Do I need antivirus for my new iMac?

I just bought a new iMa. This is my first Mac and I am not sure if I need antivirus or not??
If so, which one do you recommend?

ClamXav : http://www.clamxav.com/ and that's it, unless you plan to install Windows too.  Look over to the right and search the threads under "more like this that ask the same questions.  Also, read this: http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/

Similar Messages

  • Do i need antivirus in my new iMac?

    I just purchase a new Imac and I am asking if I need to get an antivirus software on my new machine>>

    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.
    If you find this comment too long or too technical, read only 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, 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 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.
    For the reasons given above, App Store products, and 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. OS X 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 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. XProtect, Gatekeeper, and MRT reduce the risk of malware attack, but they're not absolute protection. 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, no matter what the source, should not be trusted if they do something unexpected, such as asking for permission to access your contacts, your location, or the Internet for no obvious 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. Any database of known threats is always going to be out of date. Most of the danger is from unknown threats. 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. 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 is going to be infected every time you install an application, read email, or visit a web page. But neither should you have the false idea that you will always be safe, no matter what you do. 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.

  • Need drivers for my new iMac

    Help! I received my iMac today and it is amazing. Big problem started when I installed Windows 7 and needed to connect an old usb keyboard and mouse. I need to find the drivers necessary to run the wireless keyboard and magic mouse in Windows 7. I called Apple but they told me to call Microsoft. Not the right answer for me!!!! Can anyone point me in the right direction?

    Barbara Daniels1 wrote:
    I don't think Apple would make available drivers for a different OS platform - it would have to be done by Microsoft. And I'd guess that they will not have drivers available to work on the Mac OS.
    Sorry Barbara but you're wrong. Apple does provide drivers for it's peripherals to run under Windows (XP, Vista and 7) via Boot Camp.
    _Boot Camp manual_: http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/Boot_Camp_Install-Setup10.6.pdf
    _Boot Camp Win7 FAQ_: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3986
    I've been doing this for ages, since 2006 to be precise, when Apple made it possible to run Windows XP via Boot Camp on Intel Macs.
    It's Apple hardware so obviously Apple is the one releasing the drivers, not Microsoft, same way Microsoft makes their peripherals' drivers available for Mac OS X, HP does the same for their printers, etc.
    If the peripherals he's talking about (keyboard and mouse) are not Apple branded, then he should follow my first advice.

  • How can i use my old iMac as a extended desktop display for my new iMac?

    I recently purchased a 21.5 in iMac and wanted to use my old iMac as a extended desktop. My new iMac has thunderbolt and USB 3.0 connections while my old iMac has firewire (400 and 800), USB 2.0 and mini-DVI. Is this posible?

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    If your iMac has got Mini-DVI, you have a 17, 20 or 24-inch iMac that doesn't support Target Display. Late 2009 and Mid 2010 27-inch iMacs, and iMacs with Thunderbolt can be used as external displays. Read > http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11302?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US
    If your old iMac doesn't support Target Display mode, you can use ScreenRecycler to use your old iMac as an extended display for the new iMac. The only thing you need is that both Macs are connected to the same network

  • IPhoto won't start after upgrade 1.1 for my new iMac. Now what do I do?

    Had to upgrade according to screen.  iPhoto won't start after upgrade 1.1 for my new iMac. Now what do I do?
    I have restarted the computer. Brand new iMac intel. v 10.9.4

    You need to upgrade iPhoto for Mavericks. Download the upgrade using App Store.

  • How do I make a boot disk for my new iMac?

    How do I make a boot disk for my new iMac?

    Make Your Own Mavericks, Mountain/Lion Installer
    After downloading the installer you must first save the Install Mac OS X application. After the installer downloads DO NOT click on the Install button. Go to your Applications folder and make a copy of the installer. Move the copy into your Downloads folder. Now you can click on the Install button. You must do this because the installer deletes itself automatically when it finishes installing.
       2. Get a USB flash drive that is at least 8 GBs. Prep this flash drive as follows:
    Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder.
    After DU loads select your flash drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the leftside list. Under the Volume Scheme heading set the number of partitions from the drop down menu to one. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
    Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list.
    Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
    Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
    Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to an hour depending upon the flash drive size.
    Use DiskMaker X to put your installer clone onto the USB flash drive.
    Make your own Mavericks flash drive installer using the Mavericks tool:
    You can also create a Mavericks flash drive installer via the Terminal. Mavericks has its own built-in installer maker you use via the Terminal:
    You will need a freshly partitioned and formatted USB flash drive with at least 8GBs. Leave the name of the flash drive at the system default, "Untitled." Do not change this name. Open the Terminal in the Utilities folder. Copy this entire command line after the prompt in the Terminal's window:
         sudo /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume
         /Volumes/Untitled --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ OS\ X\ Mavericks.app --nointeraction
    Press RETURN. Enter your admin password when prompted. It will not be echoed to the screen so be careful to enter it correctly. Press RETURN, again. Wait for the process to complete which will take quite some time.

  • HT1175 I am trying to setup my Time capsule via a ethernet cable as a back up for a new iMac. The on button on the time capsule set up window keeps failing to stay on. Any ideas what to do?

    I am trying to setup my Time capsule via a ethernet cable as a back up for a new iMac. The on button on the time capsule set up window keeps failing to stay on. Any ideas what to do?

    A PC can have more issues connecting than a Mac.
    But it really should not matter.. so just try it in situ.. press and hold the reset.. once it starts up, it will return to default IP, 10.0.1.1 the PC should then be able to find it via the airport utility.
    If not drag it over to the Mac and plug in there by ethernet.. or since it is a laptop, really should not be that difficult to drag the Laptop and plug it into the TC.
    Important thing is to get access to the TC.
    The Mac if it is running lion, then you MUST download and install 5.6 airport utility to do anything useful.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1482

  • If I want to put windows7 on my Mac,do I need software for a new comp. or a refurbished?

    If I want to put windows7 on my Mac,do I need software for a new comp. or a refurbished one?

    Mikestoyzz wrote:
    Looking on eBay,the software is labeled for new or refurbished.i'm putting it on through boot camp.
    With my limited knowledge, I don't think that it matters.

  • A UPS for my new iMac 21.5"

    I've ordered a new iMac 21.5" with Fusion Drive HD.
    Can someone advise me what is the proper UPS to buy for my new iMac please ?
    It's important to have some kind of software ?
    Thanks
    Ronen

    Please see their answer regarding my question :
    Thank you for contacting APC’s Customer Care Team. We are here to ensure that your query is resolved as quickly as possible. Please find our response to your query below.
    Dear Mr. Z,
    Thank you for contacting APC.
    The compatibility of the UPS with an OS is dependant on the installed management software the UPS communicates with.
    1. BR900GI - PowerChute Personal - no compatibility with OSX, please find the compatibility chart below:
    http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/JNOE-7GSAQJ/JNOE-7GSAQJ_R11_EN.pdf
    2. SUA750I - PowerChute Business Edition - no compatibility with OSX, please find the compatibility chart below:
    http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/ASTE-6Z5QEV/ASTE-6Z5QEV_R37_EN.pdf
    Alternately, if you install a network management card (AP9630 or AP9631) in the SUA750I, it will be able to communciate with the PowerChute Network Shutdown software. This is compatible with Mac OS X Server 10.7.2 x64:
    http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/SJHN-7AYQNP/SJHN-7AYQNP_R41_EN.pdf
    http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=ap9630
    http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=ap9631
    Please let me know if I can assist with any further info.
    Kind regards
    <Personal Information Edited by Host>

  • I would like to upgrade my OS to the latest version.  I now have 10.6.8 and my machine has 1Gb of memory.  Need 2Gb for the new OS.  Is is possible (and practical) to add memory to a machine that's five years old?

    I would like to upgrade my OS to the latest version.  I now have 10.6.8 and my machine has 1Gb of memory.  Need 2Gb for the new OS.  Is is possible (and practical) to add memory to a machine that's five years old?

    You can put two 2gb RAM sticks in your model 2,1 but it can only use 3,3gb. This is a hardware limitation and cannot be changed.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_GB_barrier
    http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/faq/macbook-pro-core-2-duo-3-g b-memory-limitation-details.html
    OWC tests have found that there is a slight speed increase with having two 2gb sticks in rather than one 1gb and one 2gb. Your model is in the gray lines at the bottom of the graph. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_MacBook/
    You can buy Lion for $29 from the App Store witht a model 2,1 MacBook. Lion will require at least 2gb of RAM but really needs 4gb to run smoothly. As for programs see this list for compatibility with 10.7 http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
    Lion doesn't run any Power PC programs. To see if you have any Power PC programs go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When System Profiler comes up select Applications under Software. Then look under Kind to see if any of your applications are listed as Power PC. Universal and Intel will run under Lion.
    Before Mac switched to Intel processors they used Power PC processors from 1994 to 2005. Power PC 601 through 604, G3, G4 and G5. Applications written for the Power PC processors need the application called Rosetta to run on Intel processors. This was part of the Operating System in 10.4 and 10.5 but was an optional install in 10.6. With 10.7 Lion Apple dropped all support for Power PC applications.
    These are good online stores for Mac compatible RAM
    OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/ - They offer Mac tested RAM at very good prices.
    Crucial Memory http://www.crucial.com/ - good place to buy RAM from all over the world. They also have an excellent memory selector that allows you to choose memory based on your computer's model
    Data Memory Systems http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-memory.asp - another good, cheap place to buying RAM if you live in the U.S.
    Here are instructions on replacing RAM in a MacBook with a removable battery. http://homeoffice.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=44404
    If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5
    http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/

  • I like the idea of auto back-up for my new iMac, Ipad and PC Netbook, particularly if I can access all files and data stored on any device.  But I have a Conceptronic router.  Will Time Capsule work with this and how?

    I like the idea of auto back-up for my new iMac, Ipad and PC Netbook, particularly if I can access all files and data stored on any device.  But I have a Conceptronic router.
    1. Will Time Capsule work with this and how?
    2. Can my printer USB be plugged in and then shared between the devices?
    3. Can I create a network and how?
    4.  What happend when a visitor logs onto my existing wireless router?
    I'm new to Macs (well a returning user having started with Mac Plus!!) and not very technical.  Any help / advice will be much appreciated.
    Ray

    The key to what you seem to want to do is to be able to get Apple's Time Capsule router to "join" the network that your Conceptronic router.  I believe that works with some third-party routers, but I've never seen a list of those that work in such a configuration and I have no experience with Conceptronic equipment.
    You might be better off with a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) device instead of a Time Capsule.

  • I'm trying to set up a dual monitor for my new iMac. I'm using a second display I used with my old G5. My iMac recognizes the second monitor but the monitor won't turn on. Power button doesn't do anything on the monitor itself.

    I'm trying to set up a dual monitor for my new iMac. I'm using a second display I used with my old G5. My iMac recognizes the second monitor but the monitor won't turn on. Power button doesn't do anything on the monitor itself.

    If it won't turn on then the monitor is dead (power supply?, video circuits?).  Not worth repairing.
    If you have a new iMac then it has thunderbolt.  So exactly what is that monitor you are trying to connect?  For TB you can connect a mini-displayport monitor.   Probably (not 100% sure with TB) can use dvi or vga too if you have the appropriate adapter.

  • Is there any way I can get IDVD for my new IMac?

    Is there any way I can get IDVD for my new IMac?

    Why is there no iDVD on my new Mac? How do I get it and how do I install it?
    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3673
    To burn a DVD with iDVD from the latest version of iMovie, you have to export the movie using the Export button and select 480p as the size. Open iDVD and start a new project, then drag that exported movie file into the iDVD menu window, avoiding any drop zones you see.

  • Do i need antivirus for my nokia 5130 ? Where do i...

    Hi
    I want to know if i need antivirus for my phone because i want to share some file with my friends and there is a chance of getting infected with virus . Thanks

    We have an article in your Pool of Knowledge, that´ll help you keeping your phone secure!
    PoK - Keep your phone secure!
    Hope this cleared things a bit up for you?
    grschinon: Had you forgotten that we had worked this out already?
    By clicking the "Kudos!" or the "Solution?" button on the right you can say "Thank You" and you´ll show the author and others that the post is useful.
    The day we stop improving is the day we stop being good.

  • I need to download adobe acrobat 7. I had it on my old computer and need it for my new computer. I have the serial #. Where can I get that download?

    I need to download adobe acrobat 7. I had it on my old computer and need it for my new computer. I have the serial #. Where can I get that download?

    http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/policy-pricing/creative-suite-2-activation-end-life.htm l. I think this is the link. However, you will need to use the new S/N if you need to do the activation. The Activation server for AA 7 was taken down. I am not sure this link is complete, but it might give you some idea. However, on WIn7 and newer, AA7 has problems and will only work with some workarounds, and then kind of clunky.

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