“More than a few analyst have made the connection between Vista’s UAC and the long-available security and rights model used by the Mac OS X (and Unix and Linux). On the Mac, for example, you’re always running as a limited user, but at times — like when you’re installing software — you have to provide an administrator username and password,” Gregg Keizer writes for TechWeb. “If Vista’s UAC is a copy of Mac OS X’s approach, why not stare in the horse’s mouth.”
“It means a new computer — and Apple’s Intel-based Mac minis, iMacs, MacBooks, and MacBook Pros are not cheap, no matter what Apple’s fans say — as well as another licensed copy of Windows XP and some virtualization software, but it could be the best of both worlds,” Keizer writes.
“Here’s how it might work,” Keizer writes. “On an Intel-based Mac, install Parallels Desktop for Mac, the $80 virtualization program that lets you run Windows XP and its applications alongside Mac OS X. Run the most vulnerable software — browser and e-mail client, perhaps instant messenger client as well — on the Mac, where they’re not only safer because of the system’s security strategy, but also safer because threats and exploits against OS X are rare compared to the number that Windows faces.”
“Work with everything else in the Windows virtual machine (VM),” Keizer writes. “Copy and paste information, and share files between Mac OS X and the Windows VM using Parallels.”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: More than a few analyst have made the connection between Vista’s UAC and the long-available security… MacDailyNews Take: As you go along, of course, you could upgrade your WIndows versions of Photoshop, Office, etc. to the superior Mac versions (Superior? Even Microsoft says Office is better on the Mac and there are more Photoshop plugins for Mac than for WIndows) and eventually eliminate Windows altogether.
Related MacDailyNews articles:
Symantec details more security holes in Microsoft’s Windows Vista – July 26, 2006
Symantec: Microsoft’s ‘improvements’ to Vista could cause instability, new security flaws – July 18, 2006
Symantec researcher: At this time, there are no file-infecting viruses that can infect Mac OS X – July 13, 2006
Sophos: Apple Mac OS X’s security record unscathed; Windows Vista malware just a matter of time – July 07, 2006
Sophos Security: Dump Windows, Get a Mac – July 05, 2006
Symantec sues Microsoft to halt Windows Vista development – May 19, 2006
Security company Sophos: Apple Mac the best route for security for the masses – December 06, 2005
Computer columnist: anti-virus software purely optional for Apple Macs, not so for Windows – November 01, 2005
16-percent of computer users are unaffected by viruses, malware because they use Apple Macs – June 15, 2005
New invisible rootkit hits Windows including Vista – July 17, 2006
Microsoft demos Windows Vista on Apple MacBook Pro – July 01, 2006
What Microsoft has chopped from Windows Vista, and when – June 27, 2006
Windows Vista rips-off Mac OS X at great hardware cost (and Apple gains in the end) – June 13, 2006
CNET reporter: Apple Mac mini is my most ‘Vista Ready’ PC – May 24, 2006
Thurrott: Microsoft collapsing under its own weight, Gates has driven Windows Vista into the ground – April 20, 2006
Dude, you got a Dell? What are you, stupid? Only Apple Macs run both Mac OS X and Windows! – April 05, 2006
Why buy a Dell when Apple’s Intel-based computers will run both Mac OS X and Windows? – June 08, 2005
Windows users who try Apple’s Mac OS X Tiger might not want to go back – June 07, 2005
I see snakes. On a plane.
Office is better on Windoze. But either way, it sucks the big one.
Office is Office, it’s a boring spreadsheet, word processor and crappy presenter.
You want to be less beige? Get A Mac.
Jeff, it does suck but it is better on a Mac.
Everything is better on a Mac.
Even Pr0n is better on a Mac.
I. too, prefer Office on Doze (at work) I have Office for Mac at home, and while I can accept the experts opinion that the Mac version is better, there is somewhat of a learning curve involved in transitioning from the Doze version to the Mac version. Imagine the problem for people not as committed to OS X as most of us on this forum are.
Try and get a comparable Windows system cheaper? When you add all the hardware and equal software, PC’s cost more no matter what this FUD journalist says!
mac’s aren’t cheap (I don’t remember any fans saying that they were), but they’re an excellent value. A much better value than cheap pcs.
I installed the beta version of Vista on my home built system. Amazingly, passwords are still optional. Created accounts are still admin by default, and any one admin can change anothers password with out knowing the others password. Vista security is a joke.
Macs are not cheap – no, they are not cheap – they are quality!
HP, Dell, Sony, etc are cheaply constructed. I would rather pay a little more for quality. We have become so used to buying disposable goods that we expect or don’t mind shelling out $1,000+ for throw-away goods. I, however, expect my purchases – especially higher-end electronics to last me for more than 2 years. The value of a dollar is more important to me than “fashion” which is why I own Macs – productivity, quality, better all-around computing experience. PERIOD.
Please, could you find me a PC that costs less that $1000 and it is worth a MacBook. I’m about to switch but would like to truly be convinced that getting the new MacBook at $1000 truly is the best and cheaper (for $1000) that
I could buy.
The key point for me is the switcher inducing PC killer argument:
If you want to run a secure Windows system, buy a Mac, Parallels virtualization code and a version of Windows. Perform all Internet connection activities using OS X.
I hope some of the retailers use this pitch. It makes sense. And Windows users’ money is green. The fact that most of such switchers will experiment with other OS X applications need not even be mentioned. As Admiral Akbar said, “It’s a trap!”
Re: Macbooks… consider the fact that OS X is a professional grade OS, even more so than XP Pro, and that the bundled software with it’s intregration within its self is impossible to find in the Window’s world. Consider buying Pages package, (a trial pkg. is installed and ready when you turn on your new Macbook), it has a decent word processor and excellent presentation software, and is far less expensive than the window’s ‘equivalent’. On the hardware side you’re much less likely to have a something go bad, doesn’t that make you sleep easier at night? Imagine computing to be joyful vs. fearful and a hassle. I hope this helped. Peace.
P.S. I just helped a computer novice buy a Macbook last week the first thing I did… opened softare update… plenty to update, then he was quite safely ready to go. I also suggested he double the ram to a gig, and get the 3 yr. warranty extension. He’s ready for at least 3 years of computing heaven.
I think it’s hilarious that UNIX security is now an OS X invention…
“If Vista’s UAC is a copy of Mac OS X’s approach, why not stare in the horse’s mouth.”
Don’t get me wrong, OS X is lightyears better than OS 9- but the implication that Apple somehow did *anything* to the UNIX security model is a joke. They got security for free and should be thanking the *NIX community, not bashing Windows.
“When you add all the hardware and equal software, PC’s cost more no matter what this FUD journalist says!”
Why would I want 90% of the junk that comes bundled with a Mac? I have a PC for gaming, Web, and email. It costs me $1000 to upgrade every few years to keep up with the games. You want me to spend $2000-$3000 to get out-of-date hardware that runs games like crap (assuming the games even exist)? WTF do I care about iLife? The only FUD is from Mac users who think you need all that garbage on your PC. But don’t mind me, just keep wasting your money on the next iProduct that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.
I think it’s hilarious that UNIX security is now an OS X invention…
“If Vista’s UAC is a copy of Mac OS X’s approach, why not stare in the horse’s mouth.”
Don’t get me wrong, OS X is lightyears better than OS 9- but the implication that Apple somehow did *anything* to the UNIX security model is a joke. They got security for free and should be thanking the *NIX community, not bashing Windows.
“When you add all the hardware and equal software, PC’s cost more no matter what this FUD journalist says!”
Why would I want 90% of the junk that comes bundled with a Mac? I have a PC for gaming, Web, and email. It costs me $1000 to upgrade every few years to keep up with the games. You want me to spend $2000-$3000 to get out-of-date hardware that runs games like crap (assuming the games even exist)? WTF do I care about iLife? The only FUD is from Mac users who think you need all that garbage on your PC. But don’t mind me, just keep wasting your money on the next iProduct that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy.