Thread: mac antivirus

If you are worried about it download one of the free anti virus programs for Mac. quite a few of them around.. Google a search.

I've been running a Mac since 1981 and Antivirus software is 100% not needed (software distributors would say otherwise, because it's money in their pockets) The only time you will be infected with something (and there's not much around except for the odd key logging software) is when someone obtains your password. I've never given my password to anyone yet

You don't really need anti-virus for a Mac, but for piece of mind and to keep malicious code, including spyware, adware, trojans etc. off your Mac, or anything else like PC based viruses that you might unwittingly pass on via email to a PC, then I'd recommend McAfee McAfee VirusScan for Mac | McAfee Products

From time to time I pay for a 1 year licence for my Macs, let it expire and come back every second year. I've only ever seen 1 virus in all my years running Macs, and that was back in '95.

Better to be protected much like car insurance and have it if needed than not have nothing at all (not arguing against sjt's post, at all I just took ages to type this stuff)

Thanks for the advice. I asked because I do on line banking and on the old windows pc I was always getting viruses, malware etc every week and I find it difficult to believe macs don't get them.

Yes - unfortunately a virus can affect your Mac.

Sophos make some great SW - one of the pieces is Sophos Anti-Virus - free of charge and it works!


Regards

John

Rat52,
I'm no saint when it comes to the internet, but I have to say that I have never, repeat never, picked up a virus in my travels, and I have used a PC and been on the net since 1985 when 28k dial-up was as good as it got.

The only time I did get a virus was from a western digital driver disc back in the days of Windows 3.1 and that was from a 'trusted" source (i.e. the manufacturer)

If, as you say " I was always getting viruses, malware etc every week " then I reckon it's time to review what you do and where you go and, Mac or not, I reckon you really had better take a look at good anti-virus package.


Ian

Originally Posted by stack

Yes - unfortunately a virus can affect your Mac.

Sophos make some great SW - one of the pieces is Sophos Anti-Virus - free of charge and it works!

Absolutely right, however as I stated above, only if you divulge your password or let someone use your computer without your knowledge. Best thing to do is to enable the option which asks for your password after waking from sleep or screensaver.

And as I said above, virus software is not needed for a Mac. I've never bought any virus software nor had a virus, at all, since 1981.

I do have a habit of wandering all over the net, following link to link,and now the last kid who uses my computer has left home, maybee this Mac will be more secure and virus free.

Another question. When the kids do come to visit they hook into the wifi Internet connection I installed with the Mac. Can they infect my computer when they access via their laptops iPads or phones.

As a 60 yr old carpenter I do struggle with all the rapid advances of electronic gear so thank you all for your patience and help.

Originally Posted by rat52

Another question. When the kids do come to visit they hook into the wifi Internet connection I installed with the Mac. Can they infect my computer when they access via their laptops iPads or phones.

Quite simply, no, your Mac cannot be infected. I browse the web following one link after another. If you use 'Safari' to browse the web you can enable a few things:

1. Click on Safari, up the top and select 'Preferences'
2. Click on the 'Security' icon.
3. Select all the options (most should be selected anyway).
4. Done.

You can also ensure your firewall is enabled:

1. Open 'System Preferences' (applications -> system preferences)
2. Click on the 'Security & Privacy Icon'
3. Click on the 'Firewall' tab
4. Ensure the firewall is on by clicking 'Start'

Ultimately if you are worried what the Grandkids can access with their phones etc, find the user manual for the wireless router and from there you should be able to access it's settings so you can prevent the kids from browsing sites such as Facebook or any other potentially malicious websites etc. Your wireless router should also be password protected (I've parked next to houses in the street who haven't had their wireless password protected and was able to connect to the web).

Hope this helps

thanks sjt, I've done what you suggested and its all set up now.

Thanks to all who took the trouble to reply. I feel a lot more comfortable using the mac now