[MW Forums]

If you install and run Windows on your Mac, you leave the safe haven of the Mac platform. Here's a security regimen you can follow if you use Apple's Boot Camp to enter the Windows world. more

[Netizen_Kane]

What, no mention of Parallels? It makes no sense to mention Virtual PC but not the newer, better program.
There's an easier way to Windows security on Macs. Only visit the Internet using Mac browsers and apps. Use Windows only when absolutely, positively unavoidable. Transfer files to Windows when you need to work on them only when you're sure they're safe and malware-free. Simple and effective, no extra software necessary.

[jdb8167]

In reply to:

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There's an easier way to Windows security on Macs. Only visit the Internet using Mac browsers and apps

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I agree with this 100% but the problem is that people that need Windows are very likely to need it for Internet Explorer and Outlook compatibility. Since those are two of the largest vectors for malware on Windows, anyone who needs them is going to need the advice in the article.

[PeterG]

jdb8167,
I also agree when forced to use IE/Windows.
but
Every time I sit at a Windows box I ask if I can download Firefox. Refusing to use IE unless it is positively necessary.
Peter

[jdb8167]

In reply to:

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Every time I sit at a Windows box I ask if I can download Firefox. Refusing to use IE unless it is positively necessary.

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Unfortunately, in many situations it is positively necessary. The use of IE specific functions and ActiveX make IE a requirement for many (if not most) enterprise intra-net applications. Once the user is required to use IE for some work functions, they tend to use it for everything. You may understand the danger and want to avoid it, but most people can't be bothered. If something goes wrong, you just call IT.

[PeterG]

jdb8167,
Trust me your preaching to the choir. I work in Real Estate and they (the Industry) refuse to move from Windows and IE specific coding.
So I have a Windows box (I was given), fire it up then get the hell out of there.
The sad part is the RE Industry keeps promoting itself as "being on the cutting edge of technology".
Peter

[whitedog]

The biggest challenge here, I think, is to get regular Mac users to take Windows security issues seriously when they install XP on their Intel Macs, whether using Boot Camp or Parallels. Most Mac users are rather blas about computer security issues, to say the least. This casual attitude is hard to change if they have never been hammered by Windows problems and thereby sensitized to the risks. The average "switcher" is quite probably coming to the Mac, at least in part, to get away from Windows problems. If they nevertheless need to install Windows, too, they should not require as much prodding to take the necessary precautions.

[common1]

First just forgive me for putting this on your post.. but I had this question has been on my mind for a while about Boot Camp and the whole "running windows on mac" craze. I for one will have a use for running windows on my mac when I need to test my websites on different browsers and operating system. For this reason alone Boot camp will be welcomed,as well as gaming. But my question is,
I dont have a Intel Mac, and we know that Boot Camp, or the technology will be part of Leopard, but is this feature going to be for only the Intel inside Macs? If so I think Apple would be making a BIG mistake..

[Peter Cohen]

In reply to:

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but is this feature going to be for only the Intel inside Macs?

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Of course it is -- Macs equipped with Intel processors are the only ones capable of running Windows natively, or as a "virtual" operating system (a la Parallels Desktop).

[whitedog]

It's not simply a matter of choice on Apple's part, mistaken or otherwise. It is, as Peter says, a matter of the technology. There is simply no way to run Windows natively on PowerPC Macs, which is why we were stuck with the inefficiencies of using Virtual PC for so long. If you are not yet ready to move to an Intel Mac (you have a perfectly good dual processor G5, for example), your choices are to use Virtual PC to run Windows in emulation or to buy an inexpensive PC on which you can test your web sites. Alternatively, for a similar amount of money you could get a Core Duo Mac mini, install Windows on it with Boot Camp or Parallels Desktop, get a KVM switch and use it with your current keyboard, mouse and monitor. Or, if you're currently using something less than a G5 you might consider moving up your time line for upgrading your Mac. Personally, I'm waiting for the desktop Intel Macs later this year.