When it comes to computer safety, you can't be too careful, so knowing which operating platform is more secure, Mac or PC, is a good place to start. Unfortunately, the answer isn't so simple. When it comes to online safety, there are many factors to consider, and there is a big difference between which operating system is more secure and which one is less vulnerable.

If you are considering which operating system is less likely to be attacked by a virus or malware, then a Mac has a higher level of safety. Apple, Inc., the makers of Macs, has a much smaller market share than Microsoft, which means that fewer machines run Apple's operating system than Windows. When viruses are written to attack vulnerabilities in an operating system, it makes more sense and is more profitable for hackers to target Windows. However, both Macs and Windows PCs can and should have anti-virus software installed on them to help protect them from hackers.

On the other hand, if you are considering which operating system has more vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a hacker, then PCs have a higher safety level. Microsoft has worked hard to close up the gaps in Windows' code to make the system more secure, but Apple hasn't done nearly as much. There are still gaps in the code, but operating systems are no longer hackers' primary target.

Smartphones, tablet computers and other wireless devices are changing the face of the computer world, and hackers are responding in kind. Instead of targeting operating systems, they are now aiming at specific applications. Personal information such as names, addresses, banking information and other sensitive information is stored in these applications, and their safety is at risk. For example, many viruses and spyware are written specifically to target vulnerabilities in internet browsers. Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari have each seen their very own viruses designed to exploit holes in their programming and gain access to the machine running the browser. Hackers can then access which websites you visit, your contact list from your email account and possibly even your hard drive.

If you ask 100 computer-security specialists where the biggest threat to any computer system lies, you will likely receive the same answer from all of them – the user. A careful computer user can minimize his or her exposure to malicious software simply by initiating some basic safety measures while browsing the internet. If you click on every link in your social network, download every piece of freeware and open every email link, you probably already have a virus on your computer. No matter which system you use, Mac or PC, you are vulnerable. Computer safety relies heavily on the user's sense of caution – your sense of caution.

If you incorporate regular safety measures into your internet habits, your computer will be better protected against threats. Be diligent in updating your operating system, anti-virus software and virus-signature definitions. Be careful when you click on links, and don't follow links from someone you do not know. When you do chose to download software from the internet, read the licensing agreement to see what additional software you are giving permission to have installed.

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