Legal Virals

[Nicodemus Phaulkon]

Just did a system check...

Spyware? Not found.

Viri? None found.

Harmful stuff? One item found. An MP3 of Rosanne Barr singing that I use to make my kitty cat howl.

I LOVE a good virus scare because they NEVER effect me. In the past 10 years, I can count the number of Macintosh virus scares on one hand and have MANY fingers left over.

I find that statement amusing, considering you just admitted you have an Antivirus application on your Mac. Or at least, I'm HOPING that's what you meant.

Antivirus applications are made for all computers, including Macintosh, for a bloody reason. They are maintained and updated and ENCOURAGED for a reason. Most Virals are spread with Email and their associated attachments... but Messengers are used as well, not to mention website uploads. Vaunted immunity may indeed save your own ass from symptoms, but you're also equally able to spread the virus to those that can indeed burn from the infection.

It's the equivalent of walking into a movie theatre with the knowledge you're carrying the SARS virus: Unrepentant and, far worse, contemptuous for the safety of others. It's the equivalent of knowing you're positive for HIV... and insisting on unprotected sex. "I'm immune! Haha!". What a bloody callous thing to say.

I find that attitude to be abhorrent.

Perhaps we should inact a similar legislation to the SARS epidemic then, affecting those "Responsible Citizens" that feel that they're above such situations to be responsible for their actions. In effect, we'd quarantine them off the 'net.

I'm a former Mac-user. I used to think along the same lines as you when it came to OS safety and Virals... when I was FOURTEEN. I've since developed a lasting responsibility towards my "community", be it online or offline, and realize that my actions and inactions do indeed affect others. Someone once labelled that realization to be "maturity".

Enjoy your immunity, Doc... but be responsible with your ability to spread. Steve Jobs can't save you. Grape computers can't save you. IPod and Itunes and lack of industrial support can't save you. 5% of the market share is dwindling fast and even Apple's stronghold of Public Education had its walls breached years ago. I joined the Dark side three years ago after realizing I was on the losing end of the stick, and paying twice the price to be there.

Paperweights and Doorstops are immune to virals as well, don'tchaknow.

*tips helm*