A question regarding Virus protection..

Hey! So my mac is about 2 years old now. I was wondering is there any virus protection programs that I should download to keep my Mac safe?
Also, are there any viruses that CAN attack a Mac?
As far as I have been using the mac there have been absolutely no problems that I have encountered. No virus problems I mean.
Do mac's come with any inbuilt or uploaded virus protection program or something?

There are no confirmed viruses on Mac operating systems. Occasionally someone says they have heard of one but those are isolated and not confirmed by the user community. The Unix-based Mac OS X operating system has strong security and when setup properly is highly resistant to virus attacks.
As shldr pointed out, a very good and FREE anti virus program is ClamXAV...if you feel you must have a virus protection program.
DO NOT fall for the misleading pup-ups regarding MacKeeper...that program keeps popping up (did on my iMac recently) saying your computer is infected with x-number of viruses...buy their software to protect your system. That is not true because there is no way they could know if you even did have a virus on your system.
So, bottom-line, you really don't need to worry about viruses, and do not fall for hype you might hear. If you do hear about a virus, come on these communities and ask...there are knowledgable people here who will have the facts.

Similar Messages

Virus protection for Mac?

Hello everyone. I have been using Symantec for quite awhile now and finally figured out that it was causing my system to crash on a pretty frequent basis (Kernel Panic).
Question - Is virus protection even necessary for a Mac? And if so what do you recommend?
Thanks!

1. This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an intruder who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
OS X now implements up to three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting features such as address space layout randomization that may also apply to other kinds of exploits.
2. All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files, and to block insecure web plugins. This feature is transparent to the user, but internally Apple calls it "XProtect." The malware recognition database is automatically checked for updates once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders.
The following caveats apply to XProtect:
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets.
It only applies to software downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
3. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there has been another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications and Installer packages downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Software certified in this way hasn't actually been tested by Apple (unless it comes from the Mac App Store), but you can be reasonably sure that it hasn't been modified by anyone other than the developer. His identity is known to Apple, so he could be held legally responsible if he distributed malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe.
Gatekeeper doesn't depend on a database of known malware. It has, however, the same limitations as XProtect, and in addition the following:
It can easily be disabled or overridden by the user.
A malware attacker could get control of a code-signing certificate under false pretenses, or could find some other way to evade Apple's controls.
4. When you install the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime), a third layer of protection is added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you start up. It seems to check for, and potentially remove, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) Like XProtect, MRT is presumably effective against known attacks, but maybe not against unknown attacks. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. Beyond XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT, there’s no benefit, in most cases, from any other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. All known malware circulating on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. The threat therefore amounts to a battle of wits between you and the malware attacker. If you're smarter than he thinks you are, you'll win.
That means, in practice, that you never use software that comes from an untrustworthy source. How do you know whether a source is trustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
Pirated copies or "cracks" of commercial software, no matter where they come from, are unsafe.
Software of any kind downloaded from a BitTorrent or from a Usenet binary newsgroup is unsafe.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. If it comes from any other source, it's unsafe.
6. Java on the Web (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related, despite the similarity of the names) is a weak point in the security of any system. Java is, among other things, a platform for running complex applications in a web page, on the client. That was always a bad idea, and Java's developers have proven themselves incapable of implementing it without also creating a portal for malware to enter. Past Java exploits are the closest thing there has ever been to a Windows-style "virus" affecting OS X. Merely loading a page with malicious Java content could be harmful. Fortunately, Java on the Web is mostly extinct. Only a few outmoded sites still use it. Try to hasten the process of extinction by avoiding those sites, if you have a choice. Forget about playing games or other inessential uses of Java.
Java is not included in OS X 10.7 and later. Discrete Java installers are distributed by Apple and by Oracle (the developer of Java.) Don't use either one unless you need it. Most people don't. If Java is installed, disable it — not JavaScript — in your browsers. In Safari, this is done by unchecking the box marked Enable Java in the Security tab of the preferences dialog.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a specific task, enable Java only when needed for the task and disable it immediately when done. Close all other browser windows and tabs, and don't visit any other sites while Java is active. Never enable Java on a public web page that carries third-party advertising. Use it, when necessary, only on well-known, login-protected, secure websites without ads. In Safari 6 or later, you'll see a lock icon in the address bar with the abbreviation "https" when visiting a secure site.
Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can practically be. The rest of this comment concerns what you should not do to protect yourself from malware.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good, if they do any good at all. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the file system. Malware is downloaded from the network; it doesn't materialize from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software modifies or duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability, bugs, and poor performance.
By modifying the operating system, the software itself may create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
8. ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks. That doesn't mean it's entirely safe. It may report email messages that have "phishing" links in the body, or Windows malware in attachments, as infected files, and offer to delete or move them. Doing so will corrupt the Mail database. The messages should be deleted from within the Mail application.
ClamXav is not needed, and should not be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful only for detecting Windows malware. Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else.
A Windows malware attachment in email is usually easy to recognize. The file name will often be targeted at people who aren't very bright; for example:
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!!!H0TBABEZ4U!!!!!!!.AVI♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥.exe
ClamXav may be able to tell you which particular virus or trojan it is, but do you care? In practice, there's seldom a reason to use ClamXav unless a network administrator requires you to run an anti-virus application.
9. The greatest harm done by security software, in my opinion, is in its effect on human behavior. It does little or nothing to protect people from emerging threats, but they get a false sense of security from it, and then they may behave in ways that expose them to higher risk. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.
10. It seems to be a common belief that the built-in Application Firewall acts as a barrier to infection, or prevents malware from functioning. It does neither. It blocks inbound connections to certain network services you're running, such as file sharing. It's disabled by default and you should leave it that way if you're behind a router on a private home or office network. Activate it only when you're on an untrusted network, for instance a public Wi-Fi hotspot, where you don't want to provide services. Disable any services you don't use in the Sharing preference pane. All are disabled by default.

Best mac virus protection

What is the best download to protect for viruses? Specifically, I have a virus that automatically sends out e-mails from my account.

None.
Helpful Links Regarding Virus Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using ClamXav.
There is no virus that does what you report. More likely your email address has been spoofed by spammers. The emails may have your email address on them, but they haven't been sent from your email server.

Virus Protection and Firewall Question

I just switched from a PC to a Mac. Should I download virus protection and if so which one is best for a Mac? Also, I believe my computer came with the firewall turned off... should I turn that on?

Should I download virus protection...
No. The OS has built-in recognition of known Mac malware in files downloaded from the Internet. All commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac are worse than useless. Do not install any of them.
...and if so which one is best for a Mac?
Your mind. All Mac malware takes the form of trojans, which depend on the victim's ignorance to be installed. Don't be ignorant.
Also, I believe my computer came with the firewall turned off... should I turn that on?
Not unless you are on an untrusted network, such as a public hotspot, and have services enabled in the Sharing preference pane. Under any other circumstances, the firewall should be left off.

Hi, I want to downgrade from OSX LEOPARD to OSX TIGER but I have a few questions regarding this. My iMac is originally from 2007 it came preloaded with tiger. I have original install tiger discs version 10.4.10. Is it safe to downgrade or not please help

Hi, I want to downgrade from OSX LEOPARD to OSX TIGER but I have a few questions regarding this. My iMac is originally from Sep 2007 it came preloaded with tiger. I have original install (2) tiger discs version 10.4.10. I want to know if it is safe and what are the necessary steps to do so. Also by downgrading im wondering if a lot of apps nowadays support tiger for example I have photoshop version 5 and 4 these are very important to me. One last question does anyone know of any reliable virus protection for mac that doesnt slow down your computer? because I have read that a lot of them do so. If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it! Here are the specs for my iMac
Model Name:
iMac
Model Identifier:
iMac7,1
Processor Name:
Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:
2 GHz
Number Of Processors:
1
Total Number Of Cores:
2
L2 Cache:
4 MB
Memory:
2 GB
Bus Speed:
800 MHz

Most of the time a perception of general slow performance is the result of installing third party junk alleged to speed up, "clean" or "optimize" your Mac, or to look for viruses that don't exist. Ideally you would know what you installed so you can uninstall it, but if you don't know or aren't sure there are techniques such as Safe Mode and creating a temporary user account to confirm that suspicion.
If you open Activity Monitor it may show a process, or processes, that occupy a lot of your system's time.
Slowness confined solely to web browser activity is often the result of an inexorable progress toward websites that demand ever more processor-intensive tasks. If your slow performance is strictly limited to web browsing, you might try disabling Flash by either uninstalling it, or use utilities such as ClickToFlash that allow you to control what Flash content gets loaded. Flash in itself is not inherently evil, but there is nothing to stop websites or the advertisers who pay for them from writing horrible Flash code that can do everything from hogging 100% of your CPU's time to causing random crashes. You can watch Activity Monitor as in the above to correlate these troublesome web pages with performance degradation.
You are correct; if your computer shipped with Tiger you may certainly revert to it. I forgot that Tiger was shipping on new Macs as recently as five years ago. To downgrade it would be necessary to completely erase your hard disk and boot with the Tiger installation DVD, followed by installing it anew. Such drastic measures are not necessary and you are unlikely to be satisfied with the results anyway.
Assuming your system is free of third party parasitic junk attached to OS X in an ill-conceived attempt to improve upon it, that your hard disk drive is sound and the boot volume has enough free space to work with, by far the best performance-enhancing improvement would be to add more memory. Buy as much as your computer can use and that you can afford. 2 GB is not that much any more.
Read the following for some recommended troubleshooting techniques from Apple:
General purpose Mac troubleshooting guide: Isolating issues in Mac OS X
Creating a temporary user to isolate user-specific problems: Isolating an issue by using another user account
Memory limitations: Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used
Identifying resource hogs and other tips: Runaway applications can shorten battery runtime
Starting the computer in "safe mode": Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?

What sort of spywear/virus protection does the macbook pro retina have

what sort of spy wear/virus protection does a macbook pro retina have

The system has built-in malware protection that Apple updates as required as long as you keep you system properly updated.
There is no spyware protection. Only you can prevent spyware.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
          Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
          OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
          OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
          About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using VirusBarrier Express 1.1.6 or Dr.Web Light both from the App Store. They're both free, and since they're from the App Store, they won't destabilize the system. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.)
From user Joe Bailey comes this equally useful advice:
The facts are:
1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.
2. There is no anti-malware that can detect anything targeting the Mac because there
     is no Mac malware in the wild, and therefore, no "signatures" to detect.
3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that
     the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering
     techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.
4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on
    your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a
    protection against malware.
5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware
    from which they purport to protect you.
6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.
7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.
8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something
    you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.
9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware.

Virus protection for iMac-Leopard

There seems to be a divergence of opinion, in general, regarding the need for virus-protection software for Mac. ( I used Intego Internet Security with my previous machine- 15" Flat Screen with Tiger.)
The local Apple Store regarding the subject would say neither yes nor no.
(I only talked to a salesman, though.)
If there is a technically well-informed reader of this message, would you kindly answer the questions: a), is virus protection necessary; and b), if it is, would Intego be the way to go - if not, what would you suggest?

Another vote for ClamXav, a wonderful protection for Mac. mtatmc is 110% right. Antivirus/antimalware protection is not just thinking about yourself and your computer, it is about thinking about everybody's safety when browsing this internet. It's not just about infecting your own computer, but passing it over to your friends' computers, to your family members' computers etc. Of course, no one wants that to happen.
Maybe there are not so many viruses/trojans in the wild like there are for PCs, but don't be fooled... it is not thanks to Unix nor because Unix is safer than anything else out there... Nothing is bullet-proof and everything can be broken. It is just because PCs are a lot more popular than Macs, and attackers found them a lot more interesting to attack. Things are changing though and we have to be careful about this. Macs are becoming popular more and more, by the day... and it is just a question when these nasties will hit us. There are already some nasty trojans for the Macs in the wild, and you don't want to take any chances.
Besides ClamXav, there is avast! antivirus for Mac recently released. It is one of the best antiviruses out there, but it is not free... and the biggest problem, Mac version has some issues, some bugs that still need to be fixed. I am a long time avast! user on my PC, but on my Mac, I use ClamXav and I am not even sure if I will switch to anything else.
Another little thing... download and install DNS changer removal tool, it is a must have.
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/33696
Cheers!

MAC need virus protection

Does my MAC Pro need any Virus protection or internet Security ? I got a popup for MACKeeper but did not install because I wanted to review it first.

Andreafl2 wrote:
Does my MAC Pro need any Virus protection or internet Security
Yes. Fortunately what it needs is already incorporated in OS X. Read more below the horizontal line that follows.
Avoid every garbage product from those claiming knowledge superior to that of Apple's own. Those claims ought to be regarded with judicious skepticism, if not outright ridicule. MacKeeper is only one example among a plethora of other popular scams designed to separate you from your money. That is their only purpose, and they are very successful at that task.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose:Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
The same precaution applies to Adobe Flash Player. Newly discovered Flash vulnerabilities appear almost weekly.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Virus Protection/Sophos

I download Sophos, a virus protection. It found a threat and said I could remove it from my computer. I'm nervous to proceed. The threat is OSX/Geonei-A. I need to know how/or if I should proceed?

Yes. Then remove Sophos. Genieo is a trojan, not a virus.
You installed the "Genieo" scam product.
Adware Removal Guide - Genieo
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Problems
If you are having an immediate problem with ads popping up see The Safe Mac » Adware Removal Guide and AdwareMedic.
Open Safari, select Preferences from the Safari menu. Click on Extensions icon in the toolbar. Disable all Extensions. If this stops your problem, then re-enable them one by one until the problem returns. Now remove that extension as it is causing the problem.
The following comes from user stevejobsfan0123. I have made minor changes to adapt to this presentation.
Fix Some Browser Pop-ups That Take Over Safari.
Common pop-ups include a message saying the government has seized your computer and you must pay to have it released (often called "Moneypak"), or a phony message saying that your computer has been infected, and you need to call a tech support number (sometimes claiming to be Apple) to get it resolved. First, understand that these pop-ups are not caused by a virus and your computer has not been affected. This "hijack" is limited to your web browser. Also understand that these messages are scams, so do not pay any money, call the listed number, or provide any personal information. This article will outline the solution to dismiss the pop-up.
Quit Safari
Usually, these pop-ups will not go away by either clicking "OK" or "Cancel." Furthermore, several menus in the menu bar may become disabled and show in gray, including the option to quit Safari. You will likely have to force quit Safari. To do this, press Command + option + esc, select Safari, and press Force Quit.
Relaunch Safari
If you relaunch Safari, the page will reopen. To prevent this from happening, hold down the 'Shift' key while opening Safari. This will prevent windows from the last time Safari was running from reopening.
This will not work in all cases. The shift key must be held at the right time, and in some cases, even if done correctly, the window reappears. In these circumstances, after force quitting Safari, turn off Wi-Fi or disconnect Ethernet, depending on how you connect to the Internet. Then relaunch Safari normally. It will try to reload the malicious webpage, but without a connection, it won't be able to. Navigate away from that page by entering a different URL, i.e. www.apple.com, and trying to load it. Now you can reconnect to the Internet, and the page you entered will appear rather than the malicious one.
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
OS X Mavericks- Protect your Mac from malware
About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection Thomas Reed recommends using ClamXAV. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for this recommendation.)
From user Joe Bailey comes this equally useful advice:
The facts are:
1. There is no anti-malware software that can detect 100% of the malware out there.
2. There is no anti-malware that can detect everything targeting the Mac.
3. The very best way to prevent the most attacks is for you as the user to be aware that
     the most successful malware attacks rely on very sophisticated social engineering
     techniques preying on human avarice, ****, and fear.
4. Internet popups saying the FBI, NSA, Microsoft, your ISP has detected malware on
    your computer is intended to entice you to install their malware thinking it is a
    protection against malware.
5. Some of the anti-malware products on the market are worse than the malware
    from which they purport to protect you.
6. Be cautious where you go on the internet.
7. Only download anything from sites you know are safe.
8. Avoid links you receive in email, always be suspicious even if you get something
    you think is from a friend, but you were not expecting.
9. If there is any question in your mind, then assume it is malware.

Virus protection for my macbook pro

Does anybody know of a good Virus protection for my macbook pro? Some people say i dont need one is that true? I was hoping to get a cheap/reasonable priced protection for a lil extra help. Im worried about my laptop getting a virus.

Thomas A Reed wrote:
sigh. Discussions about anti-virus software here are a hot-button topic, and often cause virtual fistfights. Not your fault, of course, but now there's a lot of confusing information being thrown back and forth here. Let me try to clear the air a bit.
First, regarding ClamXav, Kappy's link is fine, but I would refer you straight to the official ClamXav site rather than the MacUpdate page:
http://www.clamxav.com
There is another ClamXav site, ending in .org, that is fake. It's not related to the actual ClamXav. Don't go there. I'd love nothing better than to get that site taken down, but alas, that is not within my power.
I have mixed feelings about ClamXav. I like the guy who develops it, and I like the way it works... but it's not always on top of things with regard to malware definitions.
Regarding Avast, it is certainly not "the worst of the whole wretched lot" of anti-virus software. Neither is it something I would recommend highly. It has a tendency towards false positives, in my experience. Beyond that, I have not used it for a lengthy period of time, and cannot say more.
Go to my Mac Malware Guide and get the information you need to learn how to protect yourself, and then make your own educated decision about anti-virus software, based on your needs and behaviors. I have some recommendations there, and you can also take a look at the results of my testing of Mac anti-virus software. (Be sure to read the whole thing, and don't just skip straight to the results, as the results are meaningless without understanding what they mean and what they don't mean.)
With respect to your site and your basic research on the matter and limited time spent with these engines running, you have to see this from my side as well. I have over 20+ client networks that run nothing but the full licensed version of Avast with just the AV filters turned on (none of the Firewalling built into it of any kind). 2 of those clients are full Mac networks with 15+ Macs on them and they run the Mac version without issue. Their systems run at the same speed as they did without anything else on them. I also run the software myself daily an my system has no issues with slowness or anything. I have run Avast for the past 6+ years without problems with false positives or system corruptions of any kind, the same cannot be said for other platforms like McAfee and Norton who's bad signature updates have crippled entire networks. I have looked at numerous options from ESET to AVG Free and none of them have as small a footprint on the system as Avast in my professional opinion (one backed by over 15 years in the IT industry). While as of late I'll agree that the PC version of the software has had some additions to it that I don't agree with (like the newly added features of 8.0), the Mac version is still pretty basic in contrast. As such, even the PC side isn't bad, you just have to do a custom install and just exclude the additional options you don't want. Ultimately, they're adding it in there to try and protect idiot users more, but there's only so much you can do to keep people safe without piling on the security layers.
Anyway, as Thomas said... discussions about AV on Mac forums can go on for hours, but the fact remains that you run a risk with and without something on your system. Utimately it's your call to make, just be open minded and do your research instead of just taking the word of some home user of Macs with lot of points who've used these systems for over 10 years and are more proficient at protecting themselves than you are as a novice user. That is the best suggestion I can give you.

Mozilla Firefox is my internet browser, I would like to download my McAfee Anti-Virus protection DVD.

I have a new Window 7 Premium Home Edition,Model: Inspiron 560. It came with a 30 day free trail of McAfee Anti-Virus Protection, which expires in less than three days. Roughly, two weeks ago, I received in the mail from QVC, a DVD, named PC Treasures, Inc.-Total PC Software Suite, which has my four year McAfee Anti-Virus Protection program on it.
I was told by one of those so-called Dell experts techs, to install that DVD, into the tray of your modern, a small box would appear in the left-hand bottom of your screen, and type in "RUN". Nothing happened!!! Now,the PC that I had for 15 years, did this, but with this new one, not the same.What do I do, in installing or down loading this DVD? I could use a step by step instructions.

This does not sound to be a Firefox problem.
An obvious question is does your machine play DVDs ?
You will probably need to be in an admin account.
You should be able to use your Firefox browser to find assistance.
* try http://home.mcafee.com/root/support.aspx <-- clickable link --
( If the DVD is provided by and bought from Dell you may need to contact them that is apparently http://support.dell.com/ )

Computer slows down more each time I print a PDF. It reverts to a reasonable speed if I restart the computer. Everything worked normally until I installed Avast Virus Protection.

I have Windows XP and Adobe Reader XI. My printer is a Ricoh Aficio 240W.
My computer normally lacks internet access. I briefly connected it to the internet to install the full version of Avast Antivirus, then disconnected it from the internet again, and it has been disconnected from the internet since.
After I installed Avast the computer began acting screwy when I printed PDF files. I uninstalled Avast but the screwiness continues.
The image in the upper left corner was taken after doing one printing of a PDF file. I'm pretty confident AcroRd32.exe. is Adobe Reader. Notice that after running one print Adobe Reader is using about 50 CPU's.
The image to the right of that was taken after doing two printings of a PDF file. Notice that after running two prints there are two AcroRd32.exe processes using 50 CPU's.
The image below the other two was taken after doing three or four printings of a PDF file. Notice that after three printings one AcroRd32.exe process is using 50 CPU's and two others are using about 25. After about three printings my computer slows down dramatically, and it keeps getting slower the more prints I do.
When I restart the computer it reverts back to normal. Can anyone think of a better solution to this problem of increasing slowness than restarting the computer every two PDF prints?
My computer currently has no virus protection, although Windows Firewall is up. Someone at Avast I briefly mentioned this too thinks this should not happen and he was wondering if the computer has some sort of virus...but before I removed Avast it told nothing about viruses that I know of. I honestly do not know if anyone scanned the computer with Avast before removing Avast, but I suspect it was scanned before the removal of Avast. I suppose this could be the result of some virus...but then the computer behaves quite normally, except when I print PDFs. I'm wondering if Avast changed some settings in my printer program or Adobe programs....
I have CCleaner. Every time I analyze my computer to look for stuff to remove to speed up the computer it shows Internet Explorer history files, and sometimes Internet Explorer temporary internet files despite not being online. If I click on Internet Explorer to go onto the internet, I am told I am working offline.
Thanks. Guesses are welcomed.

Note that regarding this section:
The image in the upper left corner was taken after doing one printing of a PDF file. I'm pretty confident AcroRd32.exe. is Adobe Reader. Notice that after running one print Adobe Reader is using about 50 CPU's.
The image to the right of that was taken after doing two printings of a PDF file. Notice that after running two prints there are two AcroRd32.exe processes using 50 CPU's.
The image below the other two was taken after doing three or four printings of a PDF file. Notice that after three printings one AcroRd32.exe process is using 50 CPU's and two others are using about 25. After about three printings my computer slows down dramatically, and it keeps getting slower the more prints I do.
The layout changed when I posted. Therefore, what I mean by the image in the upper left corner is the image at the top. What I mean by the image to the right of that is the image in the middle of the other two. What I mean by the image below the other two is, of course, the image at the bottom.

My computer keeps freezing on me every 15 min do i have a virus I was told when you have mozilla firefox you don't need virus protection is that true and how can I scan if I have a virus and now do i get rid of it?

# Question
My computer keeps freezing on me every 15 min do i have a virus I was told when you have mozilla firefox you don't need virus protection is that true and how can I scan if I have a virus and now do i get rid of it? edit

Start Firefox in [[Safe Mode]] to check if one of the add-ons is causing the problem (switch to the DEFAULT theme: Tools > Add-ons > Themes).
* Don't make any changes on the Safe mode start window.
See:
* [[Troubleshooting extensions and themes]]
* [[Troubleshooting plugins]]
If it does work in Safe-mode then disable all extensions and then try to find which is causing it by enabling one at a time until the problem reappears.
* Use "Disable all add-ons" on the [[Safe mode]] start window to disable all extensions.
* Close and restart Firefox after each change via "File > Exit" (Mac: "Firefox > Quit"; Linux: "File > Quit")
There are other things that need attention:
Your above posted system details show outdated plugin(s) with known security and stability risks that you should update.
# Shockwave Flash 10.0 r32
# Next Generation Java Plug-in 1.6.0_21 for Mozilla browsers
Update the [[Managing the Flash plugin|Flash]] plugin to the latest version.
*http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
Update the [[Java]] plugin to the latest version.
*http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/java/javase/downloads/index.html (Java Platform: Download JRE)

With ransomeware becoming a threat, what is the best virus protection?

With ransomeware becoming a threat, what is the best virus protection? I am running OS-X Yosemite and want to protect against virus intrusion. What are the best approaches, including what virus protection software?

Ransomware and viruses are unrelated to one another, so your question is logically inconsistent. To learn about "ransomware" read "Ransomware" web pages.
What are the best approaches, including what virus protection software?
The best approach to Internet security does not rely upon any third party virus protection, for the reasons that follow.
There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up", "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
"Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iCloud, iTunes, or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
The same precaution applies to Adobe Flash Player. Newly discovered Flash vulnerabilities appear almost weekly.
Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Free virus protection for windows side of Mac

Can anyone tell me if I need virus protection for the windows side of my Mac? If so is there any reliable ones that are free?

>If so is there any reliable ones that are free?
It would probably be a good idea to study various tests in computer magazines in order to find the anti-virus program (free or not) that best meets your requirements.
Just as one example (not a recommendation), for earlier versions of Windows, Microsoft Security Essentials is available for download free of charge. Windows 8.x editions include a program called Windows Defender.
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
Regarding possible Windows versions, see also:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht5634
Jan

A question regarding Virus protection..

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