Question about security issue when transferring files from PC

I am in the process of looking at macs. I have always been a PC user and have been EXTREMELY impressed with the features of mac os x. Here's the question. I am probably sure that I have one or more viruses on my PC, what PC doesn't right? When I get my mac, I'm looking at the macbook, I see that I can transfer my files over from a PC to my new mac. The problem is. I want my files, but I'm leery about transferring a virus over also. I've heard about the security of macs and I am wondering if this is something I need to be worried about, or if it won't be a problem. Is there any steps I will need to take to ensure that I don't bring any viruses over with my files? Thanks for the help.
Micah
P.S. I am really starting to get sick and tired of Vista. I had to download VLC media player to play my Windows Media files because my Windows Media player on Vista WILL NOT play the files meant for that system. Arrrghhh Sorry for the vent.

Be sure to scan all your files for viruses before moving them from the PC to the Mac. Although PC viruses should have no effect on a Mac, it's still possible to pass on a virus to a friend via email.
Do You Need Anti-Virus Protection for Your Mac?
According to Rich Mogull's article, Should Mac Users Run Antivirus Software?,
"The reality is that today the Mac platform is relatively safe. There are hundreds of thousands of viruses and other malicious software programs floating around for Windows, but less than 200 are known to target the Mac, and many of those are aimed at versions of the Mac OS prior to Mac OS X (and thus have no effect on a modern Mac).
It's not that Mac OS X is inherently more secure against viruses than current versions of Windows (although it was clearly more secure than Windows prior to XP SP2); the numerous vulnerabilities reported and patched in recent years are just as exploitable as their Windows equivalents. But most security experts agree that malicious software these days is driven by financial incentives, and it's far more profitable to target the most dominant platform."
Mr. Mogull is a computer security expert. I recommend reading the entire article as it is quite informative.
For additional information on viruses, trojans, and spyware visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQs on viruses and spyware.

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Hi,
I have posted this topic previously but didnt respond fast enough and I think the system locked it down as I had too long of a delay.
I have recently set up iTunes on a laptop and want to start using this as my default iTunes for syncing etc. Unfortunately I no longer have access to the desktop that housed my original iTunes so I have followed the instructions to use my ipod as an external disc and transfer the files this way.
These are the instructions I have followed http://lifehacker.com/105256/how-to-copy-songs-from-your-ipod-to-your-pc
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No idea on your specific question but if it is of any help here are some articles and links about moving files from the ipod to the computer...
Copying from iPod to Computer threads...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1300144
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=797432&#797432
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=809624&tstart=0
Also these somewhat dated but still useful internet articles...
http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/copying-music-from-ipod-to-co mputer/
http://www.engadget.com/2004/11/02/how-to-get-music-off-your-ipod/
http://playlistmag.com/help/2005/01/2waystreet/
Good luck!
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Okay, thanks for that, I will have a closer look on flushing the ram.
Sure, I care about security and privacy, but -- as you might expect -- the data I have are not really THAT sensitive/confidential/whatsoever. I've just gotten into it somehow and now I'm just curious/intrested in improving it for it's own sake more or less.

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Cattus Thraex wrote:
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