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With the erosion in Windows' market share and the increased use of Macs, it was a matter of time before Macs became a target for malware. Based on what happened

by theoj 15y ago

With the erosion in Windows' market share and the increased use of Macs, it was a matter of time before Macs became a target for malware. Based on what happened with Windows and its base of "gullible" users, can't say that one couldn't see this coming. Apple will have to take a close look at securing the desktop against threats that play on their users's lack of sophistication when it comes to computers. It will be interesting to see whether they choose to go the Windows way with more warning boxes and lower ease of use, or find a different way.

ugh 15y ago
My guess? Maybe more warning boxes for software downloaded from the web but their priority will be making the Mac App Store the place to go for software for all their users (no warning boxes there and overall a seamless experience). I do not believe that Apple will stop users from installing software they didn’t get from the App Store. There is just too much legacy software out there and it is doubtful whether Adobe and Microsoft (both crucial for the continued success of the Mac) will ever move to the App Store, even if pressured. The Mac App Store is inherently more secure (or is the right word ‘safer’?)†, that’s where Apple wants people to get their software. †I do not argue that there will never be malware in the Mac App Store.
- orangecat 15y ago
  I do not believe that Apple will stop users from installing software they didn’t get from the App Store. There is just too much legacy software out there Apple is very good about ignoring legacy software. 6 years ago 100% of Mac software was built for PowerPC, and as of Lion none of that software will run. I can easily see them prohibiting non-store apps once developers have had a few years to make the transition. it is doubtful whether Adobe and Microsoft (both crucial for the continued success of the Mac) will ever move to the App Store, even if pressured. Why wouldn't they? Apple would certainly be willing to give them a break on the 30% fee if needed.

by theoj 15y ago

ugh 15y ago

My guess? Maybe more warning boxes for software downloaded from the web but their priority will be making the Mac App Store the place to go for software for all their users (no warning boxes there and overall a seamless experience). I do not believe that Apple will stop users from installing software they didn’t get from the App Store. There is just too much legacy software out there and it is doubtful whether Adobe and Microsoft (both crucial for the continued success of the Mac) will ever move to the App Store, even if pressured. The Mac App Store is inherently more secure (or is the right word ‘safer’?)†, that’s where Apple wants people to get their software. †I do not argue that there will never be malware in the Mac App Store.

orangecat 15y ago
I do not believe that Apple will stop users from installing software they didn’t get from the App Store. There is just too much legacy software out there Apple is very good about ignoring legacy software. 6 years ago 100% of Mac software was built for PowerPC, and as of Lion none of that software will run. I can easily see them prohibiting non-store apps once developers have had a few years to make the transition. it is doubtful whether Adobe and Microsoft (both crucial for the continued success of the Mac) will ever move to the App Store, even if pressured. Why wouldn't they? Apple would certainly be willing to give them a break on the 30% fee if needed.