Just got a Macbook and have a few questions

Ok, so I just got my Macbook laptop today and because I have never owned a Mac product i just had a few questions
First off, is it safe to be plugged into the internet right off the bat or do I need to go out and buy some antivirus software? i have heard from some people that macs have built in antivirus and that they are also just in general less likely to get a virus then your average pc.
also just wondering, when i play a cd the disk reader/laser? whatever you would want to call it makes alot more noise then i expected it to. i didnt know if that was normal or not, and just wanted some opinions from other macbook users. thanks!!

On these forums, just about anyone you ask will say that there is no reason to get antivirus software. Most mac users don't have any installed. It's not viruses on the mac you really need to be worried about; it's stupid stuff like phishing or scams - things that don't have anything to do with the operating system - that you just have to watch out for. You'll be fine without antivirus software. The thing I really liked about my mac (windows user all my life; switched 6 months ago, haven't regretted it) is that instead of worrying about viruses and keeping my anti-virus/spyware software always up to date, I was just able to start using my mac, right out of the box.
They do make antivirus software for macs. If you really are that worried about it, go to:
http://www.clamxav.com/
The ironic thing is that it checks for windows viruses (someone correct me if I'm wrong) so you don't pass them on. A windows virus won't have any effect on your mac.
Surf the net. Be productive. Stop worrying. Have fun. Welcome to Apple.
...not a bad little slogan
EDIT - wow, a million people posted while I was writing this reply. meh.

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