Boot Camp=viruses?

[gkc4]

I'm thinking about using Boot Camp to install an art program that can only be used in Windows- I cannot use Wine/Parallels/etc. to run it.

I will NEVER use the Windows partition to go online or connect to any networks. Will I have problems?

 

[ziggyonice]

While it is still possible to get viruses when using Boot Camp (Windows is still Windows, after all), they wouldn't affect the Mac side should you get any. So your Mac would be untouched, while Windows would still have to deal with them.

In addition, should you have to, reinstall Windows and Boot Camp because of viruses, the Mac side of your computer will be perfectly fine, waiting for you ready to go.

 

[spinnerlys]

When you take proper precautions like anti virus software and a firewall, you shouldn't run into problems.

Also viruses caught via Windows cannot harm Mac OS X, as there aren't any, only some trojans, that have to be manually installed via entering your password in Mac OS X.

 

[gkc4]

Wait- so Windows can get viruses even if you don't use the internet? wow...lol

 

[spinnerlys]

Wait- so Windows can get viruses even if you don't use the internet? wow...lol

Yes, if someone "gives" you a virus on his/her HDD or flash drive, but that scenario is more unlikely.

 

[MacAndy74]

Wait- so Windows can get viruses even if you don't use the internet? wow...lol

No it can't, but are you going to be connecting an external HDD or Flash drive?

 

[gkc4]

No it can't, but are you going to be connecting an external HDD or Flash drive?

No, I'd only be transferring files from my OSX to the Windows partition (if that's possible)

 

[ziggyonice]

No, I'd only be transferring files from my OSX to the Windows partition (if that's possible)

Then no, you don't need to worry about viruses.

And yes, it's possible to copy files from the OS X partition to the Windows partition -- depending on your setup.
While OS X can see the Windows partition, you may not be able to copy or save anything to it -- once again, depending on your setup.

To save or copy things onto it from OS X, the format of the partition has to be FAT32 (less than 32 GB). Note that Vista will no longer work with FAT32, so unless you're running XP, this won't work, and you won't be able to save or copy things to Windows from OS X.

However, there are other options. You can download NTFS-3G which WILL allow OS X to save or copy things to an NTFS partition (larger than 32GB and/or using Vista). It works quite well and gets around the 32GB limit, in addition to getting around the Vista problem. Or, on the Windows side, get a copy of MacDrive, which will allow you to access your Mac disks while running Windows.

 

[JacobC1983]

lol a little paranoid of viruses I see

don't go online and directly go to pron or warez sites and you should be ok..

if you are worried throw on nod32 or kaspersky

its not like you are going to install windows, check your mail and BOOM! a virus and you have to reinstall windows, sheesh... I guess it could happen.. but come on...

thousands, including myself, use all OS's.. don't act like windows is the antichrist.. its just lesser than mac osx

 

[fily]

You don't need to be so paranoid my friend, plus I know you will end up using internet on Windows because it would be bothersome if you need to check your email and you'd have to boot into OSX.

If you really are worried, take the advice above and DON'T go to pr0n sites or Warez sites. And you don't even need to go the NOD32 route. Install the free version of AVG, and that'll be your best solution against viruses if you're just going to casually surf on the Windows side.

But as said, you won't get a virus the minute you connect to the internet. Most of the time, you have to go looking for a virus to get one.