Macworld: News: First family of Windows Vista viruses unleashed

Macworld: News: First family of Windows Vista viruses unleashed

Wow that was quick! Thanks to Apple and OS X, we don't have to worry about Viruses infecting our Macs.

From the article:

"Written in July, the viruses take advantage of a new command shell, code-named Monad, that is included in the Windows Vista beta code."

It then goes on to quote the hacker:

“Monad will be like Linux’s BASH (Bourne Again Shell) — that means a great number of commands and functions,” he wrote. “We will be able to make as huge and complex scripts as we do in Linux.”

Will it be the same story for Windows Vista, an OS plagued with security holes and open to infection? So far it looks like it will be. I suspect that if Microsoft releases Vista as it's done with it's previous OS's, many people will finally thow in the towel and Switch To A Mac.

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CNN.com - An early look at Windows Vista

CNN.com - An early look at Windows Vista - Aug 4, 2005

Our friends in Redmond have decided to take a page from Mac OS X. The article states the following in bold at the beginning:

"Known for years by the code name "Longhorn," the successor to Microsoft's Windows XP has been dubbed "Longwait" for its numerous delays. As features have been announced, it's also been accused of copying Apple Computer Inc.'s Mac OS X."

Later on it states:

"Mac fans are probably screaming. Yes, this is very similar to the Spotlight function in the recent update of Mac OS X. At this stage of development, Vista does bear a significant resemblance."

And:

"With Windows Vista's User Account Protection, even administrators are prompted for a password whenever anything is installed or a system setting changed. It's an extra layer of protection that's long been a part Unix-style operating systems, including Mac OS X and Linux"

So I guess Redmond did start those copiers!! When Leopard is released, OS X will still be two steps ahead of Vista

Another related article: Windows' Vista feels like a Mac

Check out the section of the article titled, "More Mac Similarities"

"Mac lovers also are likely to fume once they see Vista's graphics. Green progress bars shimmer. The Minimize-Maximize-Close buttons look something like glowing Chiclets when moused over.

Each window has a drop shadow while borders and title bars are slightly transparent. Folder icons now show the documents inside, such as a very small picture thumbnail for an image file. The icons also can be enlarged.

Finally, when a program is launched, its window doesn't just appear but pops open in a slick animation. When minimized, the window slides into the taskbar."

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FORTUNE magazine recommends iMac G5 for for back-to-school

Peter Lewis - The Savvy Shopper's Tech Checklist - FORTUNE:

From the article:

"Apple Computer's sleek iMac G5, in particular, offers maximum power in minimum space. It was my pick as best technology product of the year for 2004 and remains my top choice for a student desktop computer, especially when running Apple's Mac OS X Tiger operating system. Prices for the iMac G5 17-inch widescreen model start at $1,299."

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A Mouse to attract more Switchers?

Apple Computer introduced the Mighty Mouse, the next generation mouse that has multiple buttons and a scroll ball.

From the Apple website:

"Meet the mouse that reinvented the wheel. The scroll wheel, that is. At $49, Mighty Mouse features the revolutionary Scroll Ball that lets you move anywhere inside a document, without lifting a finger. And with touch-sensitive technology concealed under the seamless top shell, you get the programability of a four-button mouse in a single-button design. Click, roll, squeeze and scroll. This mouse just aced the maze."

This is a shift away from Apple's position that a single button mouse offered all a Mac user needed. Is this a move to get more people who are considering the Switch To A Mac to finally purchase their first Mac? Windows users have historically complained about Apple only offering a single button mouse. Will this move by Apple finally get more people to Switch? I think it will and I applaud Apple on this initiative. Good job Apple!

The new Mighty Mouse is available at the Apple Store for only $49.

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