Virtually Herpes Free

There is a certain trend that has gained in popularity recently that I find very annoying. It involves lots of supposed tech writers and pundits claiming that OS X is “virtually” virus free. Now, as a result of such comments, many Mac users will often take offense and try and point out (often with a good bit of enthusiasm) this inaccuracy. This, in turn, prompts a backlash of name calling in which the tech pundits (and thier supporters/the uninformed) call Mac users zealots while the Mac users call the writers . . . lots of not nice things. But why does this happen? Why do Mac users become so upset? Here is why.

It is very simple. Imagine if I brought a tech writer with me to a fancy party. And as lots of beautiful and important people walked up to us I introduced him like this:

“Hi, my name is James. Have you met my friend Bob (insert your favorite tech pundit’s name here)? He is virtually herpes free!”

Actually, Bob doesn’t have herpes. But do you think any of the other party goers will think about that?

Me neither.