Do Macs and Apple laptops need security software, or is OS X Mavericks safe to use without antivirus?

As of now they do not require AV software.
Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read Detecting and avoiding malware and spyware.
See these Apple articles:
          Mac OS X Snow Leopard and malware detection
          OS X Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
          OS X Mountain Lion- Protect your Mac from malware
          About file quarantine in OS X
If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using VirusBarrier Express 1.1.6 or Dr.Web Light both from the App Store. They're both free, and since they're from the App Store, they won't destabilize the system. (Thank you to Thomas Reed for these recommendations.)

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I use Lightroom on my Mac and Apple laptop. I have upgraded to LR5 on my Mac and would now like to upgrade to 5 on the Laptop. How do I do this?

I use Lightroom on my Mac and Apple laptop. I have upgraded to LR5 on my Mac and would now like to upgrade to 5 on the Laptop. How do I do this?

Hi Gus,
Kindly try the below mentioned steps if you already have Lightroom 5 installed on your laptop.
Launch lightroom.
Click on help.
Click on Check for update.
If you wish to install lightroom 5 here is the link: Adobe - Lightroom : For Macintosh : Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 : Thank You
If you have Lightroom with Creatibe Cloud: Creative Cloud Help | Download, install, update, or uninstall apps
Thanks,
Atul Saini

I have a new ipad which needs itunes 10.7 or later to download my music onto it... but my ipad is not compatible with this as it is too old... can i use itunes with this ipad and apple laptop?

I have a new ipad which needs itunes 10.7 or later to download my music onto it... but my apple laptop is not compatible with this as it is too old... can i use itunes with this ipad and apple laptop?

To use itunes 10.7 you need to have Snow Leopard operating system installed
These are the system requirements
System Requirements:
Mac computer with an Intel processor
1GB of memory
5GB of available disk space
DVD drive for installation
Some features require a compatible internet service provider: fees may apply.
If you can run Snow Leopard you need to purchase it
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard

My home sharing continually fails between mac and apple tv 2.

my home sharing continually fails between mac and apple tv 2, even during watching a movie. I go to the mac to re-turn on home sharing but it is still on. Any tips? I also have to turn off and back on at the mac every time i switch on my apple tv.

Sharing Stopped working again over night.
I went to Apple Support Artical TS2972
As soon as I did this Home Sharing started working
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2972
Firewall Section
5. Check Firewall Settings
If you have a firewall enabled in your router or computer, make sure that the firewall is not blocking communication between your computers. Home Sharing uses TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5353 to communicate with shared iTunes libraries.
In addition, Apple TV and Mac computers will use port 123 to set the time automatically. Incorrect date and time on either the computer or Apple TV can cause errors for Home Sharing and connections in general.
If you are unsure whether your router has a firewall or the required ports open, test additional devices or another network to help isolate the issue. If the devices tested work on another home network, it is your router or network configuration.
For Mac OS X, you don't have to edit the port addresses, but make sure the firewall in Apple () menu > System Preferences > Security > Firewall are not set to:
Block all incoming connections
Allow only essential services
If you use another security/firewall software on your computer or router, follow this article or contact the manufacturer or check the documentation on how to open TCP ports 123 and 3689 as well as UDP ports 123 and 5353.
It made sense to me, but its still puzzling me after restarting a router would (in my first attempt) resolve the issue for a day. This this time I applied the port forwarding TCP and UDP ports and saved the settings in the DLink DIR-655 and both my iPad2 and iPhone 3GS were now again finding the share. My ATV2 is also now accepting the Share.
Tommorrow will be the true test.

Adding a mini mac and Apple TV .

I currently only have a iPhone. But would like to make the plunge to full apple.
I would like a mini mac and Apple TV.
I need advise on the best way to integrate them into my system.
I currently have:
A pioneer amp.
A ps3 and a Blu-Ray player, these plug into the pioneer amp via hdmi.
The amp is connected to my tv via hdmi.
The tv is a 48" Panasonic 3d plasma.
There are 2 spare hdmi ports in the amp.
Can both products be connected by hdmi?
Is that the best way?
Can I plug one to the other and save a hdmi port on the amp?
If so, what cables will I need?
Thanks for your advice in advance.
I'm hoping to get myself the gear for Xmas

Not all computers can use the "Mirroring" feature found in Mountain Lion.
You can still mirror using iTunes and use "Airplay".

HT201210 what do yu mean by security software....is it all about disabling my antivirus....i need help on this

what do yu mean by security software....is it all about disabling my antivirus....i need help on this...cze my 3g is showing error 1015

See this discussion: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5110212?tstart=0

Why is the itunes store selection different on my mac and apple tv?

Why is the itunes store selection different on my mac and apple tv. when i browse the documenteries on my apple tv, i can purchase/rent only 3. when i look on the itunes store on my mac, there's a whole page of docs to select from.

"ah, so It's really up to the artists/ Distributions people that decide what can be published or sold? "
Yes.

I cannot see my itunes library on the main menu under computers despite the network being active and the home sharing on on both the devices the mac and apple tv. Any ideas?

I cannot see my itunes library on the main menu under computers despite the network being active and the home sharing on on both the devices the mac and apple tv. Any ideas?

Hi Monty,
Sorry to say it, but this is normal for Apple TVs. I've owned a TV2 and a TV3, and neither lasted for an entire year. They are quite fragile and of low quality, and as you can see here, quite fussy even when they work. The wi-fi receiver on these are cheap and unreliable.
Consider the $99 an annual rental fee. They rarely work for a whole year, so if you are going to use the platform, you will have to replace them constantly.
Also, when one dies under warranty, never, never send it to Apple for repair. Go to the Apple Store for replacement. I sent my ATV3 in for warranty repair using a box sent to me by Apple, and although FedEx tracking showed it was accepted by Apple, it was never seen again. Apple won't replace it or even return my calls.

Can i instal cc on both my mac and windows laptop?

can i instal cc on both my mac and windows laptop?

Hi Aephoto,
Yes, you can install and activate Creative Cloud desktop applications only on two computers, regardless of operating system, for the individual associated with the Creative Cloud membership.
For more info please refer to http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/faq.html
Thanks!
Eshant

I have two screens on my Apple Mac and could extend work across both. Now updated to Mavericks and cannot do this. What can be done to restore my original functionality?

I have two screens on my Apple Mac and could extend work across both. Now updated to Mavericks and this no longer works. How could I restore the previous functionality? Is somethong wrong?

Hi Eustace.
Thanks for replying to my problem. After posting I noted the "More Like This" box on the right of the screen. The top topic was "Restore old dual screen functionality" and turned out to be the the same question with a surprising answer - in the "Mission Control" dialogue, NOT the "Displays" dialogue. There are five tick boxes at the top of the Mission Control screen and the last of them is "Displays have separate spaces" and this box was ticked through the loading of the Mavericks op. system (presumably). Unticking this box, as advised, restored the 'extended' mode and all is now well.
We live and learn!

Hello i'm forgotten my apple id's password how do you can my apple id's password My apple id is ************ And so i 'm forget yahoo and apple id's security question.... I'am Restored 7.0.3 to 7.1 Can you found my apple id's password plz help me :'(

Hello i'm forgotten my apple id's password how do you can my apple id's password My apple id is ********** And so i 'm forget yahoo and apple id's security question.... I'am Restored 7.0.3 to 7.1 Can you found my apple id's password plz help me :'(
<E-mail Edited by Host>

how to reset password:
https://iforgot.apple.com/password/verify/appleid
FYI: not wise to publish your email in a public forum - the spiders
will shortly be filling your email inbox.

I got a new iphone 5c for Xmas and my laptop is registered with my iphone 4, which I no longer use or have hence the new phone lol. How do I remove the old info and register my new phone? Will it let me?

I got a new iphone 5c for Xmas and my laptop is registered with my iphone 4, which I no longer use or have hence the new phone lol. How do I remove the old info and register my new phone? Will it let me?

You do not register the phone with the laptop. If you are using the same Apple ID on the new phone as the old, you will have no trouble. Connect the phone and you can restore from a backup of the old phone, or just sync your new phone if it is already set up, with the laptop, managing your content in iTunes.

What version of Mac OS do I need to run the latest version of InDesign 10.10 using Creative Cloud

What version of Mac OS do I need to run the latest version of InDesign 10.10 using Creative Cloud

No. You do not need to go to 10.10, but it’s probably best to so to avoid this again for some time.
That said, any machine still running 10.6 has got to be pretty old and lacking power to run the new apps.

My mac is trying to download security software, do I need it?

I am a new mac user. My mac started downloading security saying it was necessary to remove whatever I had been infected with. I stopped the download. I bought a mac because I was told I did not need to worry about security. Do I need security? Is there a mac security software that downloads itself? Also my mac has frozen a few times and I have had to hold the power button to reset. Is this normal?

From another post on this site.
AntiVirus sw will not fix this issue because it is not a virus. It is an installed program that was given permission to run by the user.
it is easy to remove, but there are several steps:
-have user quit all apps
-have user force quit safari
-have user open activity monitor and force quit mac defender/Security/Protector
-quit activity monitor
-have user delete mac defender/Security/Protector from downloads & applications folder
-have user do a Spotlight search for 'MacDefender/Security/Protector'/'Mac Defender/Security/Protector' and move any Mac defender/Security/Protector files to the trash
-have user go to system prefs>accounts>login items> and delete mac defender/Security/Protector from start up list
-have user restart
-have user empty trash

Do i need security software for imac?

i have recently bought an imac..do i need to install any security software..like a norton ??

Under no circumstances install Norton, it is incompatible with Apple OS X.
You may find the following information useful:
VIRUSES
No viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions.
It is possible, however, to pass on a Windows virus to another Windows user, for example through an email attachment. To prevent this all you need is the free anti-virus utility ClamXav, which you can download for Tiger and Leopard from:
http://www.clamxav.com/
The new version for Snow Leopard is available here:
http://www.clamxav.com/index.php?page=v2beta
Note: ClamAV adds a new user group to your Mac. That makes it a little more difficult to remove than some apps. You’ll find an uninstaller link in ClamXav’s FAQ page online.
If you are already using ClamXav: please ensure that you have installed all recent Apple Security Updates and that your version of ClamXav is the latest available.
Do not install Norton Anti-Virus on a Mac as it can seriously damage your operating system. Norton Anti-Virus is not compatible with Apple OS X.
FAKE ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE and associated MALWARE
Do not be tricked by 'scareware' that tempts computer users to download fake anti-virus software that may itself be malware.
Fake anti-virus software that infect PCs with malicious code are a growing threat, according to a study by Google. Its analysis of 240m web pages over 13 months showed that fake anti-virus programs accounted for 15% of all malicious software.
Scammers trick people into downloading programs by convincing them that their PC is infected with a virus.
Once installed, the software may steal data or force people to make a payment to register the fake product.
Beware of PDF files from unknown sources. A security firm announced that by its counting, malicious Reader documents made up 80% of all exploits at the end of 2009.:
http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9157438/in which Rogue_PDFs_account_for_80_of_all_exploits_says_researcher
TROJANS and RE-DIRECTION TO FAKE WEBSITES
The appearance of Trojans and other malware that [i]can[/i] possibly infect a Mac seems to be growing, but is a completely different issue to viruses.
If you allow a Trojan to be installed, the user's DNS records can be modified, redirecting incoming internet traffic through the attacker's servers, where it can be hijacked and injected with malicious websites and pornographic advertisements. The trojan also installs a watchdog process that ensures the victim's (that's you!) DNS records stay modified on a minute-by-minute basis.
You can read more about how, for example, the OSX/DNSChanger Trojan works (by falsely suggesting extra codecs are required for Quicktime) here:
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojan_osx_dnschanger.shtml
SecureMac has introduced a free Trojan Detection Tool for Mac OS X. It's available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/
First update the MacScan malware definitions before scanning. You can also contact their support team for any additional support - [email protected]
The DNSChanger Removal Tool detects and removes spyware targeting Mac OS X and allows users to check to see if the trojan has been installed on their computer; if it has, the software helps to identify and remove the offending file. After a system reboot, the users' DNS records will be repaired.
(Note that a 30 day trial version of MacScan can be downloaded free of charge from:
http://macscan.securemac.com/buy/
and this can perform a complete scan of your entire hard disk. After 30 days free trial the cost is $29.99. The full version permits you to scan selected files and folders only, as well as the entire hard disk. It will detect (and delete if you ask it to) all 'tracker cookies' that switch you to web sites you did not want to go to.)
A white paper was published on the subject of Trojans by SubRosaSoft, available here:
http://www.macforensicslab.com/ProductsAndServices/index.php?main_page=document_ general_info&cPath=11&products_id=174
Also,beware of MacSweeper and MacDefender (also goes under the name of MacProtector, MacGaurd, MacSecurity or MacShield) :
These are malware that misleads users by exaggerating reports about spyware, adware or viruses on their computer.
You can keep up to date, particularly about malware present in some downloadable pirated software, at the Securemac site:
http://www.securemac.com/
HOW TO AVOID RE-DIRECTION
Adding Open DNS codes to your Network Preferences, should give good results in terms of added security as well as speed-up:
[b]If you are using a single computer:[/b] Open System Preferences/Network. Double click on your connection type, or select it in the drop-down menu, and in the box marked 'DNS Servers' add the following two numbers:
208.67.222.222
208.67.220.220
(You can also enter them if you click on Advanced and then DNS)
Sometimes reversing the order of the DNS numbers can be beneficial in cases where there is a long delay before web pages start to load, and then suddenly load at normal speed:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2296
There may be other ways of guarding against Trojans, viruses and general malware affecting the Mac, and alternatives will probably appear in the future. In the meantime the advice is: be careful where you go on the web and what you download!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR MAC HAS BECOME 'INFECTED'
If you think you may have acquired a Trojan, and you know its name, you can also locate it via the Terminal:
http://theappleblog.com/2009/04/24/mac-botnet-how-to-ensure-you-are-not-part-of- the-problem/
Although any content that you download has the possibility of containing malicious software, practising a bit of care will generally keep you free from the consequences of anything like the DNSChanger trojan.
1. Avoid going to suspect and untrusted Web sites, especially p'orn'ography sites.
2. Check out what you are downloading. Mac OS X asks you for you administrator password to install applications for a reason! Only download media and applications from well-known and trusted Web sites. If you think you may have downloaded suspicious files, read the installer packages and make sure they are legit. If you cannot determine if the program you downloaded is infected, do a quick Internet search and see if any other users reported issues after installing a particular program.
3. Use an antivirus program like ClamXav. If you are in the habit of downloading a lot of media and other files, it may be well worth your while to run those files through this AV application.
4. Use Mac OS X's built-in Firewalls and other security features.
5. LimeWire (now defunct) and other peer-to-peer sharing applications and download torrents supplying pirated software, movies etc are hotbeds of potential software issues waiting to happen to your Mac. Everything from changing permissions to downloading trojans and other malicious software can be acquired from using these applications. Similar risks apply to using Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube and similar sites which are prone to malicious hacking: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8420233.stm
6. Resist the temptation to download pirated software. They can contain Botnet Trojans. SecureMac offer a simple and free tool for the removal of the iBotNet Trojan available here:
http://macscan.securemac.com/files/iServicesTrojanRemovalTool.dmg
YOUR PRIVACY ON THE INTERNET and the latest risks to look out for:
There is the potential for having your entire email contact list stolen for use for spamming:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/20/technology/internet/20shortcuts.html?_r=1
NOTE:] Snow Leopard, OS 10.6.x, offers additional security to that of previous versions of OS X, but not to the extent that you should ignore the foregoing:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
Apple's 10.6.4 operating system upgrade silently updated the malware protection built into Mac OS X to protect against a backdoor Trojan horse that can allow hackers to gain remote control over your treasured iMac or MacBook.
http://www.sophos.com/blogs/gc/g/2010/06/18/apple-secretly-updates
And if you are using iPhone Apps you are also at risk of losing all privacy:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/03/hacker-claims-third-party-iphone-apps-can-tra nsmit-udid-pose-se/
The advent of HTML5 may also be a future threat to internet privacy:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/business/media/11privacy.html?_r=1&hp
Security of OS X generally:
http://www.apple.com/macosx/security/
http://www.nsa.gov/ia/_files/os/applemac/I731-007R-2007.pdf
Security Configuration for Version 10.5 Leopard:
http://images.apple.com/server/macosx/docs/Leopard_Security_Config_2nd_Ed.pdf

Do Macs and Apple laptops need security software, or is OS X Mavericks safe to use without antivirus?

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