I know that anti virus applications aren't necessary on a Mac, but do you think I should install ClamXav in order to scan files I send via mail to Windows users? Is ClamXav a good choice for that? How are their definitions?
ClamXAV detects both OS X and Windows malware, doesn't consume significant system resources, and can be used for on-demand scans prior to sending files. Of course, it's always wise to recommend to Windows users that they have their own antivirus protection installed, to protect them from malware from sources other than your Mac.I know that anti virus applications aren't necessary on a Mac, but do you think I should install ClamXav in order to scan files I send via mail to Windows users? Is ClamXav a good choice for that? How are their definitions?
If you consistently practice safe computing, you can successfully avoid all OS X malware that has ever existed in the wild. If you're not sure you'll be consistent in practicing safe computing, an antivirus app may or may not catch something that you allowed on your system, since no such app detects all malware.Personally, I no longer maintain the view that Macs don't need virus protection.
As far as definitions go, none of the antivirus apps have a 100% detection rate, but ClamXAV has a good reputation.
There have been several surveys of detection rates among antivirus apps. The ranking changes from one survey to the next, with some apps performing better or worse than others, depending on when the survey was done and what criteria was used.Hmm, I just found some websites saying that it's detection rate is low compared to the others, so I'm a bit concerned. I mean something with a detection rate similar to Microsoft's Security Essiantials won't be that useful...
Since I don't use such apps, I can't offer any insight into the differences between them, except to say that you should avoid Sophos and iAntiVirus. Some have better detection rates than others. Some have a more significant impact on performance than others. Some only detect OS X malware, while others also detect Windows malware. You may get some opinions here in the forum, but doing your own research and deciding what features are most important to you is the best approach.Hmm, what do you think about Bitdefender Virus Scanner?
I've actually started using Avast! Free on my Mac permanently now and have been surprised at what its picked up, even from seemingly legit websites.
Personally, I no longer maintain the view that Macs don't need virus protection.
ClamXAV detects both OS X and Windows malware, doesn't consume significant system resources, and can be used for on-demand scans prior to sending files.
ClamXAV does have a Sentry feature that does continuous real-time scanning. It does consume system resources to function. However, it's not necessary or recommended, so you can elect not to use the Sentry feature and simply use ClamXAV to periodically scan files on an as-needed basis. In that scenario, ClamXAV is not running until you launch it to scan, so it consumes no resources at all.I thought ClamXav doesn't have any real time protection? So what system resources is it using when you're not performing a scan?
How many resources does it use on your Mac? Would you recommend it over ClamXav? What are the differences?
I'm a bit concerned about Avast since the most helpful review of it on MacUpdate says that it collects all sorts of information about you, including all the websites you visit. Is that true?
Have you ever been infected? If so, how? Personally I don't use Java, Flash and Adobe Reader, so I'm a bit puzzled since most malware infect your computer by using them.
I thought ClamXav doesn't have any real time protection? So what system resources is it using when you're not performing a scan?
I resorted to Avast!
What about that review on Macupdate about it collecting everything?
Not aware of that myself. Think that might be scaremongering.
Maybe there's something in the settings about that? Something like "Collect crash and user data"?
I would read the following before installing Avast. It is a very good article from the safe Mac about Avast.
OK, thanks. I'll avoid it.
What kind of files are you sending Windows users on a regular basis, that you feel you need to try and protect them from possible infection?
I'm mostly concerned about PDFs.
If you're creating PDFs on your Mac, they cannot contain malware of any kind that could affect either OS X or Windows. Scanning such files is completely unnecessary.I'm mostly concerned about PDFs.
Are you creating the pdf's from sources you are concerned about, or attaching executable files into the document that would give you cause for due concern if you were a Windows recipient?
However, you could include a sentence in your email suggesting that people always scan their email before opening regardless of source.