ClamXav went Commercial

[Artimus12]

I updated the app as usual, but as I was busy this time, I didn't read the update popup and just agreed, then installed when it had finished downloading. Imagine my surprise when it asked me for my registration details.

The fee for the new version is $23.60 (£14.99) with 25% introductory discount. I know ClamXav is regularly recommended on this forum, but if you're not already a registered user, you're S.O.L.

Feel free to let me know how invaluable the app is, and how it's worth every penny ....or Not as the case may be.

 

[Pakaku]

It's... fascinating how some people think they need something like ClamXAV on a Mac.

 

[Artimus12]

It's even more fascinating how some folk believe there's no such thing as Virii or Trojans on a Mac.

 

[MisterMe]

It's even more fascinating how some folk believe there's no such thing as Virii or Trojans on a Mac.

Are you asserting that there are viruses on the Mac? If you know of than, then name them, post a link to a list of them, or peddle your wares elsewhere.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

I have run scans with this app a number of times just to see what if anything it found. After more than three years of use that has included in place upgrades (not fresh installs) and a new system where I used Time Machine to restore everything, the only few items found were windows trojans in attachments to junk emails I never even looked at.

Any system can be compromised but it is unlikely with OS X where Windows is a far larger and more lucrative target.

I don't consider any of them worthwhile unless an actual problem presents itself that justifies further investigation in which case you can do that for free with Bitdefender on the Mac App Store or Avira on their own site and I'm sure others as well.

What is far, far more valuable is just keeping backups with TimeMachine that protect against catastrophe of most kinds.

It would be one thing if any one of these type of apps actually worked consistently and reliably but not one single one does or can. So, why blow the money for "just in case" when it may never happen and even if it does the app may fail to detect and remove it? If a problem does arise you can use a free solution to deal with it or in a worst case scenario, restore the operating system and then all your apps and data from Time Machine.

Anyone not taking advantage of TimeMachine or similar has far more to worry about than whether or not they install some relatively useless antivirus program on OS X.

 

[Artimus12]

Are you asserting that there are viruses on the Mac? If you know of than, then name them, post a link to a list of them, or peddle your wares elsewhere.

I'm peddling nothing! but I refuse to be misled by the ignorance of members like you.

Read this: http://www.macworld.com/article/2923022/checking-your-mac-for-viruses-wait-what.html

Why ClamXav? Because it has one job and it does it very well. It’s not too intrusive. It doesn’t try to do too much. If you’re using Apple’s Server app to host your email, it’s what Apple uses to scan incoming mail for viruses.

and next time try Googling before you shoot off at the gums. https://www.google.co.uk/search?cli...-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=3M2MVa_ZLtfEUMDHgagC

I have run scans with this app a number of times just to see what if anything it found. After more than three years of use that has included in place upgrades (not fresh installs) and a new system where I used Time Machine to restore everything, the only few items found were windows trojans in attachments to junk emails I never even looked at.

Any system can be compromised but it is unlikely with OS X where Windows is a far larger and more lucrative target.

I don't consider any of them worthwhile unless an actual problem presents itself that justifies further investigation in which case you can do that for free with Bitdefender on the Mac App Store or Avira on their own site and I'm sure others as well.

What is far, far more valuable is just keeping backups with TimeMachine that protect against catastrophe of most kinds.

It would be one thing if any one of these type of apps actually worked consistently and reliably but not one single one does or can. So, why blow the money for "just in case" when it may never happen and even if it does the app may fail to detect and remove it? If a problem does arise you can use a free solution to deal with it or in a worst case scenario, restore the operating system and then all your apps and data from Time Machine.

Anyone not taking advantage of TimeMachine or similar has far more to worry about than whether or not they install some relatively useless antivirus program on OS X.

I like this reply! It makes sense - unlike some who believe and preach that it's not at all possible to become infected.

 

[maflynn]

The fee for the new version is $23.60 (£14.99) with 25% introductory discount. I know ClamXav is regularly recommended on this forum, but if you're not already a registered user, you're S.O.L.

The developer(s) put a lot of time and energy into the app, perhaps they feel that they were not being compensated sufficiently when it was being given away. I don't know them for charging the app, similarly people complained when Carbon Copy Cloner went from donationwre to commercial.

Whether I use the app or not, the developer has the right to charge what they feel is a fair price - its up to you and I to vote with our wallets. I personally don't use antivirus apps on my Mac and so I have no desire to pay for ClamXav.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

The developer(s) put a lot of time and energy into the app, perhaps they feel that they were not being compensated sufficiently when it was being given away. I don't know them for charging the app, similarly people complained when Carbon Copy Cloner went from donationwre to commercial.

Whether I use the app or not, the developer has the right to charge what they feel is a fair price - its up to you and I to vote with our wallets. I personally don't use antivirus apps on my Mac and so I have no desire to pay for ClamXav.

I think what some people may take issue with is that ClamXav is based on an open source project that provides much of its functionality if I recall correctly. What the developer did in this case though was to take from that and create an OS X version of it. So personally, I do understand what you are saying and do not disagree with it in principle either even in this case but I can see some being up in arms on the basis of this software's origin even if I do not personally agree with it.

I don't think that's the issue in this thread but I'd bet it is arising as an issue in some quarters.

Just for reference about the origin of the underlying scanning engine and virus definitions used by ClamXav I will refer the interested here: http://www.clamav.net/index.html

 

[jlc1978]

I think what some people may take issue with is that ClamXav is based on an open source project that provides much of its functionality if I recall correctly.
Just for reference about the origin of the underlying scanning engine and virus definitions used by ClamXav I will refer the interested here: http://www.clamav.net/index.html

If it uses CalmAV code then it would be a derivative work covered by the GPL. The developer can certainly charge for the program but would still need to abide by the GPL source code requirements in the license and provide that free of charge.

 

[Artimus12]

The developer(s) put a lot of time and energy into the app, perhaps they feel that they were not being compensated sufficiently when it was being given away. I don't know them for charging the app, similarly people complained when Carbon Copy Cloner went from donationwre to commercial.

Whether I use the app or not, the developer has the right to charge what they feel is a fair price - its up to you and I to vote with our wallets. I personally don't use antivirus apps on my Mac and so I have no desire to pay for ClamXav.

I've no doubt the dev put a lot of time and effort into making ClamXav as good as it is, I applaud that work and feel it should be compensated for! But the price is a little inflated for something that was previously F.O.C. and is only really useful on occasion. But didn't he think that the reason it's been so popular on Macs is because it was free? Personally, I think his advisors have lead him to believe it's worth more than it is.

I think it could have been charged at 10.00-15.00$ (7.50-10£) with justification! but the Developer could easily put himself out of the game with such an expensive introduction - it's like he's trying to make up for the years of not charging by recouping all his efforts in an instant! Just like putting a lobster in a Boiling pot Vs. putting it in warm water and slowly turning up the heat, It's bound to cause many to jump ship to a more recognised name - even if they're not as good as ClamXav.

Edit: I've updated the Poll to reflect the views of those that don't use scanners on Macs.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

If it uses CalmAV code then it would be a derivative work covered by the GPL. The developer can certainly charge for the program but would still need to abide by the GPL source code requirements in the license and provide that free of charge.

Yeah, I wasn't confused about that but probably should have been clear about it to begin with. I was more thinking in terms of perceived value some may feel that working off that codebase means the developer is charging for something where the lion's share of the work was obtained by them at no cost at all. That's what I was thinking but I did fail to communicate that. I'm glad you brought that up.

I don't personally care what they charge for it. I consider spending on antivirus software for a Mac to be a waste of money as I mentioned above other than obviously in the unlikely scenario where one does manage to acquire some malware or adware of some sort and if that happens, there are free solutions as I pointed out so why would somebody pay for this?

 

[Dirtyharry50]

Poor Clam is getting no love in the polling.

On a bright note, I absolutely love fried clams, the real deal with the bellies. Oh, yes. Heaven on earth. Why certainly! I would love some onion rings too. Thank you very much. Tartar sauce? I can't get enough.

Now a meal like that is well worth paying for without any doubt. Those are clams you'll never hear me advise against!

 

[Artimus12]

Poor Clam is getting no love in the polling.

...

I'm sure it'll only get worse as folk get around to updating and realise they have to pay.

 

[Bananas Ananas]

Has anyone here actually had a virus on their mac?

 

[shiekh]

Everyone deserves the chance to earn a living, and the author of ClamXav has more than proved the worth of his work. I feel sure I am not the only one to wish him all the best in this venture; and fighting off PC viruses is important to people who don't want to pass them to others.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

Everyone deserves the chance to earn a living, and the author of ClamXav has more than proved the worth of his work. I feel sure I am not the only one to wish him all the best in this venture; and fighting off PC viruses is important to people who don't want to pass them to others.

Nothing against the guy but how exactly has the worth of this app been proven? Has it found and eliminated any viruses for you personally? Have you or are you planning to purchase it? I have had it for a long time, run it every now and then and it hasn't proven anything to me but then I am running OS X so that does not come as a big surprise.

 

[jlc1978]

I don't personally care what they charge for it. I consider spending on antivirus software for a Mac to be a waste of money as I mentioned above other than obviously in the unlikely scenario where one does manage to acquire some malware or adware of some sort and if that happens, there are free solutions as I pointed out so why would somebody pay for this?

We're certainly in agreement. I certainly have no issue with someone making money and can understand a developer's frustration when they see people d/l and using their software but not donating to support ongoing development. I think they have priced themselves a bit to high but that is their choice. The developer is giving free licenses to people who supported him in the past, which is a nice touch.

If someone really wants a Mac Antivirus program, ClamAV is free, for example. I don't believe they are necessary but if someone else wants to run one that's their choice. ClamXAV uses the ClamAV scanning engine, according to their FAQ, so why not just use the free version?

The only issue I've seen with a Mac is adware and browser hijacks; which are easily removed manually or via AdWare Medic.

 

[phalseHUD]

I'm just going to weigh in on this thread. I've not felt the need to comment for quite a while on here but here goes...

• Firstly, I'm annoyed with myself that I didn't fully read through the install docs. If I'd spotted that the software was no longer going to be FoC, I wouldn't have bothered installing the update. I've been a long time user of ClamXav and have updated the software many times over the years, so I suppose I was just on automatic pilot which is very unusual for me. Lesson reinforced.
• Yes, I've been a long time user and I've paid nothing for that use, but AV is not something I'd want to pay for on my Mac - or even my virtual windows machine. I don't visit dodgy websites or download/use hooky software. I'm fairly security conscious so I'm confident that my machine would be (as it always has been) clean anyway, The main reason I went with ClamXav in the beginning, was so that I didn't pass on all the M$ Word macro crap that seemed to be doing the rounds at Uni when I was there. Having said that ClamXav never found anything anyway, hopefully because I'm the careful sort!
• I agree with Artimus12 that the cost of the software is quite steep. Especially considering not long ago I almost removed the software due to the bug whereby it kept asking me to scan/never scan over and over again. If I'm paying what would normally be £20 for software, I wouldn't expect to deal with crappy bugs like that one.
• The current pricing is a little odd too. New users can get the software for only £14.99, whereas students with an eligible email address have to pay £15.99! What student is going to do that whilst the promo period lasts?!
• Finally, there are other free AV solutions for the Mac from what we perceive to be reputable companies such as BitDefender and Sophos. I'm really not sure AV is the business model it once used to be.

So it seems my relationship with ClamXav is over. I've opted for the free trial, which apart from the GUI tweaks doesn't seem to offer any new/enhanced functionality over the previous FoC version. I might have missed it though... I don't have any axe to grind against the guy who develops the software by the way and I wish him all the best in his new direction. But paying for AV is not something I'm prepared to do.

phalseHUD out!

 

[glutenenvy]

The fee for the new version is $23.60 (£14.99) with 25% introductory discount.

Not exactly the same as the direct download version, but the app store is still showing free when I tried it. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clamxav/id430207028?mt=12

EDIT: I take that back. I checked in November and the developer or Apple ripped it from the app store.

"It's better then using the command line.", isn't exactly a great sales point. The interface needs to be improved to justify selling the product.

 

[Tigerman82]

Just finished uninstalling ClamXav after getting the notification to either purchase a license or start the trial. The price is ridiculous (Fantastical 2 comes to mind and at least with Airmail 2, another app that caused an uproar because of the price, they handed out codes to get it free) and had the developer offered an introductory price of say 5 dollars with the regular price being 8-10 dollars, I would've probably bought it. While a good app, it is a glorified skin over an open source virus engine and, more importantly, it's tough (if not close to impossible) for OS X to get infected.

 

[Mr. McMac]

I was using it up till this update. I've since deleted it. That being said, It's never detected any viruses or malware on any of my Macs in all the years I've been using it.

 

[Pakaku]

I like this reply! It makes sense - unlike some who believe and preach that it's not at all possible to become infected.

But Macs can't become infected by viruses. Only malware, and even then that's debatable. All this app is good for would be to scan for Windows viruses, but why aren't your Windows computers running anti-virus?

 

[mpainesyd]

If I receive a Microsoft file such as a DOC I prefer to scan it (for Windows viruses) before forwarding it to Windows users. Luckily this rarely happens as most reputable email servers scan for common viruses.
I have used ClamXav for many years for this purpose. One reason has been that it can be set to automatically scan files added to a nominated folder, including Mail downloads.
So I will probably pay for the upgrade.

 

[wrldwzrd89]

But Macs can't become infected by viruses. Only malware, and even then that's debatable. All this app is good for would be to scan for Windows viruses, but why aren't your Windows computers running anti-virus?

Macs can be infected, yes. But not by MOST Windows viruses, worms, Trojan horses, and their cousins. The few that can are either written in VBA in Office files, or written in a language capable of causing havoc across platforms (Java and Python come to mind). Furthermore, there is Unix/BSD oriented malware out there that can affect Macs. The chances of encountering it are low, but non-zero.

 

[Ulenspiegel]

Does a Mac need an anti-virus? According to more knowledgeable users it does not. Nevertheless I have ClamXav and AdwareMedic installed. None of them found anything ever on my Mac. My experience in this respect was similar to Dirtyharry50's. And as Artimus12 pointed out it was so popular because it was free.
So much for this application, down it goes.

P.S.: @Pakaku: "Malware is an umbrella term used to refer to a variety of forms of hostile or intrusive software, including computer viruses, worms, trojan horses, ransomware, spyware, adware, scareware, and other malicious programs." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malware).

Update: I have just checked ClamXav on my Mac. Started it and most surprisingly it did not ask me to upgrade to the commercial version. Then checked the AppStore, hit on "Update", nothing. Btw, ClamXav is still referred to as free in AppStore. Was just curious. Will uninstall when it asks for the commercial upgrade. (Version used is 2.7).