More Apple questions


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Okay, just a few more questions about Macs.

Do any of you run any Anti-virus software or and firewalls? I was just wondering. And how easy is it to network on a wireless network with a XP computer. I will be getting the airport card, so thats all set. Thanks!

And is there any good sites that answer all my noobs questions about what software to use for what and how to just do stuff? This is the first time I have ever been on a Mac. Thanks alot!

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Viruses on the Mac do exist. Anti-virus software does exist. I wouldn't bother running it on a Mac but then again I wouldn't bother running one on Windows either. Although the case would be easier to make for the Mac since Mac users are happy to be a lesser (virtually non-existant) target.

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i use neither. if you know what you're doing (a la opening email attachments and what not) you're immediately immune to most viruses on any os. then i am behind a router, so i don't need a firewall either.

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This is the first time I have ever been on a Mac. Thanks alot!

Do any of you run any Anti-virus software or and firewalls? I was just wondering.
I sit behind an OpenBSD server running PF on an i586 processor, and a roll-your-own flavor of Linux on a MIPS chip (in my wireless router). It's for a combination of security, and control reasons. I like being able to control which computers can get in/out of my network and I like to have a reliable server between me and the world to do act as a place for me to do things like SSH tunneling.

I'd also not have the random packets that worms spew out hitting my network - even if they don't do anything. In the off chance that someone writes a mac os x worm or virus: I've done everything reasonably expected to keep myself from getting infected, or from me infecting someone else.

It's like backing up - you don't have to do it, but you really should 'just in case' as far as I'm concerned.

And how easy is it to network on a wireless network with a XP computer.

open the lid of my powerbook/ibook - it finds the network and joins. if you need a WEP/WPA key then it will ask you to enter it and then it will join.

And is there any good sites that answer all my noobs questions about what software to use for what and how to just do stuff?

I read Mac OS X the missing manual, mac os x for unix geeks, and i think I have the mac os x bible kicking around somewhere too.

from there the apple developer tools documentation, a little time on macosxhints.com, more time around neowin and arstechnica's mac arch. Finally I read the sams cocoa book, and then (i think) all of the o'rielly books that relate to os x except for the carbon ones (I have one, I just don't have the time to read it).

If that doesn't get you up to speed with mac os - nothing will.

** I had some past experience with classic mac os, while helpful, it's not really required to pick up os x**

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No and No. I'm behind a router which firewalls me, but even if I wasn't I still wouldn't use one. Well, actually I would because its one checkbox in OSX and you are set.

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Thanks for all the great information. I am picking up some various OSX books and will read them maybe tonight.

Another thing, is there a big difference for me if I got the G3 version? I will be on the net alot, listening to music, and watching DVDs mostly. Just trying to keep all my options open.

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Thanks for all the great information. I am picking up some various OSX books and will read them maybe tonight.

Another thing, is there a big difference for me if I got the G3 version? I will be on the net alot, listening to music, and watching DVDs mostly. Just trying to keep all my options open.

My PowerBook G3 handles all that just fine (even at the same time if I want).

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I'd personally go with a G4, you won't regret it. Just not sure how much longer OS X updates will support the G3.

RAM is key, OS X loves RAM and adding more will speed it up like you wouldn't believe. If you have any questions check out Soymac. It is a great place to ask Mac related questions.

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