Anti virus program for mac? nessesary?

I will soon purchase a mac book and I am wondering if I should install anti virus software on it.
Is it a good idea to install macafee or other anti virus or is it just a resource hog?

Alex:
There is no known virus for Mac OS X. OS X has a great security system of its own. If you implement the system fully you will be ahead of what a-v software can do for you. Take a look at Security: OS Hardening and follow the links to the other Security titles. You may want to look at the Corsaire White Paper linked in the article.
I have never used a-v software, nor have a lot of other mac users. However, if a-v software helps you sleep better at night, the utility of choice for Mac users is ClamX.
Please don't hesistate to post back with further questions or comments.
Good luck.
cornelius

Similar Messages

Is there an anti virus program for mac 9.1? Think I have a virus

I don't use an anti virus - using outlook express I got a strange message with no subject or sender - just a blank line. I tried deleting it but it wouldn't be deleted. Since then every time I try to delete it - it crashes the system. Same with Internet Explorer. And now my main screen icons will just 'disappear' from the screen then it crashes.
I tried looking for an antivirus but all of them seem to be for 9.2 or higher and I don't know what to do - if I upload to 9.2 will I loose any programs or files - new to this from the PC world. Thanks
G4 Mac OS 9.1.x

Hi, debbieM -
Welcome to Apple's Discussions.
It is doubtful that you have a virus - no virus which can harm OS 9 has been released in well over 10 years.
Getting a message every now and then with no subject and no body is not unusual. There are a couple of ways to get rid of a message without opening it.
Click on an adjacent message which is okay to delete, then hold down the Shift key and select the blank messages - none of them will open. Once you have selected all the ones for deletion, press the Delete key.
Or, click and hold on a message; or press the Control key and click and hold on a message. A contextual menu should appear; one of the choices in that menu shuld be to delete the messge. If you choose that, it should happen without the message ever opening.
Things you can do to make Outlook Express run smoother -
• Increase the Preferred memory allocation for it. Adding 20 or 30 thousand to the original Preferred amount, or even more if you have sufficient RAM, is not excessive.
Article #18278 - Assigning More Memory to an Application
• Compact the databases. To do that - with OE not running, hold down the Option key and start up OE. A splash screen will open, asking if you want to compact the database files - click okay, and follow the prompts.
For Internet Explorer, increase its Preferred memory, a lot. Adding 30 to 50 thousand is not excessive.
And now my main screen icons will just 'disappear' from the screen then it crashes.
That could indicate one or more other problems.
• How full is your hard drive? It is good practice to not allow your hard drive to get more than 85% full. When it does get more full than that, odd behaviors including an unstable OS begin occuring.
• Try rebuilding the desktop file (note that the desktop file has very little to do with the desktop). To rebuild the desktop safely, restart - immediately hold down the Shift key until you get the "Extensions Off" message; then release Shift and hold down the Command and Option keys until you get the splash screen asking if you want to rebuild the desktop; click yes (or okay). Once that's done, restart to turn your extensions back on.
• Boot to your most recent OS 9 Install CD, one valid for that machine - ideally it would be OS 9.1, the same as is on the machine. Once booted to the CD, run Disk First Aid from the Utilities folder on the CD. Let DFA have a look at your hard drive, and allw it to repair what it can - it may take more than one pass to do this, especially if the drive is rather full.
If DFA finds things it just can't fix, post back with the description of the problems found.
if I upload to 9.2 will I loose any programs or files....
Updating the OS from OS 9.1 to OS 9.2.1 should not cause any loss of files.
However, in general updating an OS is not a fix for a damaged or unstable OS. It is better to get the OS now on the drive healthy before updating it.
When the machine goes unstable (icons begin disappearing, etc.) are there any error messages?

Macbook durability/Best Anti Virus Program for Mac

I was just curious to know how durable the macbook is? Ive brought it to college today and I am making sure I carry my bag carefully without bumping it at all. So how durable is the macbook to little bumbs? Also there is no problem with it being on its side in my bag right? like its a laptop right? lol AND I have been looking at the adult site :P hehe and im just paranoid that my macbook might become inffected! I have ClamXv or wutever its called but I was wondering if there was anything better than this out there?
Thanx!

The MacBook is pretty darn durable with its poly shell. It is much more resistant to dings than the MBPs.
AV software is a good idea, but many Mac users do not bother as there are no viruses for OS X. You have ClamXav and that is the most recommended AV software since it is good and free.
No need to pay for additional AV software.

Anti-Virus program for iPhone!

Does any one has the idea about anti-virus program for iPhone? When I download the email, I am so concern about the virus attached with the email? Maybe, Apple should consider developing specific anti-virus program for iPhone!

Does any one has the idea about anti-virus program
for iPhone? When I download the email, I am so
concern about the virus attached with the email?
Maybe, Apple should consider developing specific
anti-virus program for iPhone!
iPhone is running OSX not to say that Mac OSX can't catch a virus, but its the least out there to catch one! So for now I dont think you need to worry about that. I am sure apple will be putting software patches soon as there are some other problems with the iphone as we've all had with our brand new gadgets or computers before. So wait it out and apple most likely will do a fix to it. As to virus protection...most mac users don't have to worry about it, I'm pretty sure if the phone is running a phone version of OSX then virus protection should be one of the invisible features inside.

When i download a file from the web i get "Anti-Virus Program not found " message. This has been happening since I change anti-virus programs for CA etrust to Sophos. How do I get Firefox to recognise my new Anti-virus program?

every time i download a file from the web (ie. a PDF file) i get "Anti-Virus Program not found " message. This has been happening since I changed anti-virus programs for CA etrust to Sophos. How do I get Firefox to recognise my new Anti-virus program?

That is a very good warning provided by the Download Statusbar extension. Something like that should been built into Firefox. I filed this Bug report a couple of years ago, about the lack of a warning like that. <br />
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=480855 <br />
I have looked everywhere that I can think of to find a list of '''IOfficeAntiVirus providers''' ''(as mentioned in the Bug report)'' that will work with Firefox, so I can't answer that for you.
You might want to ask the developer of the Download Statusbar extension about it. He might know which AV programs are compatible with the Windows API that Firefox uses for the download scan. <br />
http://dlstatusbar.proboards.com/index.cgi? <br />

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Question: Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions! If so what would you recommend? Was looking at Sophos. Does anyone have any experience with this? Thanks

Do I need to run and anti virus program with MAC OSX Lion? Have heard different opinions!
You will continue to hear different opinions here, where thoughts range everywhere between "anti-virus software is the evil spawn of Satan" to "anyone not running anti-virus software is a fool."
Truth is, this is still a very personal decision on a Mac. Depending on circumstances, it is still very easily possible to stay safe without using anti-virus software, but circumstances and personal preferences vary widely. Besides which, anti-virus software cannot even remotely provide you a guarantee of protection!
To learn how to stay safe (with or without anti-virus software), and how to decide whether to use anti-virus software, see my Mac Malware Guide.

Install firewall or anti-virus program for new ipad

Do i need to install a firewall or anti-virus program for new ipad

Apfelwurm wrote:
Your Wi-Fi router should already sport a firewall.
Check its documentation.
Unfortunately, the router firewall can prevent the iPad from accessing the Internet!. I didn't look into the details but my router firewall has three basic settings, Minimum, Typical and Maximum. Internet access is blocked with Typical and Maximum settings.

What is the best anti-virus programe for windows 7 32 bit??

what is the lightest and fastest anti-virus programe for windows 7 32 bit ??
any recomendations would be appreciated
thank you :)

The issue is not how light or fast the AV software is but how effective it is in protecting your computer.
AV Software reviews:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372364,00.asp
and: http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com
Never be afraid to ask. This forum has some of the best people in the world available to help.

Anti-virus program for iPad 2

Do I need anti-virus program for my iPad 2?

In another thread someone is saying that iPad has no Viruses. If Facebook is showing signs of a virus then FB has the problem not iPad.
What a laugh!!!!
That's like Microsoft saying their computers don't have viruses. It's all that **** software out there that has the virus problems.
GMAB

What's Best Anti-Virus Program for a Mac?

I know that most people think that Macs don't get viruses, but I'm a computer teacher in a public school and we recently got the W97M virus. It's in the Microsoft Word program, and although it may not hurt specifically our iMacs, it has caused other problems. We get frequent error messages and also the spinning ball, the latter of which could be caused by a number of reasons. Another teacher used her flash drive from school on her home computer, and the computer died. It was a PC, but she's not sure if it's from the virus or not.
Anyway, I depend on flash drives a lot to transfer documents I create at school to my home computer and vise-versa. Ever since I heard about this virus, and we've gotten other viruses too, I haven't used my flash drives on my home computer. I have a G5 with the 10.3.9 operating system that eventually I'd like to upgrade. The only two anti-virus programs I've seen the names of are iAntiVirus and ClamXAV. I thought that I had read a while ago that ClamXAV detects the virus but doesn't remove it. (or it may have been another anti-virus program) I would like one that not only detects it but also removes it, whether the program is a free one or one you have to buy. Also, I need one that is okay with my present operating system (OSX 10.3.9) and also will work with whatever the newest OSX system exists when I upgrade.
Thank you for your help.

The developer of ClamXav created a front-end (the GUI interface) for an open source back-end that actually does the real work. There are apparently ClamAV applications for other platforms.
So it seems like the developer is saying that the 1.1.1 version of ClamXav for Panther is the current front-end version, but the back-end "engine" is a slightly older version. The back-end for the Tiger and later version no longer works with Panther. But that should be OK, because the program downloads updated definition files as new malware is identified. Since the developer can no longer support creating a version for Panther, this version is the last one.
Also, ClamXav is a scanning program. It does not take any action to remove malware (as far as I know). It just tells you about what if finds, and it's up to you to remove or replace the compromised file. I my case, the only things it finds are malware embedded in spam/junk emails, so I just need to find and delete those emails.
Note: I had not used ClamXav in a long time, and the 1.1.1 version does not work in Snow Leopard. But there is a beta 2.0 version that does work with Snow Leopard.

Is there An anti-virus program for a Mac Book Pro

Is there an ant-virus program for a Mac Book Pro?

YES, there is. It is built into Mac OS X. All you need to do to use it is keep Mac OS X up-to-date.
This built-in Anti-Virus works better and is far less obtrusive than any third-party stuff you can add on. Most of the third-party anti-Virus add-ons are JUNK.
But Viruses, while they cannot be ignored, are actually quite rare on the Mac. If you have a flashy anti-Virus scan that reminds you it is there by slowing down your Mac and visibly scanning things, you can lull yourself into thinking you are protected, but you are NOT!
A much more serious problem is malware, and most malware requires you to help (or at least be complicit) to get onto your Mac. Nothing can replace your constant Vigilance. They ARE out to get you, and steal your financial data, and take over your Mac.
Don't click on ANY links sent to you in emails.
Don't visit Torrent sites, and don't download software from third-party sites.
Don't download "players" from the same site that is providing the content.
No one can tell whether your Mac is infected with anything from outside your Mac. This is ALWAYS a scam.
You have not won a contest you did not enter. You should never have to pay to collect your prize.
Providing your banking information to anyone (to send you money) is an invitation for them to empty that account and disappear.
The Safe Mac -- Mac Malware Guide

Do I need to get a firewall or anti-virus program for my new IMAC?

I'm a new Mac user and have heard that firewall or anti-virus programs are unnecessary on Macs, but I'm wary anyway. If I chose to utilize such programs, what should I get?
And, is it advisable to shut my system down each night?

anti virus isnt not necessary for the most part with macs
shutting down/ restarting is a gray area. do you HAVE to, no, BUT it can help fix or clean up little stuff when you get lag or the random little glitches the restart will normally fix it.
i was not restarting my machine except maybe once a month but now im restarting every few days, my brother went to restarting about daily and he is working on his machine all day everyday so meh if it works for you what ever.
leaving your machine on will give a little more ware on parts and all but if your at either end of the user spectrum (light user or demanding user) it shouldnt matter much to you, if you are light you shouldnt get to a point that anything fails and if you are demanding you will probably gets parts to fail either way.
-matt

Anti Virus program for Windows Conversion

I am planning to put VMware Fusion onto my ProMac in order to transfer many of my former PC programs. Hearing that AVG was a very good Anti virus program, I e-mailed them about which of their products I could use. They informed me that they are not compatible to Mac, even though I'd be using it for my Windows conversion program. Does anyone have any recommendations as to what anti virus program works best in protecting my Windows conversion program on a Pro Mac?
Thannks,
3D Dad

I am not clear on what you mean by your "windows conversion program". If you are using Fusion... you will be running Windows. You should use whatever antivirus program you would feel comfortable with running on any Windows machine. While AVG is not the "best" antivirus program out there, it is considered an excellent free option. I have seen many test results that show acceptable performance. Without knowing the details of the internal tests conducted by David's company, I can't say if his results would reflect those of real world use (David... I'm not questioning your results... I'm just saying that without knowing more about the test... I can't take that as being anything more than someone just saying they tested it and it didn't work).
I am very against running any Symantec products on any of my systems (and I expect many here would agree). They tend to be resource hogs and very often cause more problems than they can fix. Kaspersky is considered on of the best "pay" antivirus programs out there and it's much more friendly on your system than Symantec's Norton Antivirus:
http://www.kaspersky.com/

HT4650 what's the best free virus program for Mac?

What's the best free virus program for the Mac?Not just for viruses, but removing all the duplicate folders and tuning up my mac.
I'm not exactly sure what all the Activity Monitor stuff is, but I know when my
Mac is sluggish and slow. Any ideas? (No, MacDefender is not a possibility)

See Here > Antivirus Discussion
And Here for keeping your Mac happy...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1147
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/maintainingmacosx.html
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/performance.html

Anti-Virus Solutions For Mac OS X Server 10.3/10.4 and clients

Hello. I am currently researching an anti-virus solution, for our network, consisting around 60% Mac's.
Does anyone know of any decent packages, that I could implement, I have looked at a few, and I'm not confident in using them, mainly from prior experience, with standalone units, let alone on a network.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated !!

Done

Anti virus program for mac? nessesary?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for