HT1338 do i need virus software for the iMac?

Do I need a virus scanning program for the Imac?

Not presently. There is malware control built-in to OS X, now. See:
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 ClamXav.

Similar Messages

What is the best downloadable clean/anti virus software for the IMac

I want to clean up and protect my iMac but there seems to be so many bogus sites out there. What is a good one?

Check out User Tip: Viruses, Trojans, Malware - and other aspects of Internet Security and Mac Malware Guide.

Original OS 9 software for the iMac Graphite

just curious i picked up an older iMac at a thrift store however, of course it didn't come with any software. i thought i could load OS X.2 which i did, and that was fine, but so i ordered the software from someone on ebay, but my question is this: will the OS 9 and 10.0.4 software for the iMac Graphite work on my iMac. the specs on the one i bought are: indigo, 500, 20GB, 128 RAM, CD-RW.

Hi, Tim -
Welcome to Apple's Discussions.
Your indigo iMac 500MHz model can be one of three iMac model series. Each has its own minimum OS version, which is the one it originally shipped with. These are -
• iMac (Summer 2000) - OS 9.0.4
• iMac (Early 2001) - OS 9.1 (and OSX 10.0.3 on later models)
• iMac (Summer 2001) - OS 9.1 and OSX 10.0.4
All of the OS 9 versions above, the ones that shipped with those models, are model-specific versions - that means that a retail OS 9 Install CD of equal version may not work. However, a retail OS 9 Install CD of the next higher version will work.
It is doubtful that CDs that came with a graphite iMac will work for the machine in question, unless the graphite model is of the same model series as the indigo one (there were graphite models in all three series given above, plus one in at least one other model series).
To find out which model series yours belongs to, click the Support tab at the top of any of these pages. On the new page, scroll down, look to the lower right of the page for the section About Your Support Coverage. Enter your machine's serial number in the box, click the Go button.

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

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

This comment applies to malicious software ("malware") that's installed unwittingly by the victim of a network attack. It does not apply to software, such as keystroke loggers, that may be installed deliberately by an attacker who has hands-on access to the victim's computer. That threat is in a different category, and there's no easy way to defend against it. If you have reason to suspect that you're the target of such an attack, you need expert help.
All versions of OS X since 10.6.7 have been able to detect known Mac malware in downloaded files. The recognition database is automatically updated once a day; however, you shouldn't rely on it, because the attackers are always at least a day ahead of the defenders. In most cases, there’s no benefit from any other automated protection against malware. Starting with OS X 10.7.5, there is another layer of built-in malware protection, designated "Gatekeeper" by Apple. By default, applications that are downloaded from the network will only run if they're digitally signed by a developer with a certificate issued by Apple. Applications certified in this way haven't actually been tested by Apple (unless they come from the Mac App Store), but you can be sure that they haven't been modified by anyone other than the developer, and his identity is known, so he could be held responsible if he knowingly released malware. For most practical purposes, applications recognized by Gatekeeper as signed can be considered safe. Note, however, that there are some caveats concerning Gatekeeper:
It doesn't apply to software that comes packaged as an installer. Treat all third-party installers with caution.
It can be disabled or overridden by the user.
It can be bypassed by some third-party networking software, such as BitTorrent clients and Java applets (see below.)
It only applies to applications downloaded from the network. Software installed from a CD or other media is not checked.
For more information about Gatekeeper, see this Apple Support article. Notwithstanding the above, the most effective defense against malware attacks is your own intelligence. All known malware on the Internet that affects a fully-updated installation of OS X 10.6 or later takes the form of so-called "trojan horses," which can only have an effect if the victim is duped into running them. If you're smarter than the malware attacker thinks you are, you won't be duped. That means, primarily, that you never install software from an untrustworthy source. How do you know a source is untrustworthy?
Any website that prompts you to install a “codec,” “plug-in,” or “certificate” that comes from that same site, or an unknown one, is untrustworthy.
A web operator who tells you that you have a “virus,” or that anything else is wrong with your computer, or that you have won a prize in a contest you never entered, is trying to commit a crime with you as the victim. [Some reputable websites did legitimately warn users who were infected with the "DNSChanger" malware. That exception to this rule no longer applies.]
“Cracked” copies of commercial software downloaded from a bittorrent are likely to be infected.
Software with a corporate brand, such as Adobe Flash Player, must be downloaded directly from the developer’s website. No intermediary is acceptable.
Java on the network (not to be confused with JavaScript, to which it's not related) is always a potential weak spot in the security of any operating system. If a Java web plugin is not installed, don't install it unless you really need it. If it is installed, you should disable it (not JavaScript) in your web browsers. Few websites have Java content nowadays, so you won’t be missing much. This setting is mandatory in OS X 10.5.8 or earlier, because Java in those obsolete versions has known security flaws that make it unsafe to use on the Internet. The flaws will never be fixed. Regardless of version, experience has shown that Java can never be fully trusted, even if no vulnerabilities are publicly known at the moment.
Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be as safe from malware as you can reasonably be.
Never install any commercial "anti-virus" products for the Mac, as they all do more harm than good. If you need to be able to detect Windows malware in your files, use the free software ClamXav — nothing else.
Why shouldn't you use commercial "anti-virus" products?
Their design is predicated on the nonexistent threat that malware may be injected at any time, anywhere in the filesystem. Malware gets into the system by being downloaded, not by materializing from nowhere.
In order to meet that nonexistent threat, the software duplicates low-level functions of the operating system, which is a waste of resources and a common cause of instability and poor performance.
By modifying the system at a low level, the software itself may create vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware attackers.
ClamXav doesn't have these drawbacks.

What is good anti virus software for the mac?

What is good antivirus software for the Mac? I think I've been hacked.

ClamXav from http://www.clamxav.com . Be cautious of other antivirus software as some, not all just some, can cause system issues. I've used ClamXav for years with no issues with it.
By the way, you may get some responses to this question along the lines of "there are no mac virus's so you don't need antivirus software". While it's true there are no mac virus's today, in my opinion, it's like the stock market in that past performance is not a guarantee for the future.
If you scan these discussions, you'll find hours of reading on this question ....

What is the best anti virus software for the mac?

I may have mistakenly allowed someone into my computer to fix a problem with Quicken. Now I am afraid of Identity Theft and wonder if there is a good software CD to take over my computer in order to find any problems with trojan horse applications.

Who was this person that you allowed access to your computer?
If you have reason to believe that this person was a scammer or otherwise malicious, there is absolutely no software that can give your computer a clean bill of health. No anti-virus software will help. A malicious individual with access to your computer could easily make malicious changes to your system that wouldn't be detected by anti-virus software. The only way to guarantee that your system is clean would be to erase the hard drive and reinstall everything from scratch. See:
How to reinstall Mac OS X from scratch
Note that if this person was malicious and had access to your Quicken data, you will need to take additional steps to protect that financial data, such as alerting the bank.
(Fair disclosure: I may receive compensation from links to my sites, TheSafeMac.com and AdwareMedic.com.)

What's the best anti virus software for the Mac?

My Power Mac G4 (OSX 10.6.8) has possible been infected with a virus. Can anyone recommend good anti virus software?

Besides ClamXav, you might also consider Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition. It is also free (for non-commercial use) & shares some features (most importantly the same malware definition database) with that company's commercial AV products.
I have been using it for over a year. It has never caused any problems or slowed down my Macs in any noticeable way. The interface is very polished & Mac-like, easy to use & preconfigured with the options enabled that give you maximum protection & control over detected threats.
Compared to ClamXav, its database seems more complete & more quickly updated when new malware variants appear, & its "on access" scanner seems (to me anyway) to be a better approach to 'always on' scanning than ClamXav's Sentry (available only in the download from www.clamxav.com, not in the Mac App Store version).
Also, ClamXav can have problems scanning an entire hard drive (see http://www.clamxav.com/faq.php#Q7). You don't need to do this often: if you have some 'on access' type scanner running you really only need to scan the entire drive once to make sure nothing harmful was installed before you started using the software. Sophos does this with its configurable "on demand" scanner. It takes a very long time to complete, especially if you set it to check inside compressed files (zips, dmg's, etc.), but it doesn't hang like ClamXav might.

Do i need virus protection for my imac g5 and if so what type

please help cause i new with macs

If you're using Mac OS X 10.5.8, as your profile indicates, I would disagree with advice not to use anti-virus software. Systems running Mac OS X 10.5.x and older are missing almost all of the anti-malware protections that have been added to subsequent systems, and malware authors are still writing code to target those systems because of that. A good, low-profile anti-virus program, like Sophos, would not be a bad idea on such an old machine.
Note that, whether you use anti-virus or not, you need to be cautious. You especially must disable Java in your web browser! The version of Java on such an old system is outdated, with no possibility of updating it, and contains vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. Java is bad even on a modern, fully up-to-date Mac, but it's just completely and utterly unsafe to use in any way in the web browser on a system running 10.5.8 or earlier!
Similarly, you should not use Flash Player in your web browser. The latest version of Flash Player will not work in 10.5.8, leaving you with only being able to run a version of Flash that can be attacked through vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. You will want to remove or disable Flash.
You will also need to keep all other third-party code updated - most notably, Microsoft Office, if you use it.

What is the most unto date system software for the iMac?

Can anybody please let me know this?

Look here for your specific system
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159
Sorry, pasted the wrong link - see mende1's post below for the right one

What is some good video editing software for the Imac?

We just got a Imac for my church but Imovie is not cutting it, I need software that can capture video through a firewire. Can then edit it with adding effects such as fading in and out. Then it needs to be able to/have included software that I can use to put the video onto a dvd. I want to know of the best stuff out there. Thanks!

I need software that can capture video through a firewire.
Here is how I do it (I have tried almost everything).
For maximum quality here is my procedure: ADVC300 > iMovie 06 > iDVD 11
http://www.videoguys.com/Item/Grass+Valley+ADVC300/035303230363.aspx
I would use iMovie 06 with iDVD 09/11, why?
iMovie 09/11 uses 'single field processing' meaning every other horizontal line of the video is thrown out, which reduces the sharpness of the footage. iMovie 06 uses ALL of the image to form the video.

Should I buy anti-virus software for new iMac?

Just purchased my first iMac and Ive been reading that I really dont need antivirus protection, is this true? In the past I've always bought Norton Internet Security for my pc's.

You certainly don't need to BUY it. The free ClamXav will do:
There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac has NOT been infected by a virus, it may have another security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
More useful information can also be found here:
http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg/

Is there a project management software for the IMAC

I am new to Apple and I am wondering if there is a good project management and flow charting software available for Apple?

There are some suggestions in this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/15104712#15104712
You can also peruse the App Store, and:
Good place to look for software:
http://www.macupdate.com/
And for free alternatives to some popular software packages:
http://alternativeto.net/
(If you see an ad there for something called MacKeeper, ignore it and on no account install it - it is malware.)

Do I need virus protection for my Imac ?

Is this a dumb question ?

Macs are not impervious to virus's. But if you do er on the paranoid, then there are a few options out there...
ClamXV http://www.clamxav.com/
an open source antivirus engine as a back end and has the ability to detect both Windows and Mac threats.
And Sophos http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-ed ition.aspx
I don't have any virus protection, and have never had any problems... this is one of the reason I made the switch.

What is the best anti-virus software for my Mac?

What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?

If you are still using OS X 10.4.x "Tiger" please confirm.
atpatt wrote:
What is the best anti-virus software for my IMAC?
Use what Apple already provided.
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.
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.
Don’t supply your password in response to a popup window requesting it, unless you know what it is and the reason your credentials are required.
Don’t open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize, or click links contained in an email:
Most of these are scams that direct you to fraudulent sites that attempt to convince you to disclose personal information.
Such "phishing" attempts are the 21st century equivalent of a social exploit that has existed since the dawn of civilization. Don’t fall for it.
Apple will never ask you to reveal personal information in an email. If you receive an unexpected email from Apple saying your account will be closed unless you take immediate action, just ignore it. If your iTunes or App Store account becomes disabled for valid reasons, you will know when you try to buy something or log in to this support site, and are unable to.
Don’t install browser extensions unless you understand their purpose. Go to the Safari menu > Preferences > Extensions. If you see any extensions that you do not recognize or understand, simply click the Uninstall button and they will be gone.
Don’t install Java unless you are certain that you need it:
Java, a non-Apple product, is a potential vector for malware. If you are required to use Java, be mindful of that possibility.
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.
Block browser popups: Safari menu > Preferences > Security > and check "Block popup windows":
Popup windows are useful and required for some websites, but popups have devolved to become a common means to deliver targeted advertising that you probably do not want.
Popups themselves cannot infect your Mac, but many contain resource-hungry code that will slow down Internet browsing.
If you ever see a popup indicating it detected registry errors, that your Mac is infected with some ick, or that you won some prize, it is 100% fraudulent. Ignore it.
Ignore hyperventilating popular media outlets that thrive by promoting fear and discord with entertainment products arrogantly presented as "news". Learn what real threats actually exist and how to arm yourself against them:
The most serious threat to your data security is phishing. To date, most of these attempts have been pathetic and are easily recognized, but that is likely to change in the future as criminals become more clever.
OS X viruses do not exist, but intentionally malicious or poorly written code, created by either nefarious or inept individuals, is nothing new.
Never install something without first knowing what it is, what it does, how it works, and how to get rid of it when you don’t want it any more.
If you elect to use "anti-virus" software, familiarize yourself with its limitations and potential to cause adverse effects, and apply the principle immediately preceding this one.
Most such utilities will only slow down and destabilize your Mac while they look for viruses that do not exist, conveying no benefit whatsoever - other than to make you "feel good" about security, when you should actually be exercising sound judgment, derived from accurate knowledge, based on verifiable facts.
Do install updates from Apple as they become available. No one knows more about Macs and how to protect them than the company that builds them.
Summary: Use common sense and caution when you use your Mac, just like you would in any social context. There is no product, utility, or magic talisman that can protect you from all the evils of mankind.

Free anti virus software for nokia 5530

Does anyone know where you can download free anti virus software for the 5530? i've tried a few sites (even trend micro) but none of the software i've downloaded is compatible with my phone

The security model of SymbianOS 9.2 and above simply does not allow software to install without the user specifically allowing it and without the software in question being signed with a valid certificate. A phone running S60v3 and above simply cannot be infected with a virus.
http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/viruses.htm
The phone therefore needs no protection against viruses.
It may, however, need protection against the user! If you accept and install anything sent to you via bluetooth, MMS or e-mail, or if you make a habit of installing cracked warez from dubious sources, them your phone almost certainly will become infected with some form or other of malware, although it will not be a virus. It might be a worm or a trojan. In any event, it's up to the user to behave responsibly.
Another risk is that the phone may carry Windows or MacOS malware that was copied to it when it was connected in mass storage mode to a computer that was already infected. While such malware will be absolutely harmless to the phone (because the phone runs a completely different operating system on which the malware simply won't run), it could certainly be harmful for the next copmputer to which you connect the phone. The solution here is to scan the phone's mass storage with normal antivirus software on your computer.
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HT1338 do i need virus software for the iMac?

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