Full Version: Macs Running OSX and XP?
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1]
11 Apr 2006
To: Brett (BHALLE) 11 Apr 2006
As our resident Mac guy, what's the deal with the new Intel Macs?
I've read about "Boot Camp" which is Apple's method of running OSX and XP on a Mac.
Looks like the end of Virtual PC.
From: John (ICTJOHN) [#2]
11 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 12 Apr 2006
David,
or the end of MAC................ :O
they finally "saw the light" and are slowly switching over to PC :D
naw.... just kiddin' :P
From: Brett (BHALLE) [#3]
11 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#1] 12 Apr 2006
Actually, I doubt it's the end of virtual PC. Microsoft has publically stated that they are working with Apple on Virtual PC. What is interesting is some of the virtualization solutions that are beginning to pop up (see "http://www.parallels.com/en/products/workstation/mac/" for example). Microsoft originally purchased Connectix (Virtual PC) as virtualization technology for Intel processors (for server solutions) so I would guess we'll see it evolve from the processor emulation solution that it was on the PowerPC processors to a virtualization solution.
Boot Camp enables you to pick one or the other operating system at boot time -- virtualization will allow more concurrent use.
From a customer perspective, they can get one machine that can run whatever they want. For many, once they try Mac OS X, they'll never want to go back. For others, they can get a nicely designed machine that runs Windows. Everyone wins.
--Brett
From: Peter [#4]
11 Apr 2006
To: John (ICTJOHN) [#2] 12 Apr 2006
If youve ever used a Mac......then gone to a PC...
its like getting out of a Ferrari...then hopping into an Edsel..
But cheep cheep cheep always wins ou :'-( t
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5]
12 Apr 2006
To: Brett (BHALLE) [#3] 12 Apr 2006
Macs have largely been ignored, by hackers, looking to spread viruses.
Does this "homogenization" mean we'll see more viruses?
From: Brett (BHALLE) [#6]
12 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 12 Apr 2006
It really doesn't change anything as far as viruses are concerned. Viruses are an OS specific problem -- XP will remain as vulnerable as always. The increased use of Mac OS X will make it more of a target over time but it is unlikely to be as "popular" with hackers as XP has been.
One should always take precautions with files they receive over the internet. Interestingly enough, the biggest problems with virus infections on Mac OS X has been with Microsoft Office applications/documents (Word, Excel, etc.).
--Brett
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#7]
12 Apr 2006
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#5] 12 Apr 2006
There are lots of OS9 and OS X viruses out there (and Linux/Unix ones that can hit OS X), but they don't spread easily because of the small market share Apple has. There are many more PC viruses because the writers aim for the largest target.
A PC virus could be a problem for a dual boot Mac or one with VirtualPC, not just on the PC side but it could trash any shared folders. But chances are they still won't spread quickly on Macs because most of those Mac people would still do their email on the Mac side, and emails are the largest method of spreading viruses.
Of course, if Apple starts gaining market share they become a bigger target and all bets are off. :S