Operating systems bundled with a retail computer _should_ be reasonably secure out of the box. OS X can be placed on a unprotected internet connection in a unpatched state and it's default configuration allows it to be patched to current levels without it being compromised. On the other hand Win2k & XP will be compromised in under 5 minutes if connected to the same unfiltered connection (The record here is 35 seconds for time to compromise) I am not saying that OS X is the paragon of all things good. But it's basic settings take into account the average user's skill level and ability to secure the OS if you want less security the user needs to _specifically_ configure the machine to allow the reduced level of protection. Whereas the desire for chrome on WinXXXX has made a platform which is virtually impossible for the average user to secure. I use both on a daily basis as well as Solaris and Linux so I consider myself somewhat agnostic on OS choices as each does something better than the others and I use it for that function. Scott C. McGrath