Are Intel based Macs more prone to Viruses than PPC based Macs?

I do not now, nor have I ever run A-V software. Nor have I ever had an issue with any kind of viruses, malware, spyware etc. However, I read an article in our local newspaper recently that even Macs, particularly Intel based Macs, are vulnerable to viruses. So, as a newcomer to the world of Intel Macs, the question suddenly takes on new significance and urgency. I do plan to run Windows on my MBP (as soon as I get the computer and set it up), and will likely use an emulator like VirtualBox. I have run VPC on my Pismo for years, and viruses have never been an issue, albeit I used Windows only for short periods at a time. So, is this a legitimate concern? What specific measures do I need to take, if it is, indeed, a concern?
cornelius
Message was edited by: cornelius

As TD states, your Windows installation running as a virtual machine is as vulnerable as any Windows PC. If you won't be accessing email, and limit your web browsing, you'll be somewhat safer - but, I'd definitely recommend running AV software even so. There is quite a bit of malware/spyware that will install itself upon visiting some websites, and it can be easier than you think to run into one of those sites (for example, accidentally leaving out a 'p' when typing apple.com into a browser address bar redirects you to another site - 2sale.com; that one seems innocuous, but that's not always the case).
Note that VMware comes with a free 12-month subscription to McAfee VirusScan® Plus, so for the time being there's no need to purchase additional AV software, just make sure you keep McAfee running and up to date.
On the up side, if your virtual machine does become infected, the problems will remain confined to the virtual machine. Should you need to, you can roll back to a previous snapshot, or, if you set it up as a virtual disk virtual machine (i.e. VWware is not accessing a Boot Camp partition, but rather the virtual machine is stored as a file in the Mac OS), then the virtual machine is backed up along with your other files as part of your routine backup strategy.

Similar Messages

HT204406 more songs in icloud than on my mac

I do have 50 more songs in icloud than on my mac. How can I find out which one?

This might mean that there are songs that you purchases and downloaded from iTunes, then deleted from your Mac.
Try this:
View --> Show Music Not On This Computer
Look for songs that are grayed out - those are songs that you purchased via iTunes but subsequently deleted from your computer.
Good luck!

Why are the movies $1 more on apple tv than itunes??

i was looking on my itunes to day & saw the movies where cheaper on itunes, so why did i pay $129 for the apple tv when & can run my 4m hdmi in to my bravia ?????

Just to clarify:
Within the itunes store you can buy movies in:
480p (standard def.) = cheapest option
720p (HD) = Generally $1 more (if available to download in the first place, as not all titles are avail in HD)
1080p (HD) = Same price as 720p
On an ATV, by default you only have the option to purchase movies in HD (at the prices noted above), provided an HD format is available in the first place.
On an ATV-2, you cannot access 1080p rentals at any time (if you try a work around with itunes, you will be dissapointed... https://discussions.apple.com/message/18013054#18013054)
To access 1080p rentals within itunes, you must choose to download the higher stream (BUT FIRST)...
-you must turn on 1080p downloads:
1)open settings menu
2) go to preferences
3) click store
4)change the default HD videos preference (shown below)

Re: Are Intel Macs G5s?

Hi a brody,
I have been looking at this one for a bit. Good information, and good to clarify, but presented as one big block I find it hard to digest. May I suggest splitting it into smaller paragraphs, almost bulleted points? Something like this?:
No.
While the iMac from 2006 through the mid 2007 release look like on the outside as if they are identical to the G5s that preceded them, they are not G5s except in form factor.
Similarly the PowerMac G5s, which look similar to the Mac Pros, are very different models. In addition to the processor change, Mac Pros have an extra optical drive bay.
The Intel Mac Minis have 4 USB ports on the back where the G4 Mac Minis have only 2.
Other models are more obvious whether they are Intel such as the MacBook Pro, and the MacBook and the new Aluminum clad iMacs with black rears and picture frames of the displays which are also Intel and not G5s.
To tell apart iMacs externally without turning them on, use this article as a guide:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301724
and find out the equivalent EMC# on the base of the iMac.
A Brief Processor Architecture history:
1984 Early Macs used the 68000 processor family made by Motorola, from the 68000 to the 68040.
1994 Apple switched to PowerPC processors made by IBM and Motorola, (thus the term Power Mac). This started with the PowerPC 601 through 604e processors. Then the 3rd, 4th and 5th Generation PowerPC processors (G3, G4 and G5).
2006 Apple started using CPUs manufactured by Intel with the Core Solo and CoreDuo processors. These have now increased to faster Core2Duo and Xeon processors by Intel. Since the Intel processors are totally different processors, not an evolution of the PowerPC architecture, they do not carry the G5 or G6 nomenclature.
"for your consideration" Nubz

Nubz,
I forgot to maintain my subscription here as I was trying to keep my e-mail down. I do like your editing. Please feel free to publish it.

Are Intel Macs G5s?

No. Apple in 1997 began using central processing units (CPUs) by IBM and Motorola known as G3 to follow the original PowerPC processors 601 through 604e (never officially nicknamed G2), and the 68k processors (never officially nicknamed G1) by IBM and Motorola respectively. The G4 and G5 models were made by Motorola and IBM respectively and were improvements on the original G3 design. Finally in 2006, Apple started using CPUs manufactured by Intel in the Core Solo and CoreDuo processors, and this have now increased to faster Core2Duo and Xeon processors by Intel. While not officially called G6s, these Intel processors are not G5s, and while the iMac from 2006 through the mid 2007 release look like on the outside as if they are identical to the G5s that preceded them, they are not G5s except in form factor. Similarly the PowerMac G5s which look similar to the Mac Pros are very different models, in addition to the Mac Pros have an extra optical drive bay. And the Intel Mac Minis have 4 USB ports on the back where the G4 Mac Minis have only 2. Other models are more obvious whether they are Intel such as the MacBook Pro, and the MacBook and the new Aluminum clad iMacs with black rears and picture frames of the displays which are also Intel and not G5s. To tell apart iMacs externally without turning them on, use this article as a guide:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301724
and find out the equivalent EMC# on the base of the iMac.

Nubz,
I forgot to maintain my subscription here as I was trying to keep my e-mail down. I do like your editing. Please feel free to publish it.

Why does my Photoshop PS2 open on my Mac Book Pro OS 10.6.8 Intel Core 2 Processor but not on my just purchased Mac Book Pro OS 10.7.3? On my new machine I get a message saying "You can't open Photoshop CS2 because Power PC applications are no longer sup

? Why does my Photoshop PS2 open on my Mac Book Pro OS 10.6.8 Intel Core 2 Processor but not on my just purchased Mac Book Pro OS 10.7.3? On my new machine I get a message saying "You can't open Photoshop CS2 because Power PC applications are no longer supported". I don't have a Power PC on either machine and this App does run on the older machine with an Intel processor. benrusy

This is not new. The fact that Mac OS no longer supports PowerPC applications starting with OS X Lion has been known for over a year now. You'll need to upgrade to the latest version of Photoshop

Mac Or PC. Virus free or not?

This is more for S... and giggles than anything else, but I want to know if people have the Answer. Which is better, PC's or Mac's? And the bigger question, What makes macs (Unix based) get less if any Viruses?

I thought it was because macs have less of the market share, excluding all the other unix based os's like, Linux, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, NetBSD, DragonFly BSD, OpenSolaris, AuroraUX, Darwin, OpenDarwin, PureDarwin, Minix, GNU Mach, GNU Hurd, Plan 9, Syllable, Inferno (based off plan 9), and E/OS. just to name a few unix based os's. Mac OS X is based upon the Mach kernel. Which relies on certain parts from FreeBSD's and NetBSD's implementation of Unix were incorporated in Nextstep (Closed source base of mac os (NOT UNIX based, but very much like unix)), the core of Mac OS X. According my handy Wikipedia source on linix.
Linux is predominantly known for its use in servers; in 2009 it held a server market share ranging between 20–40%. Most desktop computers run either Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X, with Linux having anywhere from a low of an estimated 1–2% of the desktop market to a high of an estimated 4.8%. However, desktop use of Linux has become increasingly popular in recent years, partly owing to the popular Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, and openSUSE distributions and the emergence of netbooks and smartphones running an embedded Linux.
(acording to wiki)
Windows xp is the king of the os world still. the one main problem is that 49% of all windows based os's out there, are xp and that number is quickly dropping. According to wikipedia, there seems to be a large spick ing the amount of macs being sold. currently at (july 2010) 15% of all os's out there (that quote comes from a thread from apple and cnet) are mac os X based users. a large jump from just three years ago wich was only 4.66% being mac os X based.
but also according to Wiki and deep threads from apple, cnet, and geeks.com, the main reason why macs are Virus free (for the typical user, is because they are "read only systems" meaning that they can only read the interactions with the mother board to emulate the images on the screen. You can program a virus to work on a mack, but every mac's network bios key is different, and that is the key to infecting a mac and only when it is in "Deep Freeze."
Hacking into a mac seems more plausible than programing a virus for one, there is a web site, and I forget the name, but it basically is a news story of some computer engenier hacking into a mac in under 5 minutes. the only problem with that is that it is true, only if that mac is hardwired in vie ethernet cable or as in hacking steps, bluetooth (google mac os X page/hacking).
in all honesty, I really hope that the apple market share grows. I have a couple stocks in apple. but as a business guy, and once a teenager, I KNOW WHEN TO PULL OUT. (sex tual joke for those of you that don't get humor.) But I really hope that apple does do good to make microsoft do more, and enthuse GOOGLE to actually compete in the computer world instead of just making software.
please if you think any of the above statements are inaccurate, please tell me why. I did all my homework and this is what I came up with.

Virus activity on a Mac or am I nuts?

If my PC was doing this I'd know it was a virus of some sort but Macs don't get viruses, right?
On boot, Safari starts. If I sent an e-mail with safari open It'd send 3 messages but only have the one I sent in my sent folder. OK, I used command, option, esc to force quit it. Then I'd connect to the internet, start mail and firefox.
Now it starts Mail and Safari on boot. Is this some "helpful" thing where it autostarts my most used programs or something, or is that whole "Macs don't get viruses" thing bull and I should sue Macintosh for false advertising?:)
Oh if it makes a difference, I'm on an Intel based Mac.

Open the System Preferences, select the Accounts item, and select your account. Now click on the Login Items tab. Look thru the list for Safari & Mail and delete them. Now just a couple of suggestions. First, Apple has never said you'll never get a virus, the ads correctly say that at the time of their running, malware is a serious Windows issue (true) but not a Mac issue (also true). Second, Apple has a great site for switchers. You'll find it here. Windows and the Mac OS are similar enough that it is easy to think there's no big difference which is quite deceptive. At Apples *Switch 101* site you can learn lots about your new Mac.

Do we need virus protection with a Mac?

Do we need Virus protection with a Mac?

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 three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against 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 a second 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 necessarily been tested by Apple, 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. That may not mean much if the developer lives in a country with a weak legal system (see below.)
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 bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail in a particular case due to human error.
For most purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, including App Store products, can be considered safe. Note, however, that at least one trojan for iOS (not for OS X) was briefly distributed by a developer in Russia through the iTunes App Store. That store is under the same oversight by Apple as the Mac App Store, so the protection shouldn't be considered absolute. App Store products may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts. Think before granting that access. OS X security is based on user input. Never click anything reflexively.
4. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) 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 evidence of any benefit from other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, 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, or that does something inherently untrustworthy. How do you know what 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 that purports to help you do something that's illegal or that infringes copyright, such as saving streamed audio or video for reuse without permission, is unsafe. All YouTube "downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily harmful.
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.
Even signed applications should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts or your location for no apparent reason.
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, client-side Java on the Web is obsolete and 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 non-essential 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.
Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java on the Web can't be trusted. If you must use a Java applet for a task on a specific site, enable Java only for that site in Safari. Never enable Java for a public website that carries third-party advertising. Use it 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 if they get a false sense of security from it, they may feel free to do things 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.

What is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

what is the best mac cleaner and anti virus for mac pro.

OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it updated with software updates from Apple.
A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
Never install any product that claims to "speed up", "clean up", "optimize", or "accelerate" your Mac. Without exception, they will do the opposite.
Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources. Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
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 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.
Disable Java in Safari > Preferences > Security.
Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore 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. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
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.

Once and for all: Do I need anti-virus software for my Mac?

I've always heard that you don't really need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for Macs - but I do wonder that there has to be viruses about that would affect Macs?
I do alot of creative and professional work on my Mac. The data on it, means a **** of a lot to me, and I'd hate for my Mac to be infected with something horrible.
Could anybody please tell me if I really do need anti-virus or anti-spyware software for my iMac? And if I do, which one do you recommend? (Ideally I would want it to be cheap and not hog lots of system resources)...
Thank you!

Hi
I can only give you my personal experience on this one.
The short answer is "no". I've been using macs for the past 4 years, my partner for many more. Neither I nor she have an anti virus program installed.
We both use firewall on both the os x setup and via our router. I tend to install the security updates posted by apple after they are released and check the forums to be aware of any potential problems.
A much better idea is to back up your important projects etc on a regular basis to dvd and external hard disk.
I have one experience of anti-virus software on the mac:
About 2.5 years ago i thought i had a virus - my diskspace was being eaten up at a very very fast rate - and i was worried. Found out that the os update from 10.3.2 to 10.3.5 had an incompatability issue with the mcafee shock game controller driver (obscure eh!)
Anyway, after this experience and deleting the driver which i no longer needed, i decided to err on the side of caution and tried out both mcafee and norton. Both of which slowed down my system and norton especially caused problems when i was running logic pro etc. really really annoying.
Once i'd got over my "insecure" stage and having spoken to other mac users i realised anti-virus software was causing many many more issues than resolving any - and besides since then i have still had no problems and have never come across any viruses on mac os x.
It all depends on what makes you feel safer. Personally i wouldn't recommend ant-virus programs... i wonder if anyone has any positive experiences of anti-virus software on the mac?
that's my 0.02 pence

HT1338 What is the best Anti-Virus to install on Mac OS X 10.6.8? Which one is the most effective?

Dear all,
I would like to get more references about which antivirus program could be more powerful and effective to maintain the Mac OS X 10.6.8 secure.
Many thanks in advance,

Hello:
NO anti-virus software is needed (or desirable) for a Mac running OS X. There are NO viruses that affect a Mac running OS X - none. You will hear that some malware exists, but that is preventable by avoiding strange sites or downloading from unknown sources.
Barry

What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

What is the best virus protection for a Mac?

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 three layers of built-in protection specifically against malware, not counting runtime protections such as execute disable, sandboxing, system library randomization, and address space layout randomization that may also guard against 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 a second 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. Starting with OS X 10.8.3, a third layer of protection has been added: a "Malware Removal Tool" (MRT). MRT runs automatically in the background when you update the OS. It checks for, and removes, malware that may have evaded the other protections via a Java exploit (see below.) MRT also runs when you install or update the Apple-supplied Java runtime (but not the Oracle runtime.) 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 evidence of any benefit from other automated protection against malware. The first and best line of defense is always your own intelligence. With the possible exception of Java exploits, 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 non-essential 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.

What is Apple's position on Anti-virus software for the mac?

I have started replacing my customers PCs with iMac's and Mac-Mini, and I have always operated on the assumption that anti-virus software is not necessary, but I fear that my opinion might need revisiting. So I would pose the question again, does the community and/or Apple have an opinion on the need for Anti-Virus, Malware and all the other nasty inflictions. If you, as a group or individually do recommend, what product would you recommend? Thank You --- Bill Shaw - Kansas City, Mo.

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 attacker 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.
All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files. The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there is another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications that are downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Applications certified in this way haven't actually been tested by Apple (unless they come from the Mac App Store), but you can be sure that they haven't been modified by anyone other than the developer, and his identity is known, so he could be held responsible if he knowingly released malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe. Note, however, that there are some caveats concerning Gatekeeper:
It doesn't apply to software that comes packaged as an installer. Treat all third-party installers with caution.
It can be disabled or overridden by the user.
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
It only applies to applications downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
For more information about Gatekeeper, see this Apple Support article. Notwithstanding the above, the most effective defense against malware attacks is your own intelligence. All known malware 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. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” 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 users who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.]
“Cracked” copies of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
Java on the network (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related) is always a potential weak spot in the security of any operating system. If a Java web plugin is not installed, don't install it unless you really need it. If it is installed, you should disable it (not JavaScript) in your web browsers. Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those obsolete versions has known security flaws that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. The flaws will never be fixed. Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java can never be fully trusted, even if no vulnerabilities are publicly known at the moment.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. 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 filesystem. Malware gets into the system by being downloaded, not by materializing from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability and poor performance.
By modifying the system at a low level, the software itself may create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware attackers.
ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks.

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

Are Intel based Macs more prone to Viruses than PPC based Macs?

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