#98QBKiller Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 What's the best anti virus software for macs? Or do you use anti virus at all on your mac? A lot of people have told me they don't even use it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mardi gras skin Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I have used a mac for the last 8 or 9 years and I've never used anti virus software. Maybe one day we'll have to deal with viruses but not today. This thread will devolve into the "Macs, hell yeah!" crowd and the "Mac users are ninnies" crowd. But the practical answer to your question is, none of the dozen's of mac users I know have anti virus software and none of us have had problems with it. Don't worry about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slacky McSlackAss Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I don't use a regular one, but from time to time I'll run ClamXAV to get rid of any bad cookies that may be on the system. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#98QBKiller Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 I have used a mac for the last 8 or 9 years and I've never used anti virus software. Maybe one day we'll have to deal with viruses but not today. This thread will devolve into the "Macs, hell yeah!" crowd and the "Mac users are ninnies" crowd. But the practical answer to your question is, none of the dozen's of mac users I know have anti virus software and none of us have had problems with it. Don't worry about it. Cool, that's what I've been hearing. I've had a mac for a few months now and haven't used any anti virus software. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pick6 Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Don't use any here at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HighPlainsDrifter Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 four years running with none at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PCS Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I haven't had an anti virus program on mine in the nearly 3 years I've had one. However,I do believe in being careful. Did some research a few times over the years and this one popped up. http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/ Like I said,being cautious. That and I do believe that it's only a matter of time before viruses and such become a bit more prevalent in the future,(though I do admit I could easily be wrong). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipwhich Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I run ClamXAV on occasion just to see if I have viruses. Going on 2+ years with no virus, but more importantly no adware, malware, popups, and all of that crap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dukes and Skins Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I have norton on it just to double check some stuff, but I never have had any issues with mine and I've had it since July Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalig24 Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I also run ClamXav, but I do not use any antivirus software Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackest Eyes Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 I have scanned my computer one time and I used ClamXav. Didn't find anything but it was rather easy to use. You don't necessarily need anything for your computer though. We have many people come to the Genius Bar insisting that they use an AV program and I usually recommend ClamXav. If a firewall is wanted/needed, the CyberSecurity program from ESET is probably decent...at least their Windows program is so I would assume the same of the Mac version. There is also a built in Firewall to the OS. Find it in System Preferences > Security. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
c4man5282 Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 As of right now the only real reason they make anti viruses for Mac users is if they are Windows users also. A PC virus can get on your Mac and you not know it. So if you use a removable device from a Mac OS to a Windows OS the virus can get on the removable device and then travel to your Windows machine. I am a Computer Technician and work at a University that is going all Mac. We still have Windows machine out and about but we have to have Virus scanners on our image because it is policy. The only thing I use my virus scanner on my mac for is to clean thumb drives and external HDD that may be infect with windows viruses. http://www.myfirstmac.com/index.php/mac/articles/do-i-need-virus-protection-for-my-new-mac click link above for full article.... What about Windows Viruses? Windows viruses can only bring down your Mac if you are running Windows on your Mac. And it will likely be contained in the Windows environment. Another thing to keep in mind is that a Mac can spread Windows viruses in files and emails like a Windows computer, but it won't be effected by them. So be aware of suspicious files and forwarding emails with random attachments to Windows users. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
#98QBKiller Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 Thanks for the info everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drew_Fl Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 never used one in 4 years. like someone said previously, that will likely change in the future. but for now, it's smooth sailing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boofMcboof Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 If you're looking at peace of mind aside from viruses, Little Snitch is something I would consider getting. It acts as a customizable firewall preventing website/cookies and applications from uploading any private data that you don't want going out. You might be surprised at the amount of data that random companies try and collect. Best $30 of computer protection I've ever bought. http://www.obdev.at/index.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.