Is malware driving Windows users to Macs?

Dwight Silverman makes a convincing case in his weekly computing column in the Houston Chronicle. 

For the most part, the average user doesn't even think about Microsoft — he or she just fires up the PC and gets to work or play.

But that may be changing.

Increasingly, I'm hearing real discontent from the masses about Windows, and it doesn't have much to do monopolistic practices, ripping off ideas or a lack of innovation.

It's malware.

I keep hearing this refrain from readers, callers to Technology Bytes (the KPFT radio show I co-host on Wednesday nights), friends and co-workers: "I'm sick and tired of all these viruses and spyware. I hear that's not a problem on the Mac. I'm thinking of buying one."

This notion of a market switch is baseless. Apple's admits that they have failed to increase their market share against PCs.

http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=1781

People are buying PCs more frequently than ever which is why Mac, though increasing their total number of sales, can't budge the percentage of the market. Popular ad campaigns for Apple don't seem to sway the general public away from their beloved machines.

Preston, your point about the market switch taken, I kinda think it has less to do with love and more to do with the old thing where people use PCs at work and get to know the system somewhat, so get the same thing (or better) for home. But that's just my theory. [shrug]

I have to say the one thing that stuck out for me was:

"I'm sick and tired of all these viruses and spyware."

Finally. Folks don't need to get a Mac. Get tired of it! Use antivirus software regularly, stop downloading free widgets that provide dubious "services to the desktop", quit opening email forwards because a total stranger sent something "hysterically funny".

But if that seems like work, sure, get a Mac. Unfortunately the market responds to cash.