Windows on a Mac - virus question...

[Andronicus]

Hey!

I'm thinking of setting up Windows on my iMac - it's one of the Intel-based ones and all that.

Anyway, the plan was to get a copy of XP, instal it, buy an adequate mouse, and then play HL2 and stuff like that.

So, the question is:
What will having Windows on a Mac mean for viruses?
I know that Macs are very good at not getting 'infected', but if I instal and run XP, do I need to also purchase and instal anti-virus software?
If so, what's some good software to think about getting?

Thanks for any info!
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[A13x]

Windows is itself vulnerable to viruses, whereas running OS X presents a significantly lower risk, so when using Windows yes, you will still be vulnerable irrespective of the hardware.

As for what AV program if any, I can't really help.
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<3

[bradc1988]

If you're just going to be gaming and not browsing/downloading etc then you'll be fine with just getting Window's updates. But if you want some AV protection there are some great free programs out there like avast! and Spybot or others you can pay for like NOD32 and Kapersky.

Do not go for the popular commercial programs like McAfee and Norton, they're probably responsible for writing most of the virii out there and don't offer good protection.

Also it's not really like Mac's are "good at not getting infected", they can't get a virus when people don't write Mac specific ones!
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[Jellyfish]

Basically don't go online or use any network services (set a static IP in Windows and have your router block that IP or disable the network adaptor in XP) if you use XP.

[Andronicus]

Yeah, I'm aware of why Macs are not frequented by viruses - that's by the by.

I don't know what all that networking stuff means to be honest.

Just want to know what to do to safeguard the Mac while playing HL2.
Free downloads don't sound all that reliable, but I'll look into it.
Might have to buy one of those programs that were recommended just there.

The last thing I want are viruses on the Mac.
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[Passa]

NOD32. Go grab the 30 day trial. I recommend you buy it

On a side note, while Windows is incredibly vulnerable to viruses, as long as you don't frequent sus pages (be it pornography or warez sites) and aren't completely gullible and a fool, you won't run into any problems even without AV software. I run NOD32 because its non-intrusive and written in assembly so its super fast and lightweight, but I haven't had it find any viruses for about 2-3 years, and even when it did, it was merely some files a friend sent me.

Spyware is a different issue altogether and a more pressing one, although still not a huge deal. I can't offer much useful advice here, personally I just do a once over with Spybot every so often, but its far from being thorough.

Anyway, this is all according to 'the PC user bible of Passa' so it might not be 100% accurate. But good luck anyway
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Xbox 360 Gamertag + Xfire Username + PlayStation Network ID: Passa91

[Crestfallen]

Well virus' work by attacking certain memory addresses so if you do get one, it'll probably only affect your Windows.
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[Bitchacho]

I'm a bit worried that my Logitech speakers make my PC vulnerable to hacks. Will changing to Firefox fix this??

[bradc1988]

Yes, but only upgrading to pre-2.0 versions.

[Andronicus]

Alrighty - I'm not all that computer savvy - I'll take the advice - thanks to those who gave advice!
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