Do as I Do? (But at Your Own Risk)

Do as I Do? (But at Your Own Risk!)

The Peachpit Press attorneys have persuaded me to advise you of the following: If you follow my advice and something bad happens, it's not Peachpit's fault or my fault. You're a grown-up and need to make your own decisions.

Still, I can't in good conscience tell you to spend $150 on software intended to protect you from questionable threats. Heck, I get this software for free, and all you will find running on my Macs are antivirus software and the built-in Mac OS X firewall. I have never had a virus problem on a Mac.

I think the companies that sell security software overdramatize the risk that Macs face. They do this to make a buck and justify it by saying that they are just offering a "prudent" level of protection to their customers.

If you visit the Intego Web siteIntego is an antivirus and firewall companyand don't feel frightened, you are stronger than I am. But remember that Intego's goal is to make your wallet $150 lighter. A visit to www.intego.com is not for the faint-hearted.

I lose much more sleep over the security of my Windows networkwhich is doubly protected in some areasthan I would over a completely unprotected Mac. Not that you shouldn't buy some protectionyou definitely should; this is just a personal assessment of the comparative threat facing Microsoft Windows versus Mac OS X.