Posted on 05/26/2011 5:00:11 PM PDT by Sundog
A recent phishing scam has targeted Mac users by redirecting them from legitimate websites to fake websites which tell them that their computer is infected with a virus. The user is then offered Mac Defender "anti-virus" software to solve the issue.
This “anti-virus” software is malware (i.e. malicious software). Its ultimate goal is to get the user's credit card information which may be used for fraudulent purposes.
The most common names for this malware are MacDefender, MacProtector and MacSecurity.
(Excerpt) Read more at support.apple.com ...
Thanks Swordmaker.
I’m sorry, but my definition of virus does not include a program that you intentionally download that does something bad to your computer.
Back when I was exclusively Windows my kids would get infected all the time by just visiting web sites. Hasn’t happened once in the three years since we have Macs. A relative just gave us his old PC (funny, he bought a Mac) for my son to use to play games and within a month he had a virus (yes, we had anti-virus installed). No download did him in, just a visit to a “cheat code” web site.
THAT’S what you get with Windows.
Now, with regard to the suggestion that Mac users download anti-mal software, well, those Mac users who ignored that advice were not the ones who got infected.
It’s not worth using up the CPU to get anti-mal software for the Mac, even if you get the malware, it’s relatively easy to remove.
Dittos.
I'm curious. Did Jim issue a similar statement regarding Microsoft OS products?
Not to my knowledge, because he didn't have to. There is not a corresponding group of MS/Windows haters who go out of their way to disrupt Microsoft-related and Windows-related threads. Sure, lots of people hate MS or Windows, and make comments about that, but there has never been a concerted effort by a particular group of them to disrupt Windows threads on a regular basis.
That -was- happening on the Apple/Mac threads. There was a group of about a dozen virulent Apple haters who would take over any thread discussing Apple products, and they would crap all over it with personal slurs against Swordmaker (pingmaster of the Apple/Mac list) and against any Apple users. The personal slurs, lies, and flamewars got so bad that Jim got involved, because it was very embarrassing to FreeRepublic. That sort of thing has no place here.
I'm sure that if a similar thing ever happens with regard to MS/Windows, or Linux, the same statement would apply, and be re-issued if needed.
Why does this appear to make you so happy? I have a Mac, but I hate when bad things happen to my friends with PCs.
Oh my goodness! And God used a Rainbow! So...do you think....?!
A little off topic, but I just bought a cam corder and I was concerned about the ability to download to my Mac, so I did my due diligence and got one that was supposed to play nice with IMovie. Got it and discovered the software was for....PC!
But, fortunately a little googling and I discovered an easy workaround that didn’t require their stupid software. Made a quick little video with IMovie this morning, altho now I have to learn that software. Hope someone makes an IMovie for Dummies book. Kind of frustrating that video has so many different formats and its all so mysterious.
Thanks. Didn’t know most of that. I follow Swordmaker’s threads but wasn’t aware it had gotten so...churlish.
If I recall correctly, Firefox will not open "safe" files after downloading... but I don't use it except in unusual circumstances. I suggest you search Firefox's preferences for a similar setting and make certain it is set correctly. The "standard" user rule should STILL prevent the installation, anyway.
In most cases with a Mac, you just plug the camera in and the Mac just recognizes it and you use it. It's that easy. iMovie is very easy to use... just start playing around with it. Pick some of the pre-made templates and pick and choose your clips you want. Bingo. Try out the Trailer section. You'll love it!
Oh...right at the moment I’m in the, “How the bleep does this stupid software work!” mode...I know it will get better. I loathe reading instructions.... It’s a curse.
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