O.T. Free Anti-Virus Software Recommendations Wanted

Any recommendations on free anti-virus software for the Mac ?

Some thoughts on Norton on Macs that I saved from another forum:
Do not use Norton Antivirus. Do not trust Norton Antivirus.
For starters, there are no Mac viruses. Nada. Zip. None. Paying money to protect your Mac from viruses is like paying money to protect your Mac from vampires.
Norton Antivirus has two problems that make it worse than useless. First, it has many known and documented bugs (including bugs that can cripple your system in a way that makes it impossible for you to authenticate as an administrator, bugs that can prevent you from re-installing Classic, and bugs that can corrupt files created with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Indesign).
Second, it has a history of false positives--incorrectly saying files are "infected" when they are not. In the worst and most dramatic case of false diagnosis, one NAV update wrongly said certain critical VM files used by the system were "infected;" people who believed this diagnosis and told Norton to "fix" the "infection" screwed up their systems but good.
NAV is also implicated in many kernel panics and other system crashes.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you have wasted your money on worthless software that can damage your system in an effort to protect yourself from a problem which does not yet exist on the Mac. I advise you to write off the money you spent as a loss and remove Norton from your computer.
Norton is NASTY stuff. Stay away from anything with the Norton name, especially do NOT let anything with the Norton name (like Norton Anti Virus, File Saver) ever reside on your computer.
NAV (Norton Anti Virus) can lead to permanent file damage. Files damaged by NAV are not recoverable. NAV can also prevent many PostScript files from parsing, even if not damaged permanently.
Disk Doctor and Speed Disk are known to cause the kind of directory damage that can lead to kernel panics.

Similar Messages

What's the best free anti-virus software to use?

I'm looking for the best FREE anti-virus software for personal use. Suggestions? If you could give me the top 2-3 or those that clearly separate themselves from the pack, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

Darien,
Allan is right it's really not needed for MacOSX, but if you feel you need protection from viruses/malware download and install ClamXav. If you want real time scanning for files and downloads use the Clam Sentry feature. Open ClamXav, go to preferences activate clam sentry, when asked what folder to watch just enter the / which will monitor your entire system. Hope this helps.
Joseph

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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What is the best free anti virus software to install on a macbook pro?

What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?

yankeefan29 wrote:
What is the best free anti virus software to install on a computer used only for personal use?
No antivirus software is needed.
Install all System, Applications and Security updates released by Apple.
For more on this:
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11432
About antivirus:
http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-antivirus/

Free anti virus software for macbook pro OS X 10.8.4

What is the best free anti virus software for my MacBook Pro OS X 10.8.4? Only just been made aware that there is reputable AntiVirus available from BBC's CLICK ON-LINE

circulair@ wrote:
What is the best free anti virus software for my MacBook Pro OS X 10.8.4?
In General 3rd Party AV Software is Not Required as Mac OS X tends to look after itself.
Read Here > https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4545776?tstart=0
See Here > Antivirus Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/20969069
The Safe Mac > http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/
Also have a look at this Informative Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/22247724

Anti-Virus Software recommendations?

My University recently downgraded from free Norton Anti-Virus to a program called "Sophos." Anyone know anything about this?
Either way, can anyone recommend a reliable freeware anti-virus software?

Hi Andrew!
Many use this one ClamXav.
ali b

Free anti virus software

I know that the question of whether anti virus is needed on Mac is contentious but some users feel it is required. I am just asking if the various free AV apps are any good? I just think that if they really do the job, why are they given away? All comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.

... I am just asking if the various free AV apps are any good? I just think that if they really do the job, why are they given away?
The answer, as you probably suspect, is to sell you garbage products you do not need.
I know that the question of whether anti virus is needed on Mac is contentious but some users feel it is required.
Many users choose to install non-Apple "anti-virus" products do so on the basis of how it makes them "feel". An effective defense against real threats requires education, thought, and action. "Feeling secure" is no substitute for knowledge and actions that comprise an effective defense.
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.
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.

Anti-virus software recommendation

Would anyone be able to recommend an anti-virus software for my PowerBook? I frequently exchange files with Windows XP.

There is quite a bit of debate over the need for an AV program on a Mac, but if you want to use one, I think ClamXav is the one to use.
www.clamxav.com

Anti-virus software for HP Strem 8 model 5901

I recently purchased an HP Stream 8 tablet 5901. It has Windows 8.1 on it. I would like to install free anti-virus software on it, but there are so many "out there" that I'm not sure which one is best for this model of HP tablet. Accordingly, I'm looking for a recommendation as to which one would be a good fit for this tablet.
This question was solved.
View Solution.

Since all of your content is cloud storage based, a seperate antivirus product is not really needed. Windows 8.1 has the built in Windows Defender.
****Please click on Accept As Solution if a suggestion solves your problem. It helps others facing the same problem to find a solution easily****
2015 Microsoft MVP - Windows Experience Consumer

Anti-virus softwares for N81-3

Hello everybody,
Can anyone state a good and free Anti-virus
softwares for N81-3.
Thanks and best regards.
Fattan

Do you really need antivirus? Have a look at the website below first.
http://3lib.ukonline.co.uk/viruses.htm

What is recommended for anti virus software?

I had a free copy of Grisoft AVG 7.0 antivirus on my PC...but now am a convert to a new Intel Duo 2 Core system...
Haven't seen much information up front on advice for anti virus software, have heard it said Macs don't really need it.
So...what is the low down and heads up on this? Is it best to have it?
Typically...anti virus software tends to go deep deep into the system, and will this affect the operating systems of OS X ???
thanks...

Apple recommends that we all use antivirus software; Mac OS: Antivirus Utilities. They know that evil people will be trying to write virus for Mac OS X.
I use ClamXav. It is free. It is continually supported and I update the virus definitions daily. It has never caused an issue, but has alerted me to a number of PC virii. It monitors my Downloads folder and my email.

I have a 6.1.6 MAC desktop and my bank has recommended anti-virus software and turn on Firewall - require advise please

I have a 6.1.6. MAC desktop and my on-line bank has recommended I download separate anti-virus software and turn on Firewall
Please advise
Thank you
Karinband

I concur with Etresoft. If they persist in their demands for you to install AV software and turning on a firewall, ask to speak to a manager of the bank and suggest to them that you are seriously considering changing banks. That usually changes their tune.

What anti virus software is recommended for iphone 3gs

what anti-virus software is recommended for iphone 3GS?

You don't need it for an iPhone, assuming that you have not made any unauthorised changes to the OS, such as jailbreaking.

Loading mcaffee livesafe wants me to remove existing anti virus software. How do I know what I have on my pc

I am loading Mcaffee for me MAC and thought I had removed the existing antivirus software but it says I haven't. How do I look for existing anti virus software?

Little Teddy wrote:
I am loading Mcaffee for me MAC
Are you REALLY a sure you want to do this? Macafee products are generally not well received in the Mac world. The same can be said for anti virus in general.
before doing something that will slow your Mac to a crawl take a look at http://www.thesafemac.com

Who can recommend a functional anti virus software for imac and macbaook

Alarm! Great problems with Internet Banking!
Access closed by bank because of "Trojaner" on my imac. Can't believe.
Who can recommend a good anti virus software for imac, macbook and even ipad?
Thanks for helping
Eva

ClamXav.
You will 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/

O.T. Free Anti-Virus Software Recommendations Wanted

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