New to mac - Anti virus and spyware

[cymrulp]

Hi

As you can see from the subject im new to mac but have been on pc's for years. First off im sooooo pleased to have switched at last!! I run a couple of guitar sites and this is going to be perfect for it, already love the o/s.

I wanted to know peoples opinions on anti-virus and spyware. On the family pc we have avg for anti-virus and spybot for removing spyware.

What are you guys doing for this on your macs?

Cheers

 

[EricNau]

Absolutely not necessary. Just enjoy your virus-free Mac.

 

[Aniki]

Don't bother, get iAntivirus if your really worried since it's free, but macs almost NEVER get viruses.

 

[soberbrain]

I've been using my PowerBook for 5 years with no anti-virus or anti-spyware apps and with no problems.*

*Be safe when you use your computer. Don't download or install anything you don't know or came from someone you don't know. Turn on your firewall and if you have a wireless router make sure it has WPA security turned on.​

Congrats on the switch and have fun!

 

[aristobrat]

IIRC, there aren't any viruses for Mac and the only current spyware/trojan is one a porn site.

If you install anything on your Mac that is going to make major system changes (like a trojan would), your Mac will ask you to enter your password. So long as you're diligent with that process, you should be safe. Make sure you trust the software you're installing before you give it your password!

 

[cymrulp]

thanks for the quick responses, I have turned on the firewall and will now continue to enjoy my mac.

 

[costabunny]

I say err on the side of caution.

It is true that there are very few mac viruses in the wild, but it does not mean you cannot pass on PC viruses through infected emails (they wont hurt you, nor will you likely notice them).

I think it is only prudent to at least have email antivirus,and as Macs become even more popular (Switchers), there will be more viruses. I agree there will never be as many as PC's and this is due to the inherent design base of Unix.

if in doubt get free antivirus like ClamAV. Better safe than sorry.

(Remember the golden rule : It does not matter how many viruses there are; you only need to catch one to have a potential disaster)

 

[soberbrain]

thanks for the quick responses, I have turned on the firewall and will now continue to enjoy my mac.

BTW, make sure to backup your data. Even though Macs are very safe against viruses and spyware, it's still as susceptible as PCs to accidents... power surges, liquid spills, etc.

 

[QuantumLo0p]

You may want to consider AV software if you feel it's irresponsible to pass on a virus to a Windows computer.

Especially if those Windows computers are in your house. You may save yourself a lot of time if you are a little pro-active.

Your choice.

 

[cymrulp]

i need to check out time machine too I guess.

 

[Consultant]

Why don't you google:

anti-virus mac site:forums.macrumors.com

over FIVE-THOUSAND hits.

 

[joegomolski]

I use a program called Little Snitch. This program alerts you to requests to access your network. You'd be surprised how often credit reporting agencies try to log on to your Internet connection. Little Snitchy tells you and you can then deny them access. Check it out. I have no connection to Little Snitch beyond being a satisfied user.

 

[AlexH]

That's the beauty of a Mac, my friend, no need to bother with antivirus software. Enjoy!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Congrats on the switch and welcome to the world of Mac; I'm a switcher too, and the virus-free record of Macs was one of the main reasons I switched last April. I used to inundated with spam and adware when I used Windows, a daily deluge which did reduce quite a bit when I bought (bought, not downloaded for free) a sturdy package from McAfee.

In any case, when I switched, I shared your concerns. With my MBP, very little spam and no viruses get through, (a little still did, and I downloaded a free programme designed for Mac, which was recommended by a poster on this forum a few months ago). However, as other posters have correctly pointed out, you are not immune from contacts - emails, and other links with Windows computers. Thus, I'd go along with the view that it's better to err on the side of caution and install an anti-virus, anti-spam package. Consultant points you in a very useful direction.
Cheers

 

[Drag'nGT]

I use ClamXav

 

[rtpub]

Hi there, I'm also a new convert from the Windows PC world and oh boy I love my MBP!! It's more stable, swift operation and hassle free!! Still, I share the same view on getting antivirus installed on my Mac... looks like only a few free ones are available; so far I could only find ClamXav or iAntiVirus (still beta). Any other suggestions?