Antivirus

[TheBacklash]

They should be the same.

http://www.clamxav.com

Clean, simple-to-use interface
Clearly lists infected files
Free virus definitions (usually updated daily)
Save your favourite scan locations for easy access
Customise the toolbar - or hide it entirely
Send selected files to quarantine or trash with one click
Specify files to exclude using plain text* or by using drag & drop from the Finder
Specify schedules to update virus definitions and perform scans
Use ClamXav Sentry to monitor your hard drive and scan new files as they arrive†
Use the bundled ClamAV engine or bring your own installation†
Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6, 10.7, 10.8 and OS X 10.9 Mavericks

* You can still use regular expressions if you want the extra flexibility.
† Feature not available in the App Store version.

What are the differences between the version of ClamXav available to download here and the version on the Mac App Store?
The App Store version doesn't contain ClamXav Sentry, so it is not able to watch your computer for new files and scan them as they arrive.
There is no engine installation phase as the App Store requirements stipulate that everything must be self-contained within the app.
Virus definition updates are downloaded on a per-user basis.
Updates to the ClamXav app itself are taken care of via the Mac App Store.
Mac OS X 10.6 or greater is required.

The exact same version which is on the Mac App Store can also be downloaded here.
Note: The AppStore version is still at v2.3.6 as v2.6.1 is a substantial rewrite and requires a lot of work to bring the AppStore version up-to-speed. It will happen soon.

 

[pastrychef]

I see. Thanks for the info. I prefer the MAS version then.

 

[GGJstudios]

Any insight on the differences between the MAS version and the one from the developer's site?

As stated below, the MAS version does not have the ClamXav Sentry. However, you don't need that feature, as it's not necessary to scan OS X real-time. You can run periodic scans when you feel like it. Running antivirus software on a Mac is not necessary to keep a Mac malware-free, and real-time scanning is certainly overkill, and consumes system resources unnecessarily. While some network administrators may require users to have antivirus software on a Mac, they do not require real-time scanning. If you don't have a requirement by a network to run antivirus software, you're better off not using any, and instead practicing safe computing.

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.

 

[irnchriz]

Any insight on the differences between the MAS version and the one from the developer's site?

From the website:
A slightly modified version of ClamXav is available in the Mac App Store.

What are the differences between the version of ClamXav available to download here and the version on the Mac App Store?
The App Store version doesn't contain ClamXav Sentry, so it is not able to watch your computer for new files and scan them as they arrive.
There is no engine installation phase as the App Store requirements stipulate that everything must be self-contained within the app.
Virus definition updates are downloaded on a per-user basis.
Updates to the ClamXav app itself are taken care of via the Mac App Store.
Mac OS X 10.6 or greater is required.

The exact same version which is on the Mac App Store can also be downloaded here.
Note: The AppStore version is still at v2.3.6 as v2.6.1 is a substantial rewrite and requires a lot of work to bring the AppStore version up-to-speed. It will happen soon.

 

[Irishman]

From the website:
A slightly modified version of ClamXav is available in the Mac App Store.

What are the differences between the version of ClamXav available to download here and the version on the Mac App Store?
The App Store version doesn't contain ClamXav Sentry, so it is not able to watch your computer for new files and scan them as they arrive.
There is no engine installation phase as the App Store requirements stipulate that everything must be self-contained within the app.
Virus definition updates are downloaded on a per-user basis.
Updates to the ClamXav app itself are taken care of via the Mac App Store.
Mac OS X 10.6 or greater is required.

The exact same version which is on the Mac App Store can also be downloaded here.
Note: The AppStore version is still at v2.3.6 as v2.6.1 is a substantial rewrite and requires a lot of work to bring the AppStore version up-to-speed. It will happen soon.

Got it! Using it. I actually prefer manual scanning vs scheduled scanning.

 

[flopticalcube]

Got it! Using it. I actually prefer manual scanning vs scheduled scanning.

Its not a question of schedules. The download version has a realtime scanning engine that scans files as they are downloaded into your machine. The MAS version requires you to manually scan. If a trojan exists in a downlaoded file, the scanner will pick it up as soon as it is downloaded. The MAS version will not see it until you scan (either manually or scheduled) in which case it may be too late.

MAS version will be updated with the realtime scanner soon, however.

 

[Irishman]

Its not a question of schedules. The download version has a realtime scanning engine that scans files as they are downloaded into your machine. The MAS version requires you to manually scan. If a trojan exists in a downlaoded file, the scanner will pick it up as soon as it is downloaded. The MAS version will not see it until you scan (either manually or scheduled) in which case it may be too late.

MAS version will be updated with the realtime scanner soon, however.

Good to know. I'm pretty careful about not downloading sketch software.