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Myths & MisconceptionsMacs are not affected by viruses Firefox doesn't get viruses like Microsoft Internet Explorer does Macs are not affected by viruses This myth probably began as part of a sales pitch for a Mac, and has stuck around ever since. Unfortunately, Apple has done nothing to dispel it as myth, so let's look at the reality. What is a virus? In the computer world, a virus is a malicious program whose sole purpose is to cause damage to a computer. Viruses are usually created to look like valid programs so they can infect and damage as many computers as possible. Since Microsoft PCs have held some 80% of the market for decades, and Macs, less than 10%, no self respecting virus creator would write a virus for a Mac. They would be laughed off the planet! However, now that Apple is garnering a tremendous amount of attention and more market share, it has caught the eyes of the virus creators who are now starting to create them for Macs. It's as if someone with a megaphone said "Attention virus creators. It is now acceptable to write viruses for Macs!" So congratulations Mac owners. Your time has come and you now qualify to be a target for viruses just as Microsoft has been for years. Unfortunately, you're also about to discover that a Mac can be infected with viruses just like any other computer and the belief that it can't, is simply a myth. Back to Top Firefox doesn't get viruses like Microsoft Internet Explorer does Say what?!? Where to begin with this one? For starters, Firefox, like Internet Explorer is a browser program. Viruses generally don't infect browser programs. They infect the computer and change settings so that the computer cannot operate properly. Every computer program, including each browser program, has weaknesses that can be exploited. They simply have different weaknesses. Viruses don't care what program you use to visit websites. They attack them all equally and relentlessly until something gives, so no browser is safe. That is why you need to install an Antivirus program like Avira or Kaspersky to protect your computer from viruses. And don't forget that in order for an Antivirus program to be effective, it must have a valid license and the definitions file must be kept up to date. The free versions of Antivirus programs normally come with a license that does not expire. The ones you purchase however, have licenses that are normally valid for 1 year. You can find a link to download the free version of Avira on our Tools page. Back to Top |