which is the best anti-virus to get

[jaisai01]

i just got my mbp, and i am wondering which is the best anti-virus that i should get so i dont ******* up my comp :-) ... lemme know.
thanks arul

[Bubbasteve]

Unless you are gonna boot into Windows I wouldn't even touch an anti-virus software. If you were trying to say you were going to dual boot then I suppose I would go with Norton Anti-Virus

[mad jew]

I had problems with Norton when I had it installed ( two years ago, in my period of utter ignorance). As Bubbasteve said, you don't really need antivirus software on the Mac. :)

[jaisai01]

thats good to know that the mac isnt that vulnerable to viruses. :-)
ill jsut leave it be then. thanks for the help

[Eluon]

Osx

[yellow]

thats good to know that the mac isnt that vulnerable to viruses. :-)

I don't know if I'd go THAT far.. surely there are undiscovered exploits (or unpatched ones on your box) that could (might) be a vector for malware in the future. However, there are currently pretty much zip in the way of Malware in the wild that can affect you. It's been that way for the life of OS X, and maybe won't change too drastically in the future.

I have AV software "just in case", but don't really expect it to do much at the moment. You might want to look into ClamXav (http://www.clamxav.com/) (free) in the meantime.. "just in case".

[blodwyn]

i just got my mbp, and i am wondering which is the best anti-virus that i should get so i dont ******* up my comp :-) ... lemme know.
thanks arul

I suspect that minutes after a viable OS X virus surfaces, this forum will light up with posts. My anti-virus solution is to keep checking in to the MR forum.

[thegreatluke]

People always talk about exploits like they're going to be exploited.

Many of these obscure exploits would be very hard to work into some form of malware. Also, any "viruses" or "malware" that people talk about for OS X are very obscure cases or theoritical things, in which it's a) already patched, b) patched within a few days or c) like the Loop.A virus, only "0-30" people are affected (meaning 0-2 are affected), and then the file is taken off the internet (in this case, the file was taken off MacRumors and the thread was locked). In actuality, the Loop.A "virus" didn't do much, all it did was add random code to the iLife apps that didn't do anything.

Any time a company talks about keyloggers or anything of the like, it's usually bull. For instance, I downloaded a free beta of a spyware checker and it came up with nothing. I checked some of the things it listed as "malware," and most of them were taken way out of proportion. For instance, three of the "keyloggers" were actually monitoring software that is used in businesses for their workers, where the app is open, in the dock. You knew it was there, had to open it yourself when you went in in the morning, and you could close it too

IMO you don't need any anti-malware software at all. You're good just the way you are, with the firewall on. :]

[yellow]

People always talk about exploits like they're going to be exploited.

I can't see into the future, can you? :confused:

[Bern]

Because the majority of my clients have pc's and of course College uses pc's as well I have Norton's AV on my Mac :eek: Simply because I don't want to inadvertently pass a virus onto anyone.

I have used NAV for years and never had a problem with it. I think it was Norton's Utilities that screwed around, but I've never used it. NAV is fine.

[techound1]

We have to face the fact that as Macs get more popular, more weaknesses will be exploited (yes, there are weaknesses in OS X, Virginia) :eek: . I recommend Nav both as a preventative and as a way of not passing on win viruses.

[mad jew]

Bern, whilst I didn't have any troubles with Norton AntiVirus being buggy, I did find it slowed my system down somewhat. Of course, I did a clean install to get rid of it, so maybe some of the speed up can be attributed to that. Still, I found Norton using up far too much hard drive work, which wasn't good on an iBook. :)

[Eraserhead]

You might want to look into ClamXav (http://www.clamxav.com/) (free) in the meantime.. "just in case".

Well I dunno, it took 24 hours to scan 200GB of data on my computer (an iMac G5 2GHz), far too slow for me... though it is free of course.

But the alternatives are Sophos:
equally slow... i downloaded a trial and got bored after it managed less than 10% in 1 hour, so slow (ala Clam Xav)

VirusBarrier (what I use)
ok, but in turbo mode it crashes when it finds a file it doesn't like, very annoying and renders it useless... (if they sorted this it'd be the best AV program on any platform!) other than that it's fast (about 1 hour in slow mode, 30 minutes in turbo mode) to read my data), though the renewals cost £17 per year, £26 for two years.

This leaves Virex, which I haven't tried and Norton which I have used under Panther and found it buggy and bad, far inferior to the Windows version...

[yellow]

In ClamXav's defense, 200GB is a lot of data. ;)

That's about 2.3MB/second.. not great, but there's a LOT of viruses listed in a vireddef.

I use Virex. 7.2. Not a huge fan, but there it is.

[calebjohnston]

I have AV software "just in case", but don't really expect it to do much at the moment. You might want to look into ClamXav (http://www.clamxav.com/) (free) in the meantime.. "just in case".

Just because you don't NEED it, doesn't mean you shouldn't have it. It couldn't hurt. Yellow is right.

[jsw]

Besides looking into AV software, one of the smartest things you can do is set up a separate admin account and remove your own account's ability to administer the Mac. You can always use the admin login and password when you need to, or even log into that account during those rare times you can't just use an admin password to do something, but most exploits, which often require admin privs to truly mess up your system, won't be able to affect your non-admin, day-to-day account.

And, of course, backup regularly.

The fact that there aren't really any in-the-wild exploits now says nothing about tomorrow, and the less worried you are now, the more vulnerable you'll be when something big hits. No need to be paranoid, but there's no harm in playing it a bit safe. At the very least, back up your key files regularly.

[tonywalker23]

virus software?!?!

for the mac, never use any. i downloaded the virex app when i got .mac but it was more touble than it was worth to me.

for the pc, dont plug it in :)

jk,

ive had a hp pc since around august of 2000 or 2001, cant remember. and i have never had a virus on it. i dont go to strange sites, i dont click on the emails that tell me i got a free outback giftcard, dont download the installer popups on some sites, etc . . . .

it makes me wonder how some people can get their computer so messed up, just watch what you do and you should be fine, i think.

my 2 cents

[Bern]

Bern, whilst I didn't have any troubles with Norton AntiVirus being buggy, I did find it slowed my system down somewhat. Of course, I did a clean install to get rid of it, so maybe some of the speed up can be attributed to that. Still, I found Norton using up far too much hard drive work, which wasn't good on an iBook. :)

Really? How odd, I've never noticed any slow down on my Macs.

[j26]

Unless you are gonna boot into Windows I wouldn't even touch an anti-virus software. If you were trying to say you were going to dual boot then I suppose I would go with Norton Anti-Virus

If anyone is booting into Windows do NOT use Norton - it's bloated, slow and annoying, and why have to pay for something when you can get better for free?

The best combo is AVG Free and Zone Alarm Firewall both free and they use less system resources.

[bigboy99]

i just got my mbp, and i am wondering which is the best anti-virus that i should get so i dont ******* up my comp :-) ... lemme know.
thanks arul

I used PC-cillin for several years. It doesn't gum up the registry like Norton/McAfee. Now I don't worry about it. :D

http://www.digitalriver.com/v2.0-img/operations/trendmic/site/multi.htm

[mad jew]

Really? How odd, I've never noticed any slow down on my Macs.


Not progressive slow down. Just that having Norton installed seemed to slow down disk access. It was pretty noticeable on my 4200RPM notebook drive. :(

[After G]

Does AV software really help computer users though?

If you're infected with a new virus, it won't be in the AV vendor's defs/DATs.
If you're looking out for Windows users, don't send them executables.
If it's an old virus that has got you, there will be a removal tool from someone. Better to wipe the whole drive and reinstall anyway.

AV software seems more like paying for nothing, IMO.

[Eraserhead]

In ClamXav's defense, 200GB is a lot of data. ;)

That's about 2.3MB/second.. not great, but there's a LOT of viruses listed in a vireddef.

I use Virex. 7.2. Not a huge fan, but there it is.
Fair point, 200GB is a lot of data ;)... I've never tried Virex, as no-one has recommended it really and it's only just started to work with Tiger... my main problem with ClamXav is that with it scanning so slowly I'd never do a virus scan at all, also Intego Virus Barrier is a *lot* quicker and doesn't seem to make the fans any faster while running.:)

[yellow]

it makes me wonder how some people can get their computer so messed up, just watch what you do and you should be fine, i think.


The majority of windows users whose machines are compromised never know it. It's not like a virus or malware pops up (typically) and says YOU'RE INFECTED! DO SOMETHING! There are tens of millions of zombified computers out there and their owners have no idea. And it really doesn't necessarily have anything to do with where & how you surf.

Personally, I will never purchase an Intego product.

[miniConvert]

Bern, whilst I didn't have any troubles with Norton AntiVirus being buggy, I did find it slowed my system down somewhat. Of course, I did a clean install to get rid of it, so maybe some of the speed up can be attributed to that. Still, I found Norton using up far too much hard drive work, which wasn't good on an iBook. :)
Norton is pretty renowned as being bloatware. I'm currently not using any virus protection at all on my Mac, though I note my Anti-Virus vendor of choice, Sophos, offers a Mac version. Probably not UB yet though.

[gjugger]

I understand that Noton Anti Virus does not work on Tiger (OSX 10.4), and I just reviewed the writeup of Intego's Virus Barrier X-4 which has been updated for Tiger and it sounds terrific. Price at $69.95 is steep but the features, its simplicitly and speed are very appealing. Recent reports of virus's appearing on the Mac are a warning and the price for a first class protection which does not slow the computer is a small consideration. Question: have any of you tried this software and what is your conclusion?

[yg17]

I use common sense as my antivirus, both on my Macs and my PC.

[njmac]

More important than running antivirus software is to make sure your OS is up to date.

[Saluki Alex]

If anyone is booting into Windows do NOT use Norton - it's bloated, slow and annoying, and why have to pay for something when you can get better for free?

The best combo is AVG Free and Zone Alarm Firewall both free and they use less system resources.

Exactly, AVG is by far one of the best anti-virus apps out there (even better because it's free). And Zone Alarm is great too, but only use it if you don't mind dealing with permission pop-ups every so often (happens the most when you first install), but for most people I'd suggest just using the Windows firewall instead. I know it doesn't deal with outbound traffic, but most people will get fed up with Zone Alarm asking them questions repeatedly and just turn the firewall off instead.

But in OS X, just practice basic security, enable the firewall, don't download strange attachments, etc. and you should be fine. Oh, and don't go looking around for pics of OS X Leopard. ;)

[yellow]

Question: have any of you tried this software and what is your conclusion?

Here's a couple reasons not to use Intego's VirusBarrier:

http://daringfireball.net/2004/04/crying_wolf
http://www.jayallen.org/journey/2004/04/mp3concept_a_mac_mp3_virus_or_hoax
http://www.osopinion.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1161
http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,63000,00.html?tw=rss.TEK
And Intego's lame redirect..
http://www.intego.com/news/pr41.asp

[4God]

OSX

Yup, but without BootCamp and XP :p

[gjugger]

Here's a couple reasons not to use Intego's VirusBarrier:

http://daringfireball.net/2004/04/crying_wolf
http://www.jayallen.org/journey/2004/04/mp3concept_a_mac_mp3_virus_or_hoax
http://www.osopinion.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1161
http://www.wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,63000,00.html?tw=rss.TEK
And Intego's lame redirect..
http://www.intego.com/news/pr41.asp


Thanks for your comments, but I note that these objections relate to an experience that happened almost 2 years ago. It is not unusual for software companies to get a little over active about their product. I would sure like to get a report about any recent experience with this product. Does it really have the simplicity and speed that it claims?

[uaaerospace]

I suspect that minutes after a viable OS X virus surfaces, this forum will light up with posts. My anti-virus solution is to keep checking in to the MR forum.

Yep, good strategy. After all, the scare last month originated from this site.

[yellow]

Thanks for your comments, but I note that these objections relate to an experience that happened almost 2 years ago.

That enough to sour me to them forever. I don't care for scare tactics and FUD to sell a product that isn't really needed in the first place.

[M-theory]

Here's a couple reasons not to use Intego's VirusBarrier:


kinda like the new 'tar, but the cat sniper is one of my favorites...

[ScarletRed]

Ignore this post. I messed up.

Now, if someone could tell me how to delete a post, that'd be great.

[ScarletRed]

People always talk about exploits like they're going to be exploited. ...... Many of these obscure exploits would be very hard to work into some form of malware.:]


Many apple fanatics who fervently tout their machines claim the safety of macs from viruses is due to superiority of Mac OS X over Windows XP. I disagree. While superior coding of Mac OS may have contributed to relative absence of virus attacks, it will not deter outbreaks if the majority of households were to own a mac instead of a PC. The main reason for the prevalence of PC viruses today is due to dominance of PCs in the market. And the fact that Micro$oft's hodge podge of spaghetti codes that they call Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP...etc. renders them even more vulnerable to malicious codes. But to claim that PCs catch viruses because of the their poor operating system would be misconstruing the fact.

General rule of thumb is that if something can be exploited, it will. Yes, even a Mac. It's just a matter of time.

Thank God my days of PC-related problems will soon be over. I am in the process of becoming a Mac-user. It worries me, however, that Macs operating systems have undergone rapid changes in the recent years. I wonder how long it will be from now before I must purchase Mac OS X 10.5.x or beyond just to install and operate some of their new softwares... but that's another story altogether.

[yellow]

Now, if someone could tell me how to delete a post, that'd be great.

One must be a Contributor to be able to delete posts.

[bousozoku]

That enough to sour me to them forever. I don't care for scare tactics and FUD to sell a product that isn't really needed in the first place.

Intego has various administrative problems. I've dealt with them because I bought NetBarrier during Mac OS 9.x. Their developers have done a good job, though.

If push comes to shove, I'd rather deal with them than Symantec and I'm not sure whether to trust McAfee and their monster that is the current Virex.

[keith47]

I'm using EZ antivirus

http://store.digitalriver.com/servlet/ControllerServlet?Action=DisplayHomePage&SiteID=caconsum&Locale=en_US&Env=BASE

[earltash]

Only Antivirus you need on Mac OS X.
Only place you'll ever find a virus is on a Word Doc file.

http://www.unmetered.org.uk/clamXav/ClamavEngine_0.88.7_10.4.zip

[majordude]

Personally, I will never purchase an Intego product.

Because...?

(OOPS! Never mind! I just saw your other posts).

[djstarrock]

Anti-virus programs are pointless on the mac all they do is stop you from sending a windows virus to a windows user.