Comments on: Apple Fails to run Virus Check? Must be Microsoft’s fault

By: BrettBum

BrettBum — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:41:00 +0000

That does make sense. From the perspective of a biological virus analogy, iPod’s and even Mac’s can be carriers for viruses.

In this case the iPod with the virus functioned much the same as a human carrier of HPV. They can carry and spread the virus, but not be specifically harmed by the virus.

Maybe a different analogy would be that the iPod to a Windows based computer is like a dirty needle to a junkie!
Thanks for that clarification, it does put things in better perspective!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:12:00 +0000

Its a Windows worm, not an iPod worm, since it affects Windows, and not the iPod. You can email a Winows worm to a mac or linux box, which will carry the worm just like the iPod does, but that doesn’t mean that the worm is then a mac or linux worm. Rember that standard hardware and filesystems mean that malware can be transferred by systems that aren’t at risk. That’s one of the reasons why mac users are supposed to run anti-virus software, to keep from spreading windows malware.

By: BrettBum

BrettBum — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:09:00 +0000

I had not read myself that Foxconn was the manufacturer of the products that shipped without being virus scanned or not, but it seems likely that this can be inferred since we are talking about the Video iPod.

Even then, Apple’s responsible for providing the requirements to their subcontractor and they are responsible for ensuring that their subcontractor operates according to those requirements.

If Foxconn fails, it is Apple’s name on the product and Apple is accountable. They can fire Foxconn or take some other corrective action if they so choose, but Apple is primarily responsible for their own products.

I wonder what the Ford Pinto explosion debate would have been like 30 years ago, if Ford had outsourced the manufacturing of the Pinto to Asia???? hmmmm

Regardless thanks for the great point!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 22:56:00 +0000

Actually its Apple’s subcontractor, Foxconn, who are to blame - not Apple.