I have used Windows all my life, starting with 95, 97, 98 (and Plus also), and finally XP Professional. It never occur to me that there were other OS different from Windows until I did some research two years ago when I decided to get a laptop. There was Linux OS and Mac OS. Apparently I would’ve gone for a laptop with Windows OS coz it’s user friendly. But I also wanted to try something new, something different from Windows. And that’s when I decided to ask for opinions from some family members. They’ve recommended me to get Mac for both work and entertainment. I already knew that Mac being the easiest OS once you know it. Anyways, many Windows in the markets are pirated and cost very cheaply. Mac OS X on the other hand, cannot be found in pirated version in markets. They come directly from Apple Company to authorized dealers. Let us first take a look at security issues in Windows, which I know from experience is debacle, in details:
1. Is Windows Firewall up to the task of securing your network? We delve into the details of this host-based state-full firewall and weigh its pros and cons.
Windows Firewall debuted with the release of Windows XP, and Windows XP Service Pack 2 enabled this feature by default. This host-based state-full firewall replaced Windows’ Internet Connection Firewall.
2. Know your options
On the General tab, you can use the On and Off radio buttons to enable or disable Windows Firewall. You can also choose to disallow exceptions.
3. Know how to adjust the settings
You can use the method described above to manually change the Windows Firewall settings. However, you can also use a variety of methods more suited for enterprise deployments.
The Windows Firewall does a good job of proxying inbound responses to outbound connection requests, and it does a good job of blocking inbound connection requests for TCP or UDP conversations that you haven’t initiated. It will block any connection attempts that you haven’t specifically allowed in the settings. However, that’s only half of what a firewall needs to do.
Bottom-line.
As far as I’m concerned, a firewall mechanism that only works one way is a security feature — not a firewall. Thanks to viruses, worms, Trojans, and a host of other malware and spyware that arrive on your computer daily, you need to be able to control communications from both directions.
Every computer connected to any network (e.g., dial-up, Ethernet, or wireless) needs a firewall, and Windows Firewall just isn’t up to the task. Find yourself a free firewall or pay for one from a reputable vendor, but don’t let Windows Firewall fool you into thinking it completely protects your computer. Half a firewall is no better than no firewall at all.
There are so many anti-virus softwares like McAfee Internet Security, AVG Internet Security etc. The best being NOD32 Internet Security. It keeps scanning without your knowing. It’ll detect virus and delete it before letting u know what it has done.
Now let’s take a look at Mac’s security. I don’t know much about Mac’s security but I know this; it doesn’t receives any viruses and if it does, then you’re in for a big trouble because it’s difficult to remove it. I recommend you use PC Tools iAntivirus.
PC Tools iAntivirus features realtime protection, scheduled quick scans, and scheduled updates. Monitoring mode keeps iAntivirus working truly in the background, ideal for those who don’t want to be disturbed by alerts or anyone trying to conserve laptop batteries.
PC Tools iAntivirus detects and removes Mac-specific malware only. This can be either very good or very bad, depending on your perspective. While a Mac-only focus keeps iAntivirus running lighter and faster than other Macintosh antivirus software, it also means a Mac user could inadvertently share files infected with Windows-based malware. Macro viruses, for example, aren’t detected by iAntivirus - corporate users sharing Office documents between Windows and Mac users will want to make sure macro virus protection on both sides is enabled.
PC Tools iAntivirus is currently in beta, supports Intel-based Mac OS X v10.5 only, and is free for home (or home office) use.
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