh, and your 'no one sues a hardware manufacturer' in your car analogy is utterly bogguss. Ask Ford with the "Explorer episode" - funny, you don't hear it referred to as the "Firestone episode"! Opps!

While I cannot say that shipping any product with a virus is good, this is not the first time this has been done! ...including by MS! But one could argue that it would have been worse if Apple shipped a virus for its own platform.

"Its never been a security issue" - great, if that is how the MS fanboys want to spin it! It has always - from the mid 80's, been an emotional issue where PC people have felt the need to say their OS was as good as the Mac. Including MS's original attempt to license it.

It continued through the Windows 95 rollout where they went to great lengths to present it as good as the Mac, as they amazing discovered a GUI; and it continues now with Vista.

Oh, and the whine about Mac ads pointing out problems with Windows - you sound like the politician getting his posterior handed to him who says Why deal with issues! That is sooooo negative! Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain! Let's just talk about how everything is roses rainbows and puppydogs. If the ads are working its because too many relate to the points that are making!

People who are not threatened by something do not continue to worry and fret over it. Nor do the respond with hate. The appropriate response is indifference. And there are far more Windows folks whining here than from ANY other platform. And there are some Mac fanboys as well - only they are far fewer in number!

But there is no sign of indifference in the Windows crowd, especially as the Mac also does Windows and the platform is the latest incarnation of the Intel roadmap, up to and including the Intel next generation EFI bios. So...why are you still whining? Threatened by the choice or concurrent use of several OSes? It would seem to me that such a choice expands opportunity and should be welcomed by all. But that is a Fascinating phobia you have there!

Why do Windows users care at all about OSX? Talk about Windows and the marvelous pristine MS whom everyone loves. You have your hands full. And the Mac does Windows! I thought that was a good thing...

Funny, I live in the AIX world...and we routinely run systems of MUCH greater complexity. And our security concerned go far beyond what Windows has dreamed of doing. We are targets for everything from national security secrets to major commercial databases. Funny, but we're not having the problems another major vendor is having. And we are a MUCH larger target offering a MUCH more valuable prize! But you are right, for us and others, the primary concern is not OS security; rather the focus on security is on other aspects of the distributed systems. And yet I don't hear myriad complaints here between zealots of the various databases and their exposures...

To me, the advantage of the Mac is that it supports the most POSIX compliant version of UNIX on the market, and with its Windows and UNIX file compatibility it can communicate seamlessly between the different worlds...and run Windows and the various Linux and BSD variants. Windows cannot do that. So the Mac offers functionality above what a Windows or Linux/BSD box, where neither can natively communicate with the other, offers. Its a tool that offers increased functionality. I don't waste time debating whether my pliers or my screwdrivers are more valuable. I use the one best for the job. And the choice is good. And the market stats show that many are opting for that increased functionality. Period.

I am very tired of listening to the high level noise floor of ignorant Windows users whine that choice is bad.

So, if its not an issue, why do the Windows people invariably show up by the busloads to whine? In all of the threads! And despite Windows owning the bulk of market share! If functionality and security aren't issues, what is? You only wish you could ignore the elephant in the room.

You're perminantley pissed off, aren't you.

Calm down or get out.

you spelled "fire" wrong in your name there.

ive done that since xp was released

maybe if there were enough people using macs then they might be able to find all its bugs. greater use leads to finding greater problems. the majority of windows problems are introduced by 3rd party software that was programmed badly. and microsoft makes patches to fix those holes too.

Wow, that was so long I didn't even bother to read it. Way to get your point across.

EXACTLY.

ENJOY WINDOWS USERS.

HAVE FUN.

(ignoring windoze trolls like below ••••••••)

...you have extrapolated your personal experience to make some kind of broad statement about the risk of viruses in the Windows marketplace
I don't recall saying a thing about the Windows marketplace. I was merely pointing out that, with proper precautions and safe practices, Windows is no less safe than a mac. (But I am sure you will leave off the middle of that sentence in your response.)

Sorry the math is so complex.
You still haven't told me how 3 is 300% more than 0. I can't even do that with calculus or linear algebra. (Well, maybe with linear algebra; but most likely only in a higher dimension.)

So much angst from those who claim to have no interest in other platforms and especially about one they say doesn't even matter.
It's not the Mac platform I have an issue with, it is the obnoxious condescension and undeserved smugness of its creators and some of its users.

People who are not threatened by something do not continue to worry and fret over it. Nor do the respond with hate. The appropriate response is indifference. [...] So...why are you still whining?
Take a look at that again.

And yet I don't hear myriad complaints here between zealots of the various databases and their exposures...
This is a thread about an Apple product carrying a Windows virus. Why would we be talking about databases?

I am very tired of listening to the high level noise floor of ignorant Windows users whine that choice is bad.
You must have voices in your head because I have not heard any Windows users claim choice is bad. If anyone is against choice it is Apple, with their lock-in iPod tactics and prevention of OSX from running on non-Mac hardware.

Overall, you almost managed to hide your bias in favor of Apple, but you keep projecting Mac-zealot attitudes onto Windows users.

If functionality and security aren't issues, what is? You only wish you could ignore the elephant in the room.
Knowledgeable Windows users know and acknowledge there are security issues...with anything, and take the necessary security measures to protect themselves. It is the Mac zealot who normally claims absolute safety, ignoring the "elephant in the room".

Never said I was a dedicated Windows users...

Like you, I use the right tool, for the job. I work in the music production world, thats what I do. When I go into a studio, I use the G5 hooked up the ProTools board, and work. When I'm at home I use my Linux box to surf the net, do my mail, and post on BetaNews.

When I want to play games I boot up Windows, and play, thats about it.

And if Apple TRUELY wanted to get everyone running in a wonderfull world of 'OSX' then they would make it avaiable for all platforms, rather then getting people stuck with their own hardware.

Look around man, there is far more out there then what Steve Jobs tells you.

OSX = Unix
We all know this.

Mac = x86 bassed system
We all know this.

Mac = IDE/SATA hardware
We all know this.

So at the end of the day you are running a PC, it just has a preatty GUI on it.

As a side step, MS had a GUI before Win95, I still remember Windows 2.

LOL

You might want to pay more attention in math class.

You might have wanted to pay more attention in your 4th grade math class. Or are you still in 3rd grade?

3 to 0 != 300%

3 to 1 == 300%

Nice Work.

You know this had to be one smart Arse employee just having a good laugh.

Does this mean that Microsoft can sue Apple for distributing code that has malicious intent, or can the Govt slap a fine on them and shut down their opperation? lol.

Hahahaha!

Just exactly how does one tell if Windows has a virus? Does it act any differently?

Yeah, it beats a mac in most benchmarks. ;P

ONLY again emulated software!
With native software it gets smoked! Even with the old G5 machines!

Yeah, I keep hearing that, but I have yet to actually see a benchmark to back that claim up...

...nothing? Didn't think so.

I dunno man...

I'd like to see a G5 hold it's own against the Opterons, considering the Opteron out perform the Xeon Chips that are in the new Mac Pros, which they claim out performs the old G5s. So what does that say?

Thats the funny thing about Apple's claims about Macs being faster than Windows machines. If you follow quotes from Jobs and the gang, Macs must be 10x faster than comparable Windows machines. IIRC he was claiming the last of the PowerPC models were twice as fast as the current x86's. Then, when they switched to x86, he was claiming the MacIntels would be five times faster than their PowerPC predecessors.

LOL.. who cares if Macs are faster... wow look at that spreadsheet fly!!! The visibile difference in CPU performance is practically nil in typical useage. Real Benchmarking is typically used to test graphical performance... for use in GAMES. Since Macs are junk when it comes to gaming (zippo) CPU/Graphic benchmarking in MACs is a waste of time. MACS make great foot-rests though!

Wow, does this sound suspicious or what? We have a virus on our iPods and then we blame Windows for not protecting its customers? Something smells fishy here...

I agree with that, does sound fishy.

However, let's say it's all legit. How many complaints over this did they just push away thinking it was a user that didn't know how to protect themselves? I would be curious how long this took to realize.

What is the sound of something fishy?

Some light floundering noises?

Good quailty control!

MAC OSX is so unpopular that no hacker would dare waste a coffee break creating a virus that only affects less than 1% of the world's personal computers so Apple gets c***y and blames MS for their own ineptness. Typical.

Spoken with authority by a prepubescent lad who dresses up like a comic book character...

The documented facts are that Mac and OSX is growing at over 15% year (as of 2005)....how exactly is this "unpopular"?

3% market growth 15% is less than 3.5%

how is it consider popular?

Is like claiming my one man club growing 100% year after year

MacOS useage is on the decline. Perhaps you need to review your news sources...

Let's see...

They are not aware of benchmarks desite their repeatdly being published during the last year...

They maintain the Mac has been losing market share since the switch to Intel...

And to think that some poor disgruntled Windows genius couldn't write a real world virus for the Mac...after all the training they have had on their native platform. Besides, as we keep being told, it is SOOOO easy!

Then do it!

Oh, but like every other incorrect point above, that would mean they would have to stop playing with themselves as they manipulate their iPod and actually do something except whine.

What high school do these geniuses attend?

They are not aware of benchmarks desite their repeatdly being published during the last year...
Links, or can you not actually find a benchmark that doesn't make emulation excuses?

They maintain the Mac has been losing market share since the switch to Intel
Speaking of which...if Mac was superior in all things, why did they switch to Intel?

And to think that some poor disgruntled Windows genius couldn't write a real world virus for the Mac...after all the training they have had on their native platform.
It is probably more that they have better things to do...and it is hard to spread a virus in a sparse population.

Oh, but like every other incorrect point above...
You realize you proved/disproved nothing, don't you?

What high school do these geniuses attend?
Probably not the one you dropped out of.

They maintain the Mac has been losing market share since the switch to Intel Speaking of which...if Mac was superior in all things, why did they switch to Intel?

Because they are a relatively cheap, plentiful commodity. Are you even aware of what the Power5 and forthcoming Power6 generation of cpus are capable of? IBM is out of the desktop buisiness. But then Apple lives in the real world of market economics and not in your high school world crying over the latest file sharing site shutting down.

It is probably more that they have better things to do...and it is hard to spread a virus in a sparse population.

Ewwww! A good comeback by someone who cannot cite a single incident! So no one even has time nor the interest to write a Mac virus - just university researchers in a lab...All the more reason to run a version of UNIX instead of Windows. But it seems to me that allot of folks have been doing that...Now tell us MS isn't worried about that!

But let's make use of your prodigious math skills. Let's see...we have heard that Mac's 15% laptop market share is insignificant. OK.
And now you fall over yourselves over 25 incidents of a virus infecting a Windows boxes out of how many millions of Windows boxes...
Let's see, would your math put that at less than or greater than an insignificant 15%. My estimate is that it is substantially less than an insignificant 15%. Yet you are soooooo worried...But you don't care about that trivial alternative PC platform that can run Windows as well as a plethora of other OSes.

Yep, you have your pathological priorities in order!

So Macs are insignificant. Doesn't bother me. What IS hilarious is the pathological obsession of so many for something they claim doesn't matter. ;-)

all your mindless babbling is just flaming...you dont provide much in the way of information rather then being a troll and praising Apple above all...what is funny is Apple knows windows isnt going anywhere anytime soon...why else would they have bootcamp...you still have to buy a legit version of the os to run it... so whos really losing?...and one more time with feeling why should someone suspect a device they just BOUGHT has a BUILT IN virus..regardless whether windows was protected or not...it is STILL Apple's fault...viruses dont just appear on peoples pcs out of nowhere they must do or not do something for this to happen...hence why this IS apple's fault...spin it anyway you want but the fact remains it was on a device that was brand new and hence considered to be safe and untampered with...

edited for content...thank you have a nice day

more trolling...

This ENTIRE thread has consisted simply of whining and attacks against Apple. The same BS that recurs with each thread mentioning Apple.

Nowhere has there been any information offered by anyone regarding the iPod - just partison rants from both sides - but by far the majority are from Windows bigots who think they can make their OS more secure by attacking others!

Where is a semblance of a market analysis in any recent thread? Where is an intelligible technical analysis in any thread? Instead all we routinely encounter is the partison rants who tear down their what others use. And the fact is that what others use doesn't mean sh!t to a tree!

And it is so easy to stomp on the ant hill and have all of you very intelligent pre-cambrian haploids running about looking for someone to attack!

Personally, I don't care which OS you use. Use the one that suits your needs. But this insane idea that Windows is more secure than any other alternative OS is absurd!

So - please - issue another idiotic partison rant.

Oh, and to examine one of YOUR claims:

"it is STILL macs fault...viruses dont just appear on peoples pcs out of nowhere they must do or not do something for this to happen"

First of all, it is not "Macs" fault. The company is Apple and the product is an iPod. Oh... So, Apple intentionally wrote the virus?? Yes/No? If not, has anyone tried to posit a reasonable vector by which they acquired it? (Are you kidding!?) So, by what vector do you think they acquired it, or is it an Apple branded virus for Windows?

But why should any of the rocket scientists here attempt to have an intelligent discussion independent of your own personal emotion hangups. Heaven forbid, THAT might establish a trend and come dangerously close to making sense!

Why don't you examine how Apple may have picked this virus up like anyone else can? Not one person has examined the likely vectors or treated this in a manner befitting a security forensic analysis - all we get are your and the others emotional rants.

You want to talk intelligently about reasonable vectors and perhaps learn something - I'll wait to see it to believe it! But, if you want to simply continue the SOP of running amuck playing partison games, I'll just have fun stomping on the ant hill and watching you idiots run amuck.

It's funny when foxfyre uses words like 'partison' [sic] and 'pre-cambrian'. They are so badly out of place it ruins any chance people had of reading the post without dismissing it as a 16 year old's rant.

Apple are completely at fault for allowing a virus into their iPod. Completely.

uh well genius the reason for the attacks against Apple is THEIR product brought the virus to Windows users...and Windows has never shipped with a virus...if you are trying to blame the blaster worm...MS patched it a month before the epidemic hit...it goes to show that people dont keep their systems up to date....Apple is always releasing patches itself...not one person ever claimed MS is more secure you are pulling things out of thin air...everyone knows Windows has more vulnerabilities but the fact is it does everything at a cheaper cost and its not necessary to buy a brand new machine when yours becomes obsolete rather then upgrading the components...I guess if you are happy with a store bought system more power to you...theres nothing wrong with apple or mac other then its smugness

Because [x86 chips] are a relatively cheap, plentiful commodity.
Oh, that is why Apple claims their MacIntels are faster, because they are cheaper. That makes perfect sense.

A good comeback by someone who cannot cite a single incident!
You need an incident to prove a simple principle of virus dispersement?

So Macs are insignificant. Doesn't bother me.
Your posts would indicate otherwise.

You're perhaps claiming that Gartner, IDC and now today's WSJ reporting Apple's earnings are all wrong?

I don't think so!

-----------------------------------

From today's (Oct 18th, 2006) Wall St. Journal Earnings report:

APPLE'S NET JUMPED 27% amid strong sales of iPod players and Macintosh computers. Revenue rose 32% to $4.84 billion.

USAGE and REVENUE are different things. Perhaps they are making more money from Itunes or other buisness units.

Why does this sound like a marketing ploy?

"You see, you got that virus because you run Windows...OSX does not get such viruses. You are safer with OSX."

It was me.

I sabotaged the iPods.

I just got sick of the "I am an arrogant mac" ads

It's not hard to "Sabotage" The iPod. Just let them be used. They do it themselves.

Typical Apple, it's always someone else's fault.

Is it me, or is it just coincidence. Just as Apple decide to let people boot M$ sh*t on their Macs, it's iPod gets a virus. Windows was made for the world's idiots. That's why they have 95% of the market. Macs are for the intelligent few. Let's keep it that way.

You and the 1.8% can continue to enjoy the amazing array of 26 applications made for the Macintosh.

Macs are for people who would like to believe they are untouchable....macs may be safe from viruses and malware but its still not safe from stupidity, not everyone that has a mac is intelligent...

not everyone that has a mac is intelligent...
Shhhh, your ruining mac's marketing. Don't you know? Buying a mac makes you smart.

Yup...And they all suck.