Viruses, Spyware, Trojans; Should I be concerned...

[RodTheBod]

I recently downloaded a couple third party free downloads for some video editing I'm working on. I'm concerned because, I'm a new Mac user and this computer was a significant investment for me. The Programs that I specifically downloaded were 1.HandBrake 2.VLC media player 3. Squared 5: Mpeg Streamclip. Are there any known viruses, spyware, or trojans associated with any of these applications? Additionally I also downloaded a document converter for Office Mac and Divx media player; same question any known viruses,Spyware,trojans for those. That's ultimately all the freeware downloads I've installed on my computer. I don't have an antivirus for my mac, and I don't download torrents or Limewire music. I suppose I'm just overprotective of my mac, but It's a great machine and I don't want to get off to a bad start with viruses and the sort. Thanks to any and everyone who help.

 

[JG271]

Hi,
No need to worry about getting viruses if you are using leopard. As far as I know noone has ever reported getting a virus on a mac, so no need to waste money on antivirus programs (even though they exist... its all just marketing)
Enjoy your mac

 

[angelwatt]

Please use the forum's search. This is a very common question so it'll be very easy to find the answer.

 

[Consultant]

As long as you download them from reputable servers, such as macupdate or versiontracker, you'll be fine.

Giz Explains: Why OS X Shrugs Off Viruses Better Than Windows
http://i.gizmodo.com/5101337/giz-explains-why-os-x-shrugs-off-viruses-better-than-windows

The Mac Malware Myth
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2009/01/29/the-mac-malware-myth/

The Unavoidable Malware Myth
http://www.roughlydrafted.com/2008/...-apple-wont-inherit-microsofts-malware-crown/

 

[Jethryn Freyman]

There are no viruses on OS X.

There are a few trojans, at the moment, they're either found on:

-A torrent of iWork '09
-A torrent of Photoshop CS4
-A program called "MacCinema"
-Fake video "codecs" on porn sites

Maybe a few other obscure places.

Only type in your password for programs you trust, and you'll be safe.

 

[RodTheBod]

Thanks to everyone who replied with a helpful advice. As for you, AngelWatt, I did use the forum search, and I didn't want to know if Macs are simply succeptible to viruses, I wanted to know about these specific programs.

 

[sushi]

Thanks to everyone who replied with a helpful advice.

MR can definitely be a handy resource.

Just to re-iterate, as of today, there are no known virus for Mac OS X.

There are some Trojan possibilities when downloading some files as has already been mentioned in this thread. The files that you downloaded, as long as they came from the creators or mirror site should be fine.

As for you, AngelWatt, I did use the forum search, and I didn't want to know if Macs are simply succeptible to viruses, I wanted to know about these specific programs.

No worries RodTheBod.

Many members start threads without searching first. It clutters up the forum. AngelWatt was just reminding you of this.

However, in your case it is clear from reading that you were concerned with malware affecting the three specific applications.

Enjoy using your Mac.