The Snow Leopard is the much vaunted Apple malware blocker. However, just half a year since its release, the software seems to have retreated into sleep mode, even with the increasing threat to Mac OS computers.

Stagnant releases

So far, the XProtect.plist has not updated its malware database with the expected signature updates. Its last known updates include cures for the OSX.RSPlug.A and OSX.Iservice Trojan horse malware. These Trojan horse malware target Mac OS computers specifically. While in the past, much of the attacks focused on Windows PC computers, the increased popularity of Macs has encouraged a shift in malicious focus among hackers.

The update that included cures to the OSX.RSPlug.A and OSX.Iservice malware also has several other antidotes to different malware strains. Theoretically, this should cover a typical Mac computer’s malware protection needs. However, the networking landscape has changed, and there are real dangers now for Mac computers.

DNS-changer Trojan danger

As quickly as the preference for Mac computers surged, so did virus and malware attacks on them.

One particular danger lurking on the net for Mac users is the DNS-changer Trojan. This Trojan malware is used by phishers to steal online identity and hijack other important information. It makes use of bogus websites that trick users into downloading malicious software.

A typical source of these DNS-changer Trojan is the slew of porn sites on the web. Users are attracted via streaming porn on the Internet. In normal scenarios, users shouldn’t have problems with online streaming. However, with malicious sites, these users will encounter codec issues, seemingly normal if the videos aren’t optimized for Macs. While there are set protection for malware attack, these DNS-changer Trojans come in innocent packages that Apple’s security allows.

The scheme was first discovered by Intego. Mac users are sent links to adult content videos. Once on the site, a pop-up opens informing the user of codec issues. This prompts them to download a disk image file, which does not alert Mac virus/malware protection. Since Mac browsers deem this safe to open, the disk image file runs and launches the malware installer. The interface looks legitimate enough that many users follow through with the installation. Once full installation is done, the Trojan takes over the computer. It is programmed to redirect the DNS  queries of the users onto malicious websites that hijack the user’s identity and other information.

Bigger expectations from Mac’s Snow Leopard

While the Mac does not attract the bigger chunk of online malware, it is poised to be a big target in the near future. Its users are expanding at a fast rate. Likewise, there are now several more software and other installations designed specifically for Mac computers, making them very attractive to hackers.

The long-standing battle between the personal computer and the Mac has only intensified with the recent release of Microsoft's Windows 7 and Apple's Snow Leopard, which are the two newest operating systems in the market.  It doesn't always have to be about which operating system is better, however.  Sometimes, it's nice to be able to take advantage of the great features of both Windows 7 and Snow Leopard.  This article will give a short tutorial on how to get Windows 7 running on a Mac with the use of Apple's Boot Camp software.  Now, for some die-hard Apple fans, this may seem like sacrilege, but for others it is a great way to explore and use the features and functions of both of these operating system heavyweights.  So here it goes.

1.  Basic system requirements

To install and run Windows 7 on your Mac without any hiccups, your system will have to meet these minimum requirements:
-  An Intel-based Mac
-  The Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard or 10.6 Snow Leopard installation disk
-  10 GB of free hard drive space
-  Windows 7 installation disk

2.  Access Boot Camp and get started

If you meet the minimum system requirements, then you can initiate the procedure by opening Boot Camp Assistant on Mac.  Just search for the application with the Spotlight feature.  Boot Camp will then walk you through the installation.  Before actually starting the Windows 7 installation, Boot Camp Assistant will remind you that it would be ideal to back up your hard drive.  Backing up your data is the best way of ensuring that you can restore your files and your system in case something goes wrong.

3.  Create a partition

After the backup warning, Boot Camp Assistant will then go into the next step, which is partitioning.  You will have to create a separate partition on your hard drive for your Windows 7 installation.  It is advisable to make this partition at least 5 to 10 GB.  But if you plan on making full use of Windows 7 by installing applications and games, you may want to bump up the partition space to around 30 to 50 GB.  Select your partition space, click "Partition," and let Boot Camp Assistant do the rest.

4.  Installing Windows 7

Now that your system is partitioned and ready for the Windows 7 installation, you need to grab your installation disk and insert it into the disk drive.  The actual installation of Windows 7 will probably take a while and it will have a few settings and options for you to configure along the way, so don't go too far from your Mac while the installation is in progress.  After accepting the terms and agreements, choosing your language settings, and selecting the type of Windows 7 installation you want, you will then have to select the partition you created with Boot Camp in step 2.  The partition will then be formatted into the NTFS file system, and the installation of Windows 7 will commence.  After the installation is done, all you have to do is select the Windows boot up option from the OS X boot screen, which can be accessed by holding the Alt key while the system is booting.  You may need to install some drivers from your OS X installation disk, which is easy enough once you get into Windows.

To further get into this operating system on mac computers you might be interested in visiting ixdownloads windows 7 forum where you both can ask questions and help other.

For those of you who aren't already aware of Apple's newest operating system, it's time to get up-to-date.  Snow Leopard, also known as Mac OS X v10.6, was released on August 28, 2009, and the new operating system boasts of loads of updates and upgrades over its predecessor, Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard.  Aside from offering 64-bit technology, Snow Leopard also increased the efficiency of multiple-core processor management, improved security, and enhanced usability.  The good thing is, you can get these updates and many more for the low price of US$29, which will allow you to upgrade from your current Leopard system.  Here's how to upgrade your Mac from Leopard to Snow Leopard in three easy steps.

1.  Prepare your system

The first step in any OS installation is to prepare your system.  First, make sure that you back up all of the important information that you do not want to lose.  It would be best to backup your files to an external hard drive or to some form of removable media.  Second, clean up your system by deleting unnecessary files.  If you want to ensure that nothing can go wrong, you may want to make a bootable backup of your Mac.  A bootable backup will allow you to restore your system to the state it was in before you start your Snow Leopard installation.  Finally, make sure that you have the necessary media to install Snow Leopard, such as the Snow Leopard upgrade disc.

2.  Option A:  Install over your existing Leopard OS

Apple gives you two options for upgrading your system to the Snow Leopard OS and the first is to do a direct upgrade over your existing Leopard setup.  This is perhaps the easiest way to get your system running on Snow Leopard.  All you have to do is insert your Snow Leopard upgrade disc, click "Install Mac OS X", and follow the on-screen instructions to get your system running.

3.  Option B:  Do a clean install of the Snow Leopard OS

For power users who want full control over the setup and a brand new operating system, option B is the best way to go.  Basically, this will wipe out all of the data on your hard drive partition, installing Snow Leopard on a clean machine.  Insert your Snow Leopard upgrade disc and click on "Install Mac OS X" when you are prompted.  Click on the Utilities menu and choose the "Disk Utility..." option and you will be prompted to format and repartition your hard drive.  Finish up your installation as you normally would by following the on-screen instructions.

Remember, throughout the Snow Leopard installation, you will get a few chances to restore a Time Machine backup that you have previously made.  If you choose not to restore a backup during the installation, you can always do so after Snow Leopard is up and running.  Congratulations on your new Mac operating system!

If you have been keeping up with the latest news on Mac systems, then you are probably already well-aware of Apple's upcoming operating system (OS) update, Mac OS X 10.6 - more fondly referred to as Snow Leopard.  Whether you are still using the Tiger operating system or you are already on Leopard, you may be glad to know that Apple is releasing versions of Snow Leopard that will allow you to upgrade directly from either Tiger or Leopard.  Before you start to get all excited about the new operating system though, you may want to know more about it.  This article will cover some of the best changes that Apple has made in Snow Leopard.

1.  64-bit technology

One of the major drawbacks of Tiger and Leopard is that they were both made in 32-bit architecture, which drastically limits the efficiency of memory and processor-use.  Fortunately, the people at Apple came to their senses and decided to integrate 64-bit compatibility in Snow Leopard.  Basically, this means that you can make use of virtually limitless amounts of random access memory (RAM) - up to 16 terabytes of Ram, to be exact.  The 64-bit technology also means faster computing, faster calculations, and better efficiency.  In line with the 64-bit upgrade, Snow Leopard also comes with a number of software titles that are designed in the 64-bit architecture, making them run faster, smoother, and more secure than ever before.  

2.  Grand Central Dispatch

Perhaps the biggest trend in computer technology these days is the use of multi-core processors.  Dual-core and quad-core processors are quickly becoming an industry standard and Apple has jumped right onto the bandwagon by adding the Grand Central Dispatch (GCD) feature to Snow Leopard.  Basically, this feature is meant to optimize the way that the operating system manages the multiple cores in your processor.  Snow Leopard systems allow software developers to tap into the GCD architecture to create applications that are GCD-enabled, making the applications faster and more efficient at using your multi-core processor.  In the end, this translates to a faster system, faster applications, better efficiency ratings, and great performance gains.

3.  OpenCL

Originally, video cards were used solely for processing graphics and graphics-related computations.  So when you aren't using graphics-intensive programs, your video card isn't being used to its full potential.  OpenCL changes all of that because it allows developers to make software that utilizes the power of your graphics card for general processing and computing.  At first glance, the OpenCL feature seems as though it is only made for the benefit of software developers.  In truth, however, this has some great advantages for average users.  This is because OpenCL-compatible applications will allow you to make full use of your video card, ultimately speeding up your computer performance and all of the programs that make use of OpenCL technology.