San Francisco
LOL Sometimes I feel like throwing my computer right out the window. 
Mac OS X is currently faced with the virus and malware issues Windows is BUT the new trends of techniques employed by hackers is making the computing platform used much less of an issue.
Computer users are quickly becoming the main "weak point" when considering computer security and that will be the most difficult area to fix.
On one hand, computer users need to know far more than they arguably should so they can user their computers safely and securely.
On the other hand, people shouldn't have to know much about computer security in order to use their computer safely and securely.
Hopefully Google's Netbook OS will provide a great "middle ground" solution to the problem.
In the meantime, stay current with Windows *and* Mac OS X updates and BE CAREFUL when surfing the web, especially if you spend time on social networking sites.
I guess another alternative would be to spend more time in the embrace of a lovely lady and less time in front of the computer... 
Peace...
LOL Well, your suggestion is a great one but I doubt my opinion would be swayed.
It's very true there is an exponentially higher number of viruses and malware that exist for Windows than for Mac OS but that doesn't mean Mac OS isn't vulnerable. It's true that Mac OS X benefits from the security principles in its Unix underpinnings BUT if the user grants permission to the malware to infect the system, the malware/virus writer will have succeeded. This is why the end user is the weakest link.
I've read several hacking "contests" where hackers were rewarded with cash for hacking Windows, Mac, and Linux systems. The Windows systems usually "fell" first, followed by the Macs. In the last one I read, the Linux system was the only one left "standing". This was all before Windows 7 came out so we'll have to see how Windows 7 fares in the next go around.
Modern versions of Windows (XP/Vista/7, etc) come from the Windows NT era so the DOS underpinnings are a thing of the distant past.
I do agree social engineering is a huge threat however lack of experience, knowledge, or understanding are just as large. Recently, I've been seeing an "outbreak" of malware being spread through avenues not related to social engineering at all. People not keeping their operating systems updated, regardless of them being Windows or Mac OS, contribute to the problem since both Microsoft and Apple release fixes plugging various holes malicious software writers exploit.
It's not necessarily about the numbers when it comes to determine which platform is more "secure" than the other since those numbers can also instill a false sense of security. What concerns me is security on mobile devices such as PDAs, smart phones, and other similar devices.
Google's Netbook might be a saving grace since it appears their OS will be pretty secure from day 1. We'll see what happens when it hits the streets. What I find most interesting about current Windows versions is each release seems to adopt more from the Linux/Unix world than most realize.
In any event, when I've got enough coinage collected I'll be sure to arrange to spend time to discuss this further in person.
Speaking of discussing this in person, I wonder how the review would read if we discussed this *during* a session. "As I worshipped My_Juliet's exquisite physique, she insisted that Mac OS X's Unix underpinnings were the real reason Mac's are less vulnerable..." What do you think? 
LOL
Peace...