Does my macbook need a cleaning software?

What with all the cache saves, web surfing and software downlaods. Does my Macbook need a software cache cleaner, to optimize performance or is it unneccssary?
sahhus

I use OnyX - it does it all for you
See http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/11582

Similar Messages

  • Why does the MacBook Retina 15" do software scaling to the native resolution of 2880x1800?

    OS X does not allow changing the viewport resolution to the native 2880x1800, and it suggests 1440x900 as a retina optimized one. This means that software scaling is done on the fly. My question is, why?
    I have two suspicions:
    1. Running everything at the native resolution puts a bigger strain on the GPU, hence slowing down the OS, putting down battery time.
    2. The number of apps using retina-ready sprites is miniscule, hence Apple does not want to mess with the user experience. Although I doubt it, as software post-processing is done even now, and apps with non-retina sprites look slightly blurred. If the native resolution would have been used, they would just look a bit more blurry.
    Just some comments:
    1. Switching to the native resolution will make everything smaller, up to the point of not being usable. But this is a non-argument, as the OS could be smart enough to use bigger versions of the sprites/icons/text. Apple already demands that developers use hi-res sprites (OS X Human Interface Guidelines), hence everything could be scaled x2 and it would be the same size at 2880x1800, as it is at 1440x900 in the current version of the OS.
    2. Technically it is possible, as outlined here: Running the Retina MacBook Pro at Full 2880x1800 Resolution. Have a look at the comments too, there are some interesting observations in line with this question, but no definite answers.
    3. I am aware that the OS X Cocoa server is running at native resolution at all times. This question is concerned with the viewport resolution, which requires hacks to be set to the native one.
    Can answer on Quora if preferred (http://www.quora.com/OS-X/Why-does-the-MacBook-Retina-15-do-software-scaling-to- the-native-resolution-of-2880x1800)

    Ah right at the top.
    panic(cpu 0 caller 0xffffff7fa40cbf1a): "GPU Panic: [<None>] 5 0 a0 d9 9 8 0 3 :
    This is a common problem with new Mac notebooks. There arre many threads on this and other forums about it.
    Tae your Mac to an Apple store to be fixed or replaced.

  • Does my iMac need anti-virus software

    I've read recently that iMacs have been susceptable to viruses.  Does my iMac need anti-virus software?  And if so, d0es Apple recommend any one in particular?

    Mac OS X versions 10.6.7 and later have built-in detection of 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.
    The most effective defense against malware is your own intelligence. All known malware that affects a fully-updated installation of Mac OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of trojans, which can only work 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 site, merely in order to use the site, 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.
    “Cracked” versions 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.
    Disable Java (not JavaScript) in your web browser(s). Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in Mac OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those versions has bugs that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. Those bugs will probably never be fixed, because those older operating systems are no longer being maintained by Apple. Migrate to a newer version of the Mac OS as soon as you can.
    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 ClamXav — nothing else.

  • Does my Mac need anti virus software?

    Does my Mac need anti virus software? I see in the press malicious code is on the rise for the Mac. What does Apple consider best practice for their OS?

    Not very likely since OS X has built-in malware protection that Apple updates whenever it's required.
    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.
    If you require anti-virus protection I recommend using ClamXav.

  • Does the macbook pro come with software similar to excel and word ?

    i am not familiar with the mac computers and i was wondering if the macbook pro comes with software such as word and excel similar to a microsoft office?

    No, it does not.
    You need Office 2011 - Mactopia - or you can try the freeware suite, Libre Office, that is functionally similar to Office 2007 for Windows except it works on Lion/Mountain Lion.
    You may want to consider as well:
    These two suites are similar to Libre Office but not as current or as well-supported:
    NeoOffice
    Open Office
    And, then there is Apple's iWork suite:
    Pages - word processing and layout
    Keynote - presentation
    Numbers - spreadsheet
    Each can open and save Office compatible files. They may be purchased separately via the Mac App Store for $19.99 each.
    As for other software, any PPC-based software will not run in Lion or Mountain Lion because Rosetta is no longer part of OS X. You will need to upgrade to Intel versions of the software.
    (Access to the Mac App Store requires Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or higher and an Apple ID.)

  • Does the Mac need anti-virus software?

    I have been told the Mac does not need anti-virus software. I have Kapersky on my Mac now and was told to take it off.  I was told Apple updates the protection software daily.  Any thoughts?

    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 one of the free anti-virus products in the Mac App Store — 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. An anti-malware product from the App Store, such as "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.
    An anti-virus app 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
    Anti-virus software 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 the software unless a network administrator requires you to do it.
    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 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 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.

  • Macbook needs a clean.

    I have a Macbook Pro - its almost two years old now and lags all the time. I have read posts on here telling people to stay away from MacKeeper and CleanMyMac. How do you fix your machine then? When Disk Utilities runs a scan, it says everything is fine, but everything is clearly not fine. HELP?

    First, back up all data immediately unless you already have a current backup. If you can't back up, stop here. Do not take any of the steps below.
    Step 1
    This diagnostic procedure will query the log for messages that may indicate a system issue. It changes nothing, and therefore will not, in itself, solve your problem.
    If you have more than one user account, these instructions must be carried out as an administrator.
    Triple-click anywhere in the line below on this page to select it:
    syslog -k Sender kernel -k Message CReq 'GPU |hfs: Ru|I/O e|find tok|n Cause: -|NVDA\(|pagin|timed? ?o' | tail | awk '/:/{$4=""; print}' | open -ef
    Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C.
    Launch the Terminal application in any of the following ways:
    ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
    ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
    ☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
    Paste into the Terminal window (command-V). I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key.
    The command may take a noticeable amount of time to run. Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign (“$”) to appear.
    A TextEdit window will open with the output of the command. Normally the command will produce no output, and the window will be empty. If the TextEdit window (not the Terminal window) has anything in it, stop here and post it — the text, please, not a screenshot. The title of the TextEdit window doesn't matter, and you don't need to post that.
    Step 2
    There are a few other possible causes of generalized slow performance that you can rule out easily.
    Disconnect all non-essential wired peripherals and remove aftermarket expansion cards, if any.
    Reset the System Management Controller.
    Run Software Update. If there's a firmware update, install it.
    If you're booting from an aftermarket SSD, see whether there's a firmware update for it.
    If you have a portable computer, check the cycle count of the battery. It may be due for replacement.
    If you have many image or video files on the Desktop with preview icons, move them to another folder.
    If applicable, uncheck all boxes in the iCloud preference pane. See whether there's any change.
    Check your keychains in Keychain Access for excessively duplicated items.
    Boot into Recovery mode, launch Disk Utility, and run Repair Disk.
    If you have a MacBook Pro with dual graphics, disable automatic graphics switching in the Energy Saverpreference pane for better performance at the cost of shorter battery life.
    Step 3
    When you notice the problem, launch the Activity Monitor application in any of the following ways:
    ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
    ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
    ☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Activity Monitor in the icon grid.
    Select the CPU tab of the Activity Monitor window.
    Select All Processes from the View menu or the menu in the toolbar, if not already selected.
    Click the heading of the % CPU column in the process table to sort the entries by CPU usage. You may have to click it twice to get the highest value at the top. What is it, and what is the process? Also post the values for User, System, and Idle at the bottom of the window.
    Select the Memory tab. What value is shown in the bottom part of the window for Swap used?
    Next, select the Disk tab. Post the approximate values shown for Reads in/sec and Writes out/sec (not Reads in andWrites out.)
    Step 4
    If you have more than one user account, you must be logged in as an administrator to carry out this step.
    Launch the Console application in the same way you launched Activity Monitor. Make sure the title of the Console window is All Messages. If it isn't, select All Messages from the SYSTEM LOG QUERIES menu on the left. If you don't see that menu, select
    View ▹ Show Log List
    from the menu bar.
    Select the 50 or so most recent entries in the log. Copy them to the Clipboard by pressing the key combinationcommand-C. Paste into a reply to this message (command-V). You're looking for entries at the end of the log, not at the beginning.
    When posting a log extract, be selective. Don't post more than is requested.
    Please do not indiscriminately dump thousands of lines from the log into this discussion.
    Important: Some personal information, such as your name, may appear in the log. Anonymize before posting. That should be easy to do if your extract is not too long.

  • I have a macbook air from mid 2012. After installing the MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1 my computer shuts down instead of restarting. Does my macbook need a replacement drive?

    Anyone experience the same result after installing MacBook Air Flash Storage Firmware Update 1.1? Why did my macbook shut down?

    Reset SMC.     http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    Choose the method for:
    "Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".
    If this does not help, contact Apple.
    Best.

  • Does the MacBook Pro require antivirus software?

    I'm thinking of getting a MacBook Pro and was wondering, when I get it, would I have to install McAfee, Spybot, and Ad-Aware on the MacBook Pro like on my current PC's? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

    It is prudent to install anti-virus software on all computers.
    But qualify that statement with the reasoning that installing anti-virus software on a Mac prevents you from inadvertently passing on a virus to a Windows machine. As Templeton points out, there are currently no viruses that infect Mac OS X installations in the wild. Installing and running anti-virus software (as well as wasting CPU cycles scanning) on a Mac is only to prevent passing on viruses to Windows computers.
    Personally, those people choose to run Windows so they can protect themselves. I have better purposes for my CPU cycles than scanning for Windows viruses.
    --Travis

  • HT4623 Does an ipad need anti-virus software? If so, which software is good?

    I've been looking at different web sites, but it seems there is no information about protection against malware on my new ipad. It seems to be a fairly relevant and big question when on gets a new computer. Can anyone help?

    Between the inherent security of the iOS design and the tight control Apple keeps over applications, there are no known malware exploits in iOS (with the possible exception of some small browser exploits demonstrated in "contest" settings).  Therefore anti-virus software is (a) not needed and (b) not available at the app store.

  • Does my Mac need any antivirus software, or is this already built in?

    This question has probably been asked many times, but I'm still very confused! I've heard completely different things, saying I don't need antivirus software and I do. I sometimes use websites with a risk of viruses to watch TV programmes and films online or to download music etc, so perhaps it is safer to download some software? Any answers would be great!

    My recommendation used to be no. However, in the present environment, I don't believe that's valid anymore. This is just my opinion. My suggestion is to look at this:
    http://www.clamxav.com/
    Or this:
    http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
    Both are free & won't necessarily muck up your system. Read about both & decide yourself.
    Also, read this:
    http://www.reedcorner.net/guides/macvirus/#needav

  • Does the MacBook need a Firmware update?

    Hi there,
    I was wondering if with this little beast we needs an Update regarding its CPU (Firmware).
    Thanks in advance guys.

    To run Boot Camp, no. For anything else… that's really up to the Apple-update Gods. Most Macs have at least one firmware update in their lifetimes.

  • Does my iPhone need virus protection?

    I was just talking w/a friend & she was telling me how she put her home computer's virus protection onto her phone.  Idk why, but I've never thought about a smartphone needing virus protection.  Does my iPhone need virus protection software installed?  If so, which ones are the best??

    There is no virus protection software for iPhone, as there are no viruses to protect you against.
    Plus, your friend can not have put her home computer's virus protection onto her phone - it couldn't be installed, as phone's use different operating systems to home computers and cannot run the same software.

  • Does my macbook pro need any antivirus softwares?

    Ive recently got a macbook 13inch pro laptop. I've heard that they don't need any antivirus protection programmes but the shop assistant in john lewis said did? some of the basic antivirus softwares are norton and comodo. Thanks

    some of the basic antivirus softwares are norton and comodo.
    Those are two of the worst examples.
    There will always be threats to your information security associated with using any Internet - connected communications tool:
    You can mitigate those threats by following commonsense practices
    Delegating that responsibility to software is an ineffective defense
    Assuming that any product will protect you from those threats is a hazardous attitude that is likely to result in neglecting point #1 above.
    ... I've heard that they don't need any antivirus protection programmes
    OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and malware. Keep it that way with software updates from Apple.
    A much better question is "how should I protect my Mac":
    Never install any product that claims to "clean up", "speed up",  "optimize", "boost" or "accelerate" your Mac; to "wash" it, "tune" it, or to make it "shiny". Those claims are absurd.Such products are very aggressively marketed. They are all scams.
    Never install pirated or "cracked" software, software obtained from dubious websites, or other questionable sources.
    Illegally obtained software is almost certain to contain malware.
    "Questionable sources" include but are not limited to spontaneously appearing web pages or popups, download hosting sites such as C net dot com, Softonic dot com, Soft pedia dot com, Download dot com, Mac Update dot com, or any other site whose revenue is primarily derived from junk product advertisements.
    If you need to install software that isn't available from the Mac App Store, obtain it only from legitimate sources authorized by the software's developer.
    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 iCloud, 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.
    Java can be disabled in System Preferences.
    Despite its name JavaScript is unrelated to Java. No malware can infect your Mac through JavaScript. It’s OK to leave it enabled.
    Beware spontaneous popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > check "Block popup windows".
    Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but unsolicited popups are commonly used to deceive people into installing unwanted software they would never intentionally install.
    Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
    If you ever receive a popup window indicating that your Mac is infected with some ick or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
    The same goes for a spontaneously appearing dialog insisting that you upgrade your video player right this instant. Such popups are frequently associated with sites that promise to deliver "free" movies or other copyrighted content that is not normally "free".
    The more insistent it is that you upgrade or install something, the more likely it is to be a scam. Close the window or tab and forget 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. Most of these attempts are pathetic and are easily recognized, but that hasn't stopped prominent public figures from recently succumbing to this age-old scam.
    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.

  • New to macbook pro and have msmoney files (mbf) stored on an external hard drive. I want to transfer them to MoneyWiz and need to convert them to qif.  Does anyone know of any free software available and how do I do it. Thanks.

    I am new to macbook pro and have msmoney files (mbf) stored on an external harddrive.  I want to transfer them to MoneyWiz and need to convert them to qif.  Does anyone know of any free software available and how do I do it. Thanks.

    iTunes>Preferences (Cmd+,)>Advanced
    Choose the Ext HD (and the appropriate folder) as the location for your library.

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