Best method to remotely administer iMac

I'm running Tiger, and I need to administer an Intel iMac running Leopard that is located in another town. What's the best solution?
-Don

If your computer is Leopard-capable, Apple's "Mobile Me" (formerly .Mac) has a feature called "Back to My Mac" which is probably very easy to set up and use, and is Apple-supported - see
http://www.apple.com/mobileme/features/mac.html
It's expensive though - you'd need a yearly subscription in addition to the Leopard upgrade.
===
Also, look into setting up "Simple Finder" on a standard account for your son - see
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh1085.html

Similar Messages

Best method to go from iMac G4 to iMac G5 dual core

I'm struggling on how best to migrate from my old iMac G4 to a new iMac G5 dual core. I'd happily use the transfer data function at initial set up but wonder if I will be transferring "problems" from the old machine to the new. Is a clean install of all applications, preferences, data, etc. the best way to go? I have CDs for most of my applications, but not some of my shareware stuff. Are there any downsides to the transfer data route? Can I move applications for which I don't have a CD any other way?
iMac G4 Mac OS X (10.4.6)

I would use the Migration Assistant and let it go at that for all my personal files. In the case of applications I would install them directly from the CD's rather than try and copy them. If I was using any applications that I had downloaded, I would just re download them.
Now, some things to make sure of.
1. Make sure that the software you install is compatible. Even if you just upgrading from a G-4 to a G-5 there are some applications which may need updating. If it is an Intel dual core then you need to check to see if a universal version is available or if it is something that will run under rosetta, if that solution works for you.
2. Make a complete backup of all your personal files and of course any itunes you have, anything in iPhoto that you have or anything else that cannot be replaced. Things can go wrong!! It may not be a big deal to lose a song you ripped from one of your CD's but it can be an issue if it was a song you purchased from iTunes Music Store so make a backup. If you use Quicken by all means back up your data files. If you use Entourage for mail make sure to back up its database.
If you have applications that you don't have the CD for you can try to copy them from one to the other but sometimes that does not work. There may be files installed for that application that you don't know about. All you can do is try.
Good Luck and I hope you enjoy your new Mac!!

How do I remotely administer or troubleshoot relative's computer in another city?

What is best solution to remotely administer and troubleshoot a relative's 17" MacBook Pro in another city? Remote Desktop? Sharing? Messages?

If the 17" Macbook Pro is using an older Mac OS X version, they may need to use iChat, but it should still work.
You can also use TeamViewer.com if you should have any problems with Messages (TeamVewer is free for personal use).

I'm moving to an imac from a PC. I want to move my itunes library from the PC to my new imac. What is the best method and where can I find instructions?

I'm moving to an imac from a PC. I want to move my itunes library from the PC to my new imac. What is the best method and where can I find instructions?

Move iTunes from PC to MAC, http://www.macworld.com/article/146958/2010/03/move_itunes_windows_mac.html

What is best method for transferring iTunes library from PC to iMac?

I have a new iMac. I have authorized it with my iTunes account. My current iTunes library is on a Windows Vista PC, not on the same network. What is the best method for me to use to transfer the iTunes library from the PC to the iMac?

iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you let iTunes manage your music: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option (shift on Windows) key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
Macworld - How to transfer iTunes libraries between PC and Mac - http://www.macworld.com/article/46248/2005/08/shiftitunes.html
Move an iTunes library from a Windows PC to a Mac - http://www.macworld.com/article/1146958/move_itunes_windows_mac.html

Purchasing new iMac (27 i5), what is best method to transfer programs/files/documents from 24" iMAC? What is the best method to remove personal data from OS?

Purchasing a new iMac (27 i5), what is the best method to transfer programs/files,documents from a 24" iMac?
What is the best method to remove personal data from the 24" iMac?

Use setup assistant which is offered when you setup your new Mac. It will transfer information from a Time Machine backup, Clone or another Mac.
It's best to do this during setup to avoid issues with duplicate IDs.
Regards

What is the best method for transferring iTunes library from PC to iMac?

I have a new iMac. I have authorized it with my iTunes account. My current iTunes library is on a Windows Vista PC, not on the same network. What is the best method for me to use to transfer the iTunes library from the PC to the iMac?
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4)

Did I just answer this in another post for you?
iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527
Quick answer if you let iTunes manage your music: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option (shift on Windows) key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.
Macworld - How to transfer iTunes libraries between PC and Mac - http://www.macworld.com/article/46248/2005/08/shiftitunes.html
Move an iTunes library from a Windows PC to a Mac - http://www.macworld.com/article/1146958/move_itunes_windows_mac.html
iTunes for Windows: Moving your iTunes Media folder - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1364

What is the best method to import my iPhoto library from my macbook to my new iMac [27"]?

What is the best method to import my iPhoto library from my macbook to my new iMac [27"]?

You can copy your iPhoto Library to an external hard disk, USB flash drive, or other media (depending on the size of your iPhoto library). Then, you'd copy the iPhoto Library from that media to the same location on your iMac.
Using the Finder, navigate to your Home folder (or click on Go from the menu bar and click on Home). Open the Pictures folder, select your iPhoto Library and then from the menu bar choose "Edit" and then "Copy". Then navigate to your external disk, click on "Edit", and then click on "Paste".
Then, insert your media on the iMac, and copy the iPhoto Library from your external media to the same location on your iMac (the Pictures folder located under your Home folder).
Hope that helps, have a great day.

Best Method to Connect to My MAC Mini - VNC, Remote Desktop etc

First Post so please go easy on me....
I have had my MAC Mini (1st ever MAC) just one week now and trying to get setup just how I want it and finding hard to find the right program / method to remotely access and control it from my Windows 7 Laptop. Can you please offer some advice and I have used VNC but i am finding that it is delayed as well as being very jumpy. Now I use my ipad to connect using splashtop remote which is very smooth and would like something that can handle the task until I can persuade the other half to get me a Macbook.
Thank you

Spikey72 wrote:
Thanks for your comment mooblie, when you use free vnc do you actually use any other installed software on your MAC as I believe there is a built in MAC Server / Client in OSX 10.6?
You're right - there is a VNC server built-into Snow Leopard - as plcn says.
So "no" you don't need any more software on the Mac. Set it up like this:
System Prefs: Sharing: Screen Sharing: Computer Settings: Enable VNC Viewers...

What is the best method for backing up photos in IPhoto?

I have over 10,000 photos in IPhoto and am looking for the best method for doing a backup (or an archive?). I'm now using ICloud and it appears it's just photo streaming and does not have storage capability. External hard drive, copying to a DVD, other suggestions?

Most Simple Back Up
Drag the iPhoto Library from your Pictures Folder to another Disk. This will make a copy on that disk.
Slightly more complex:
Use an app that will do incremental back ups. This is a very good way to work. The first time you run the back up the app will make a complete copy of the Library. Thereafter it will update the back up with the changes you have made. That makes subsequent back ups much faster. Many of these apps also have scheduling capabilities: So set it up and it will do the back up automatically. Examples of such apps: Chronosync or DejaVu . But are many others. Search on MacUpdate
My Routine
My Library lives on my iMac. It’s Backed up to two external hard disks every day. These disks are permanently attached to the iMac. These back ups run automatically. One is done by Time Machine, one is a bootable back up done by SuperDuper
It’s also backed up to a portable hard disk when ever new photos are added. This hard disk lives in my car. For security, this disk is password protected.
I have a second off-site back up at a relative’s house across town. That’s updated every 3 or 4 months.
My Photos are backed up online. There are many options: Flickr, Picasa, SmugMug etc. However, check the terms of your account carefully. While most sites have free uploading, you will often find that these uploads are limited in terms of the file size or the bandwidth you can use per month. For access that allows you to upload full size pics with no restrictions you may need to pay.
Every couple of months I test the back ups to make sure they are working correctly. It’s very easy to mis-configure a back up application, and the only way to protect against that is to do a trial restore.

Best Method of Transferring From Old Mac to New Mac

I've got a 27" iMac on order that's supposed to ship sometime in early January, and am wondering what is the best method of transferring everything from this Mac to the new one (once it arrives)?
As I understand it, there are essentially three ways of doing this:
Migration Assistant
Setup Assistant
Time Machine
I've got two user accounts on this Mac, and will need to transfer everything for both accounts. I have about 350GB worth of files, data, and applications to transfer.
Is one of the above methods better than the others for accomplishing this? Are there any "gotchas" I should be aware of before moving everything over?
Advice and assistance is welcomed.

The easiest method is to use Setup Assistant that automatically starts the first time you use a new Mac. It will offer you the opportunity to migrate all users or just those you select.
Mike Osborn wrote:
... Are there any "gotchas" I should be aware of before moving everything over?
If you do not use Setup Assistant, you can always use Migration Assistant later. However, this can easily become confusing if you already created a user account on the new Mac. Most people won't have the patience to use Setup Assistant and understandably want to use their new Mac right away. If you elect to do that, don't create an account with the same name as one you wish to migrate. Instead, create a user account that you plan to erase after you migrate your existing accounts. The reason is that if you create a brand new account named, for example, "Mike Osborn", you will be unable to migrate to another account with that name.
Use a wired connection. Wireless can take an unacceptable amount of time (days).
Don't create a brand new Apple ID either. Have your existing Apple ID and password ready and use it, so you don't make the mistake of creating an Apple ID with no pedigree.
Register your new Mac (and all your other Apple equipment, if you have not yet done so) using this link:
https://supportprofile.apple.com/
This provides for a convenient database of all your Apple equipment's serial numbers, service history, and warranty eligibility.

Best method for secure Internet ?????

OK,
So I wasn't sure where to put this post, so I figured I would start with the system I am using and go from there.
The Problem:
I am trying to set up a secure method in which I can use Internet services as I make my way from non-secure places throughout the day studying for school. In any given day I might find myself at 3-5 different locations, studying. I often have my computer with me and would like to be able to use it it without the worries of open line surfing.
I have read (not completely understood) the VPN concept and think that it might provide what it is I am looking for.
Before I went spending the money for an aftermarket plan that provides me a VPN, I thought I would look into setting up my own VPN off of my home connection. Although I am not sure if all I need is an internet line (IP Address) - or do I need an actual computer connected to the Internet at home.
I might be completely wrong here in my thoughts of using the VPN, so please provide any thoughts or suggestions.
Brief Recap:
We have a MBP & iBook G4. We would like to be able to use either of them when we are out in public non-secure areas. Is there a way - and if yes, What is the best method to use to make this happen.
Thanx,
-Al-
MBP Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Qanuk,
VPN provides a method of connecting to a home or business network securely. From some remote location, VPN creates a secure "Tunnel" whereby you can join your home network and use network resources. This would allow you to "share" files, printers, etc. between computers not just on your network locally, but across the internet, regardless of where you are connected.
If your intention is not to share your network's resources across the internet, but to "surf" normally, you don't need to use VPN. With normal internet use, you are already as secure as you need to be. It is true that there is a potential for "snooping" inherent in using open wireless networks, but this is only a potential, not a real problem.
The question is, "what will someone else be able to find?" Well, if you send an email, there is a potential that someone could intercept that email and read it. Big deal. There is also the possibility that someone could determine what websites you are visiting. Again, big deal.
In order to do this "snooping," that someone would have spend a great deal of resources and time learning to use the tools necessary to do this snooping, then spend the time using them while you are on the same network. Why would someone do this in order to collect very mundane information from you? It's just not going to happen.
Now, in any cases where you might actually be transmitting data useful to a "snooper," such as the transmission of credit card information, you will undoubtedly be doing so using a secure browser connection. In such cases, a secure connection is made between your browser and the server to which you are connected (your bank's server, the retailer's server, etc.). No snooping is possible in these cases.
As for your computer, itself, you are protected by the best firewall in the industry. No one is going to be able to "hack" your computer while you are connected to the same network, as long as you have your firewall turned on, and especially if you have no running services.
In short, you are already as secure as you need to be; surf away.
Scott

Best Method for transferring projects back and fourth

Hello. I will soon be purchasing an iMac for home use and would like to get some advice on project transfer. I will be doing a lot of video editing back and fourth between the office and home. What is the best method for doing this? Where can i locate the files to make sure that I have everything and wont be missing anything when I bring it home, etc. Thanks for any advice!
Brandon

Use a (Firewire 800 or faster) external HD to keep your media, events and projects on.
You can then take the drive to work with you and back home. Use FCP X to transfer (or create) the event and projects on this drive and both macs will recognise it.
The drive must be formatted Mac OS Extended (journaled is not important for video drives).
Andy

Best method for networking with ubuntu linux

Hi,
I'm setting up an ubuntu linux fileserver, and I was wondering what the best method for filesharing with my mac is. I'm currently running osx 10.4.11, though I may be upgrading to 10.5 soon. I'll be running SMB networking for a couple of other computers, but I'd prefer something a bit more robust that can handle file permissions etc.

Mac OS X supports NSF out of the box. Configuration isn't documented.
I recall Apple got rid of net info manager in Leopard, so the configuration will be different. Perhaps more unix like.
Mac OS X support the Unix Network File System (NFS). However, it leaves out
the GUI.
This page show you how to use NetInfo Manager:
http://mactechnotes.blogspot.com/2005/09/mac-os-x-as-nfs-server.html#c1168221713 40271068
NFS Manager can both setup NFS shares and connect to NFS shares.
http://www.bresink.com/osx/NFSManager.html
Once you figure out how NFS Manager configures the NFS shares, you can
use Applications > Utilities > NetInfo Manager to create more shares.
You will either have to coordinate Unix Userid number and Unix Group Id number or use the mapall option on the share.
To find out your Mac OS X userid and group id do:
applications > utilities > terminal
ls -ln
ls -l
# lists the NFS share on your mac
showmount -e localhost
#list NFS shares on a remote host
showmount -e remote-ip-address
Once you see what NFS Manager does, you will be able to use NetInfo Manager to manage a connection. In Mac OS 10.4 you can configure the /etc/exports control file. See man exports for the details. Before that you had to have the data in NetInfo manager. When Mac OS X came out, many common Unix control files were not present. Instead the data had to be in NetInfo manager. Over time Apple has added more and more standard Unix control files.
======
You do know about the need to match userids & groupids.
# display uid and gid
ls -ln
sudo find / -user short-user-name -exec ls '-l' {} \;
# on Mac OS X
you will need to go into NetInfo Manager and select user and find your short-user-name. Change uid and guid.
#on Linux look in
/etc/passwd
/etc/group
# with care...
# change 1000:20 to your values for uid:gid
sudo find / -user short-user-name -exec chown 1000:20 {} \;
The manual for Tenon MachTen UNIX (which Apple checked when doing Mac OS
X) says that one should crate the file /etc/exports, which will cause
portmap, mountd and nsfd to launch at startup via the /etc/rc file. The
file must not contain any blank lines or comments, and each line has the
syntax
directory -option[, option] hostlist
where 'directory is the pathname of the directory that can be exported,
and 'hostlist' is a space separated list of hostnames that can access the
directory. For example
/usr -ro foo bar
/etc
/Applications
/User/gladys gladys
The client the uses a command like
/sbin/mount -t type [-rw] -o [options] server:directory mount_point
where 'type' is 'nfs', 'server' the name of the server, 'directory' the
server directory mounted, and 'mount_point' the client mount point. See
'man mount' for details.
I haven't tried the above, but it would be nice to know if it works on Mac OS X.
Hans Aberg
This will give you some hints on NFS. Post back your questions.
Robert

What is the best security package for an imac using yosimity

What is the best security package for an imac using Yosimity

Mac users often ask whether they should install "anti-virus" software. The answer usually given on ASC is "no." The answer is right, but it may give the wrong impression that there is no threat from what are loosely called "viruses." There is a threat, and you need to educate yourself about it.
1. This is a comment on what you should—and should not—do to protect yourself from malicious software ("malware") that circulates on the Internet and gets onto a computer as an unintended consequence of the user's actions. 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 computer, or who has been able to take control of it remotely. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it.
The comment is long because the issue is complex. The key points are in sections 5, 6, and 10.
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. Internally Apple calls it "XProtect."
The malware recognition database used by XProtect is automatically updated; 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.
As new versions of OS X are released, it's not clear whether Apple will indefinitely continue to maintain the XProtect database of older versions such as 10.6. The security of obsolete system versions may eventually be degraded. Security updates to the code of obsolete systems will stop being released at some point, and that may leave them open to other kinds of attack besides malware.
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 simply ignore the consequences of distributing codesigned malware.
☞ An App Store developer could find a way to bypass Apple's oversight, or the oversight could fail due to human error.
Apple has taken far too long to revoke the codesigning certificates of some known abusers, thereby diluting the value of Gatekeeper and the Developer ID program. Those lapses don't involve App Store products, however.
For the reasons given, App Store products, and—to a lesser extent—other applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed, are safer than others, but they can't be considered absolutely safe. "Sandboxed" applications may prompt for access to private data, such as your contacts, or for access to the network. Think before granting that access. Sandbox security is based on user input. Never click through any request for authorization without thinking.
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 effective against known threats, but not against unknown ones. It notifies you if it finds malware, but otherwise there's no user interface to MRT.
5. The built-in security features of OS X reduce the risk of malware attack, but they are not, and never will be, complete protection. Malware is a problem of human behavior, not machine behavior, and no technological fix alone is going to solve it. Trusting software to protect you will only make you more vulnerable.
The best defense is always going to be 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 Internet criminals. If you're better informed than they think you are, you'll win. That means, in practice, that you always stay within a safe harbor of computing practices. How do you know when you're leaving the safe harbor? Below are some warning signs of danger.
Software from an untrustworthy source
☞ Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, doesn't come directly from the developer’s website. Do not trust an alert from any website to update Flash, or your browser, or any other software. A genuine alert that Flash is outdated and blocked is shown on this support page. Follow the instructions on the support page in that case. Otherwise, assume that the alert is fake and someone is trying to scam you into installing malware. If you see such alerts on more than one website, ask for instructions.
☞ Software of any kind is distributed via BitTorrent, or Usenet, or on a website that also distributes pirated music or movies.
☞ Rogue websites such as Softonic, Soft32, and CNET Download distribute free applications that have been packaged in a superfluous "installer."
☞ The software is advertised by means of spam or intrusive web ads. Any ad, on any site, that includes a direct link to a download should be ignored.
Software that is plainly illegal or does something illegal
☞ High-priced commercial software such as Photoshop is "cracked" or "free."
☞ An application helps you to infringe copyright, for instance by circumventing the copy protection on commercial software, or saving streamed media for reuse without permission. All "YouTube downloaders" are in this category, though not all are necessarily malicious.
Conditional or unsolicited offers from strangers
☞ A telephone caller or a web page tells you that you have a “virus” and offers to help you remove it. (Some reputable websites did legitimately warn visitors who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.)
☞ A web site offers free content such as video or music, but to use it you must install a “codec,” “plug-in,” "player," "downloader," "extractor," or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one.
☞ You win a prize in a contest you never entered.
☞ Someone on a message board such as this one is eager to help you, but only if you download an application of his choosing.
☞ A "FREE WI-FI !!!" network advertises itself in a public place such as an airport, but is not provided by the management.
☞ Anything online that you would expect to pay for is "free."
Unexpected events
☞ A file is downloaded automatically when you visit a web page, with no other action on your part. Delete any such file without opening it.
☞ You open what you think is a document and get an alert that it's "an application downloaded from the Internet." Click Cancel and delete the file. Even if you don't get the alert, you should still delete any file that isn't what you expected it to be.
☞ An application does something you don't expect, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious reason.
☞ Software is attached to email that you didn't request, even if it comes (or seems to come) from someone you trust.
I don't say that leaving the safe harbor just once will necessarily result in disaster, but making a habit of it will weaken your defenses against malware attack. Any of the above scenarios should, at the very least, make you uncomfortable.
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 padlock icon in the address bar when visiting a secure site.
Stay within the safe harbor, 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.
7. Never install any commercial "anti-virus" (AV) or "Internet security" products for the Mac, as they are all worse than useless. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use one of the free security apps in the Mac App Store—nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial AV products?
☞ To recognize malware, the software depends on a database of known threats, which is always at least a day out of date. This technique is a proven failure, as a major AV software vendor has admitted. Most attacks are "zero-day"—that is, previously unknown. Recognition-based AV does not defend against such attacks, and the enterprise IT industry is coming to the realization that traditional AV software is worthless.
☞ Its 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, commercial AV 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 may also create weaknesses that could be exploited by malware attackers.
☞ Most importantly, a false sense of security is dangerous.
8. An AV product from the App Store, such as "ClamXav," has the same drawback as the commercial suites of being always out of date, but it does not inject low-level code into the operating system. That doesn't mean it's entirely harmless. 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.
An AV app is not needed, and cannot be relied upon, for protection against OS X malware. It's useful, if at all, only for detecting Windows malware, and even for that use it's not really effective, because new Windows malware is emerging much faster than OS X malware.
Windows malware can't harm you directly (unless, of course, you use Windows.) Just don't pass it on to anyone else. A malicious attachment in email is usually easy to recognize by the name alone. An actual example:
London Terror Moovie.avi [124 spaces] Checked By Norton Antivirus.exe
You don't need software to tell you that's a Windows trojan. Software may be able to tell you which trojan it is, but who cares? In practice, there's no reason to use recognition software unless an organizational policy requires it. Windows malware is so widespread that you should assume it's in every email attachment until proven otherwise. Nevertheless, ClamXav or a similar product from the App Store may serve a purpose if it satisfies an ill-informed network administrator who says you must run some kind of AV application. It's free and it won't handicap the system.
The ClamXav developer won't try to "upsell" you to a paid version of the product. Other developers may do that. Don't be upsold. For one thing, you should not pay to protect Windows users from the consequences of their choice of computing platform. For another, a paid upgrade from a free app will probably have all the disadvantages mentioned in section 7.
9. 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.
10. As a Mac user, you don't have to live in fear that your computer may be infected every time you install software, read email, or visit a web page. But neither can you assume that you will always be safe from exploitation, no matter what you do. Navigating the Internet is like walking the streets of a big city. It can be as safe or as dangerous as you choose to make it. The greatest harm done by security software is precisely its selling point: it makes people feel safe. They may then feel safe enough to take risks from which the software doesn't protect them. Nothing can lessen the need for safe computing practices.

Best method to remotely administer iMac

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for