64-bit file system immune to viruses?

[Ursa]

Hi!

I just have to ask this, since I think I've read somewhere that 64-bit windows is immune to viruses. Is this true? I mean also I read that this is the reason why Macintoshes haven't been plagued by this through the years (and that the Mac file system was somewhere between 32 and 64 bit)

Anyone with lots of knowledge on the field?

Thanks in advance

 

[Brink]

LOL, sorry Ursa, but that is not true.

The 64 bit versions can still get a virus. What you may have read about was that 64 bit CPUs have DEP (non-execute) built into them preventing programs from entering restricted levels of memory on the CPU that can be used by viruses. 32 bit and 64 bit Vista versions has a software version of DEP built into them that runs better with 64 bit programs instead of 32 bit ones, but this is not foolproof though.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[JonMCC33]

Correct, but in addition 32-bit viruses cannot infect 64-bit OS files (kernel, etc). So there is an added level of safety. That doesn't mean you shouldn't run an AV program to protect your 32-bit applications.

 

[CarolinaFaithful]

I've read somewhere that "if software's involved, it can be circumvented!" It's this kind of knowledge that doesn't bode well for those of us with just enough knowledge to get us in trouble.

 

[Brian the King]

Correct, but in addition 32-bit viruses cannot infect 64-bit OS files (kernel, etc). So there is an added level of safety. That doesn't mean you shouldn't run an AV program to protect your 32-bit applications.

Can't 32bit viruses run on WOW64 though, and get to 64-bit stuff?

Not defying your point, I'm honestly curious about this.

 

[Ursa]

hehe thanks for clarifying folks

Is it harder to produce a 64-bit virus or is it just using the "virus machine v2.04" and remembering to select the "64-bit" button in the rendering?

 

[CarolinaFaithful]

How is it that you know about this "virus machine v2.04" and its 64bit option?zip:

 

[Ursa]

No I'm just joking. Everyone knows that "wi-r-us" is the supreme software for this operation.

Well actually I remember from my old days. A buddy of mine had this strange piece of software which actually let you "choose" which kind of virus you'd like to produce, and which .exe-file you could attach it to. (honest )

 

[JonMCC33]

Can't 32bit viruses run on WOW64 though, and get to 64-bit stuff?

Not defying your point, I'm honestly curious about this.

I won't pretend to know everything. I just converted to Vista x64 myself after doing a lot of research. Here, read this: Will upgrading to 64 Bit Windows make you More Secure?

 

[Brian the King]

I won't pretend to know everything. I just converted to Vista x64 myself after doing a lot of research. Here, read this: Will upgrading to 64 Bit Windows make you More Secure?

Ok good read, thank you. Things are a bit clearer to me now.

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Here, read this: Will upgrading to 64 Bit Windows make you More Secure?

Hello JonMCC33,

Thanks for the link! (I lived in Ft. Myers when I was a kid).


Later Ted

 

[JonMCC33]

No problem. Yeah, I moved down here about 2 years ago from Ohio after I got out of the USAF. It's been real nice, amazing beaches down here. But I'll probably move to Tampa as there are more IT jobs available there.