Virus Protection using Parallels?

[gordoebg]

I have cross-posted this question here and in the Apple Discussions Forums.

Please excuse me if I have posted this in the wrong area. I am brand new to the world of Mac. I will be running MS XP under Parallels on my new MacBook for a few applications that have no Mac alternatives. I have read quite a bit that virus protection is not really necessary using OS X; my question is this: Will running XP on Parallels make my Mac vulnerable to more viruses? If it makes a difference, this computer will be on a network that has both Mac and PC users. Thanks.

 

[Westside guy]

It depends. If you're not doing email inside of XP, and not browsing and downloading with Internet Explorer, you are probably fine. CAVEAT: If you're going to be copying a lot of files into there that you grab from somewhere else (e.g. Word documents, or if you're a person that grabs stuff off of bittorrent/limewire), then you really should be running virus protection.

There are free antivirus programs available for XP though, so it doesn't have to cost you anything - Avast! and AVG come to mind. PC World did a story an free antivirus sometime in the last year or so; I'd recommend poking around on their website for their review.

If you're associated with a university (student/staff/faculty) then you can often get McAfee for free, since many schools buy site licenses.

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

^ are you working for that company or something? All of your posts talk about this.

 

[capkapak]

Just for your info, if you've purchased Parallels it comes with Kaspersky Internet Security Suite with 1 year subscription free.

It came with Parallels 3.0 and also now with 4.0 so you're good for at least 1 year without having to fork out cash for the subscription.