Apple Virus?

Beware of apples. Adam was also locked out because of IT.

I'd want to start all over too if someone disabled all of my functions!

Generally, Apples have fewer viruses than Windows computers. But there are exceptions.

Windows is a malware-magnet because it is so widespread.

The same would be true if Apple or Unix were that much popular.

Your apple has a worm?

Yes Apples, or Macs, can get viruses. Soon as I got a Mac there was a notice in the computer alerts I get about one of the first. Apparently the Government has been buying Apple because they were less vulnerable, making them more of a target than before. If I was President to keep the Post Office working, I'd charge them to protect computers. DOD really ought to be doing some work for us. Spy story movies are fun, but I don't want to be one. I'll see if I can find the source of my alerts that show up in my email. It came to me from Chtank.

All computers can be targeted with a virus.

You hear more about Windows being targeted the most because Windows is the most popular operating system and easy to use as a vehicle for carrying a virus to people's computers.

Try Virus Barrier X5. I USE IT ON MY MAC MR. GUY

Thank you.

I don't have much problem with viruses.

I use Kaspersky and Firefox browser.

Hello earletp,

My day have come crashing down on me. The two OS I thought were more or less immune to virus, Apple ans Linux, I have found on here today are not at all immune!

Whatever you buy other than Microsoft it will attract less virus. So I am hoping both occurrences are not going to be an avalanche!

Can you go into your symptoms in a little more detail please?

Take care and good luck with your problem......................

The problems have only just begun

I regularly repair Macs, and have a very close relationship with a nearby official Apple repair company. As such, the last time I dealt with a virus on a Mac was 1998. I have yet to see one on a Mac operating OSX exclusively.

That, of course, doesn't mean it can't happen, but I've not had any virus protection on my several Macs since around y2k.

I've had quite a few people who were 'sure' they had a virus, but it always turns out to be something else. The most common problems seem to be due to corrupted files, including the operating system. For people who use lots of fonts, corrupted fonts can be a major problem.

In most cases upgrading or re-installing the operating solves the problem. Always use Disc Utility to repair permissions on the drive before upgrading or re-installing. If you are not using the most recent operating system available for your particular Mac (10.5.6 for newer ones, 10.4.11 for most older Macs, 10.3.9 for the oldest Macs capable of running OSX), then try upgrading as the safest repair. Otherwise re-install using the archive and install option. If the problem still persists after that, then back up everything to a different drive, and use Erase and install. If you have a complete backup, The Migration Assistant will then restore you settings, files, etc.

Good luck!

Hello dkwarner:

How are you?..............Thanks for the reply post.

I am really fed up with the constant threats and 'in ya face' attitude of windows. I have XP sp3, and I spend as much if not more time cleaning ans checking things as I do actually working on it. Very frustrating. I am not a 'windows/Microsoft hater', if it was not for Microsoft you have to wonder if the whole 'computer in every house' would have happened so fast? It is the morons who do the hacking. If they are that good why not do something useful like write an OP?

I want to get a cheap PC to help me, and keep in web contact as I try not to screw up repairing the XP windows on the desktop machine. I may just stick Linux SuSe on instead. But I may need a PC with XP to use my saved files?

I want to get a MAC of some sort, maybe when I have had time to check things out to see what is available, you know? I have always had XP and was very pleased with it. But well, I have explained my reasoning earlier in the post.

I watch something which is:

A) Cheap. So if I have to replace it I will not have lost much.

B) MAC !-!-! I have been looking at or thinking about a MAC for a couple of years.

I logged on the other day and in the same day I heard Linux and MAX were actually liable to infection. So my heart dropped. But with you seemingly the expert I may well be 'on your doorstep' asking question etc!.

I have had some good advice on Linux from several very kind and helpful members. (I hope we can stay in touch) if that is possible, so I can learn more about the X OS? I think I read it was about two years old with some odd teething troubles. But it is sorting itself out now and is pretty good.

I have heard that Linux uses a similar base system to MAC and I have found the Linux site today and am like a kid at Xmas! I knew there were several different 'flavours' of Linux but am surprised there is so many!I like SuSe and a couple of others but, all the 'red-hat' add -ons and terminology I have to get a grasp on yet. Some of the desktops do look like MAC-ish?

I have a problem with my eyesight and really need to get some specs. Having a Linux on a laptop will make it easier to operate. At the moment I type with one finger while holding the Magnifying glass with the other!

My first computer was a laptop. It had an enormous 6 GB hdd! Yes a whole six gigs.I also noticed how it got very warm and I had to use it on a towel because it was burning my legs. With the MAC laptops, do they get hot compared to say plastic ones?

I know a bit more than I did when I first started and instead of just going out and buying, I am thinking strategically. Thinking it may be time to treat myself to a laptop which really wouldn't matter if I dropped it, as happened to the first. And, at the same to I want a MAC because of the real lack of worry of any infections. And that will be my second treat after the go anywhere Linux on a netbook. I can come home to a better screen and just better things all round, with the MAC>

Hey, sorry, I did not mean to write so much, sorry.

I hope my jumping from one subject to another does not bother you.................

Take care and thank you once again for the post.

Hi babybear!

I've been a Mac enthusiast since year 1 (1984). I have been Apple Certified (back in the day when you actually went to Cupertino to get certified) as a repair technician both for desktops and laptops, but have not kept my certification up to date.

It's been over 8 years since looking at a desktop monitor through the bottom part of my progressive lenses (I'm 5'4", and far-sighted) gave me significant neck problems. That led me to buy my first 15" laptop (a Titanium Powerbook). I currently use a MacBook Pro 15", which I have sitting inside a pulled-out drawer, so its base is about 2" lower than the standard 28" desk height. Thus as I write this I am looking down about 30° below horizontal, Which to me is just about perfect. I have thought about getting a larger flat screen monitor (which would connect just fine to the MBPro), but whenever I help other people with their larger monitors, my neck starts to hurt within a few minutes of sitting down, so until I figure out how to mount one of those large monitors around waist level, I'll stick to my laptop. Fortunately, my visual acuity is fine as long as I have my glasses on, so I use the laptop for everything, including my major work, which is designing parts for turbine engines, and the machines to make those parts (CAD).

In fact, just yesterday I finished modifying the stand on a 20" iMac for another short Mac user, to get the screen down as low as possible. (see photos)

As you can see, I removed the stand, cut it in two, and added threaded holes and slots to make it adjustable. In fact, it will now touch the table, which could be a problem, because the cooling air enters through the bottom.

As to a cheap Mac, since you are a PC user, the cheapest way is to buy a Mac Mini, since you can use your current keyboard, mouse, and monitor. I've had good luck buying refurbished ones to save a bit more. If you buy refurbished units directly from Apple, they come with the same warranty as a new one.

I do have Windows XP via Parallels installed, although I rarely use it. I also have the Mac version of Microsoft Office (2004), and have no problems exchanging documents with my PC colleagues.

You asked about the heat. I do commonly use the laptop in bed, and have to be careful not to allow the blankets to cover the bottom. If I forget, the fan speed will increase to remind me to give it some air. I think I do remember once having it feel uncomfortably warm while using it in my lap... Generally if I use it in my lap, I'm either in a plane or in a car with someone else driving. In either case, its probably running on battery, and to conserve battery its best to quit all other programs and disable the wireless. This means less heat generated and longer battery life.

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask

Dick

Hello Dick,

Thank you for getting back to me like that. And with so much info!

I am only an inch taller than you and I am using my 17" monitor on a desk for the first time. Not because I want to, I just do not have other furniture at the moment. It means I am sitting looking up and I have problems with tension headaches. Now I know why! I had the monitor on a low coffee table and I too was looking down about 20/30 degrees. As well as that, I hardly had to move my head when typing. Something I do a lot of, so looking up as I am now with the keyboard in my lap is a real pain.

Looks like you have made a nice job of the stand! It is such a simple design it is hard to better it?

I have a lap-desk/tray and could perhaps get a fan cooler and use a laptop MAC on it? I got on so well with a previous laptop I used I am leaning towards the Larger Mac-book. But, I may go for an iMAC with a 24" screen and sit it on another low table. Some people especially family laugh because I put so much thought into buying something. Like this time I have started to make notes and checking on the configuration of the various models. And will go with a tape measure and see where the centre screen comes to on a low table and measure the height of the chair. .......I have it all planned, all I have to do is carry on checking and get more detail from you is you don't mind? Might be better to PM in that case. I will be sending you a PM shortly so check your mail please, OK?

Take care.....................

bb

Thx I recently moved and cannot find my disk to restore how can I replace them

I usually don't respond to 'Guest' but..

You don't indicate where you are located, nor which Mac and OS version is involved. One of the easiest places would be your nearest Mac User Group. Ours keeps a library of all common no-longer-for-sale software. If it is 10.5.x, then have your Mac serial number handy and call Apple (800-sos-appl), or go online to Apple support.