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If you use apps like vmware fusion and parallels will your mac get a virus?

I'm using a mac and was thinking about getting something that could run windows because using boot camps are annoying, but they partition the hard disk so that the mac and windows is separate. I don't think apps like vmware fusion and parallels does so, since they still run on the mac. So I was wondering if the mac would become prone to windows virus if I used those kind of apps.

Public Comments

1. The Mac file system wont get WIndows viruses, but there are MAC viruses contrary to popular belief.


2. Mac computers has a different source code from windows which makes it unable to get windows viruses.


3. No because its hard drive is a single file only readable by VMWARE


4. I had this question earlier, found the answer and personally tested it.

   The answer is NO.

   As VMWare -Virtual Macchine- and parallels are only interfaces.. i.e. They do not use Windows Kernels.

   So, dont worry, it is safe.

   Regards



5. If you get a virus while using vmware fusion or parallel the virus will only effect the windows (or other OS System) side of your computer...


6. Not if you are using a virtual machine.


7. No. The OS is still running on a UNIX core and its very unlikely to be affected by malware or virusus.

   I have not heard of any VISTA or Xp type virisus affecting macs using Bootcamp. Just be sure that you know what you are installing when it comes to third party applications



8. If you're surfing the net unprotected, you *do* have one or more viruses. However, since you're using a Mac, a Windows virus would likely have little to no effect on you (other than occupy HDD space).

   A *Mac* virus (and there are a fairly large number of them out there, but they're rare in comparison to Windows viruses) on the other hand...

   Most Computer Security Companies produce a Mac version of their AV programs and suites.

   Incidentally...a tech of my acquaintance had a client that had his windows box infected by files transferred from a Mac via USB key. The virus was a Windows virus that the Mac user had picked-up while surfing, because he had no AV program or other Security programs running.

   Good Luck!



9. No viruses for windows don't working with Mac.

   But if you need you can install firewall for example