Can a Mac get viruses?

In my post “Free virus protection” I was asked a great question. Do Macs get viruses?

I found a great answer to this question from computerhope.com.

Basically, it is possible but unlikely. A virus hitting a Mac has a low probability for a few reasons. One because a Mac operates on a Unix platform. In laymen’s terms most virus files are written for Windows or Dos systems and those same files wont work in the Mac OS (operating system).
And, Windows has many more users.

It is important to understand that the creator of the virus want’s recognition. If he writes a virus with this in mind he or she want’s the largest impact around the world. Because 98% of the world operates on Windows by default Windows is the target. Sad but true!