Is Running Windows on a Mac Secure?

Thanks for your review of programs for running Windows on a Mac. But, if I use them, won’t I expose my Mac’s files to Windows viruses and spyware?

Yes, potentially, because both of the programs I reviewed, Parallels and Fusion, can access Mac folders and files—which means any malicious software that infects Windows can do so as well. That’s why both programs come with security software. You can choose to install the security products they provide, or obtain and install your own. But I strongly recommend you use security software on any computer running Windows, even if it’s a virtual PC operating inside a Mac.

Another protective step you can take is to set an option in these programs that prevents them from accessing your Mac’s files and folders. You’ll still need security software to protect your Windows installation, but, your Mac files and folders should be isolated.

I’m trying to replace my aging Palm PDA, but all I can find are smart phones with lots of bells and whistles and monthly fees. All I want is something that can hold appointments, contacts and notes, and sync with my PC. Is there anything like that out there?

The old-fashioned PDA is indeed fading fast. But there are still a few around. For instance, Hewlett-Packard still sells a $300 model called the iPAQ 111, which does have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but isn’t a phone and thus doesn’t require a monthly cellphone contract.

Are any of the e-readers on the market compatible with the free e-books available at public libraries?

This depends on the format your library uses. Sony explicitly says its e-readers can handle public library e-books, and others may as well. I suggest asking at your library. One tipoff might be if the e-reader you’re considering can handle the EPUB format, which more libraries stock. In addition to the Sony devices, the Barnes & Noble Nook also handles this format.

You can find Mossberg’s Mailbox, and my other columns, online for free at the All Things Digital web site, http://walt.allthingsd.com.

Anonymous

A better alternative than a $300 iPaq for someone who just wants something to “hold appointments, contacts and notes, and sync with my PC” would be an 8GB iPod touch for $199.
truman2010

I just replaced my Palm TungstenE with an iPod Touch. Neither are phones. It syncs better than the Palm, holds my music and podcasts, movies and there's so much software ( a lot of it free) for the ipod. Highly recommended, I've been having tons of fun with it. The big difference is the graffiti stylus on the palm versus thumb typing on the ipod. I think my speed is equal at this point but I'll get faster with practice on the ipod. It of course has wi-fi so I can get my mail and connect to the Internet which I couldn't do with my Palm without buying an added modem.
bobab

an iPAQ? With great GUI/multi-touch, wouldn't an iPod Touch be a better device that will do everything he needs. Mossberg's recommendation below is a head scratcher.
The old-fashioned PDA is indeed fading fast. But there are still a few around. For instance, Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) still sells a $300 model called the iPAQ 111, which does have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but isn’t a phone and thus doesn’t require a monthly cellphone contract.
pjsercel

For those looking for PDA functionality without the phone or the associated contract, I would recommend and iPod Touch. It is less expensive that the more antiquated PDA's on the market and provides full calendaring, contacts, notes, etc. Plus you get a great web browser, iPod functionality, and 150,000 apps to help customize your experience.

My advice is go Apple!
leechman

I'm holding on to my Palm as long as it still works. No point in replacing something that hasn't broken… When I can't replace the battery then I'll look into getting something else.

As for Windows in virtual machines infecting your Mac files… I don't give my Windows VMs *access* to my Mac files in the first place, and disable any unified mode. When they act flakey (which is usually more the result of installing a flakey program) I just roll back to a clean checkpoint on the system disk.
Zaidy036

iPod Touch is the way to go but you must add Apps to get the same functionality (and more) as a Palm.

Look at the following Apps to match Palm:
“SearchDial Touch” “Address Book Plus”
“Private Contacts” “Private Data”
Zaidy036

iPod Touch is the way to go but you must add Apps to match the Palms functions. I suggest that you look at:

Address Book Plus
Document Reader
Private Contacts
Private Data
SearchDial Touch
Calander of World Hoildays
riichardkarmazin

what days does walts column appear

Is Running Windows on a Mac Secure?

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