Difference between Mac and Windows in regard to computer viruses
The modern world of computers is dominated by two main operating systems: the Bill Gates’ founded Windows, and the late Steve Jobs’ Mac. Each one of us will have our own preferences when it comes to which one you like best, and each also have their own set of positives and negatives too.
As you must know by now, at Winzum we love helping out our lovely online competition community in any way we can, and one of the lesser known topics around is what the difference between Mac and Windows is in regard to computer viruses.
There is that commonly peddled notion that Macs are less susceptible to computer viruses, for example, but is that really true? We have given you all some of the best antivirus software examples here [best antivirus software], so we thought we’d expand on the computer virus topic. Keep reading for the differences between Mac and Windows in regard to computer viruses.
Are Macs really less susceptible to computer viruses?
The first thing we’re going to grapple with here is the popular idea that Macs are less susceptible to computer viruses. As online safety experts will tell you, there isn’t actually anything intrinsic to the Mac operating system that makes it more secure against malware and computer virus threats, so where does this myth come from?
Well, the answer is actually quite simple. The Windows operating system is still a lot more popular than Mac, especially in business computers around the world. It therefore makes sense that cyber criminals will put more of their time into targeting Windows computers rather than Macs – simple!
Why do more computer viruses exist on Windows?
As we mentioned, more computer viruses exist on the Windows platform primarily because cyber criminals know that there will simply be a lot more people using this OS rather than Mac, however the reason often lies a little deeper than just this.
You see, whereas Mac and Apple in general is known more as a company for creative types, Windows is undeniably the operating system for big business. Cyber criminals therefore know that computer viruses aimed at the Windows platform are more likely to result in financial gain.
Mac vs. Windows: Who wins with computer safety?
Onto the defining question – who wins with computer safety between Mac and Windows? Obviously, by far the most important thing with both of these is to have powerful antivirus software installed, as their native antivirus software will only go so far. In general, Mac’s Safari web browser seems to score higher than Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge in terms of online safety. On the other hand, however, Windows supply more updates generally, which can prove instrumental in keeping your computer safe.