Anti Virus

[DrummerBASS]

I'm buying a iMac tomorrow and just wanted to know, are 3rd party anti-virus programs needed? If so any recommended ones?

Finally, are there any must have applications I should get?

 

[Tallest Skil]

Please read the rules and search the forums before posting. The answer is no and will always be no.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

There are antivirus programs for OS X. For the time being (and in all the history of OS X) there is no need for antivirus software.

Must have apps are: quicksilver, firefox. Everything else already comes on your Mac.

 

[ziggyonice]

Truthfully, you really don't need to worry about getting antivirus programs for your Mac, as viruses simply aren't an issue like they are on PCs.

They are antivirus programs out there for the Mac, but they're mainly there to help stop the spread of viruses to PCs. They're not needed at all, and usually just slow down your computer.

Don't worry about viruses. Simply enjoy and use your new Mac without having to worry about all that nasty PC stuff.

 

[thegoldenmackid]

The answer is no and will always be no.

I am not sure that prediction can be true.

For the apps, check this out.

 

[Tallest Skil]

I am not sure that prediction can be true.

For the apps, check this out.

Has it been shown that virus-like code can run on a UNIX system in the same way as on Windows?

 

[uberamd]

I have ClamXAV installed to do virus scans of infected Windows computers (hard drives, USB flash drives, etc). Also I periodically scan my computer to ensure none of my email contains any viruses. ClamXAV ONLY runs when you tell it to so it does NOT slow down your computer at all. Also, its free.

Also note that because Tallest Skil said OS X will never have any viruses, you can pretty much guarantee that OS X will get a virus at some point in the future. Why? Because Tallest said it wouldn't happen, and he is almost always wrong when he tries to use his crystal ball to see the future.

 

[ziggyonice]

(sigh)... Here we go again.

To the original poster: don't worry about viruses on your Mac. Some will say that there's been "test viruses" aka "proof of concept" viruses for the Mac, but -- in all honesty, don't worry about it.

Your Mac works great, and won't get any of the viruses, or malware, or any of that nasty PC stuff you've had to deal with for so long. Enjoy your Mac for what it is -- a Mac, a better computer experience overall.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Also note that because Tallest Skil said OS X will never have any viruses, you can pretty much guarantee that OS X will get a virus at some point in the future. Why? Because Tallest said it wouldn't happen, and he is almost always wrong when he tries to use his crystal ball to see the future.

Let's base our predictions on actual knowledge, shall we?

 

[Mugwumper]

Be careful . . .

I'm buying a iMac tomorrow and just wanted to know, are 3rd party anti-virus programs needed? If so any recommended ones?

Finally, are there any must have applications I should get?

If you intend to run any PC apps on your new iMac (using Bootcamp, Parallels,
VMWare, VirtualBox - whatever), it's possible to get PC viruses in the VM. So
just be careful what you do, and don't share files . . . ;^)

Mugwumper

 

[thegoldenmackid]

Has it been shown that virus-like code can run on a UNIX system in the same way as on Windows?

Definitives are dangerous statements. I don't think that we are going to see one tomorrow, but, iThink if we put a $5 million prize on an OSX Virus, we'd have one in a year.

 

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Has it been shown that virus-like code can run on a UNIX system in the same way as on Windows?

Well maybe not yet and maybe not for a while, but you're setting yourself up for another failure if you think it will never happen.

 

[ziggyonice]

If you intend to run any PC apps on your new iMac (using Bootcamp, Parallels,
VMWare, VirtualBox - whatever), it's possible to get PC viruses in the VM. So
just be careful what you do, and don't share files . . .

True, you can still get PC viruses if you're running Windows on your Mac. However, they won't touch any of your Mac files, leaving your Mac safe and sound. They would only affect the Windows side of your computer, which can be easily managed and/or deleted.

You wouldn't need to really worry about that anyway, unless you're also going to be running Windows XP or Vista on your Mac.

 

[Tallest Skil]

Well maybe not yet and maybe not for a while, but you're setting yourself up for another failure if you think it will never happen.

"Not yet", what "not yet"? I'd like to see the same happen to everyone who has ever gotten a prediction wrong or I'd like to not see it at all. Since I seem to be the only one being called out, it's harassment.

I'd love to see one; I'd love to write one; it'd be fun.

The word 'never', then, has no place on this website at all.

Noob: Will Apple switch to AMD?

Anyone: Well, apparently there's a chance.

Noob: Will Microsoft buy Apple?

Anyone: Well, apparently there's a chance.

 

[uberamd]

"Not yet", what "not yet"? I'd like to see the same happen to everyone who has ever gotten a prediction wrong or I'd like to not see it at all. Since I seem to be the only one being called out, it's harassment.

I'd love to see one; I'd love to write one; it'd be fun.

The word 'never', then, has no place on this website at all.

Noob: Will Apple switch to AMD?

Anyone: Well, apparently there's a chance.

Noob: Will Microsoft buy Apple?

Anyone: Well, apparently there's a chance.

Thats why there is the phrase "not likely." Its not likely that Apple will switch to AMD. Its not likely that Microsoft will buy Apple. However the use of the word never on these forums, especially by you, is insane.

And your examples were foolish anyway. Switching to AMD or being bought out are VASTLY different than getting a virus or matte screen. I stand by my original statement. You said it won't happen, so it will. Someday.

 

[ag55]

As the mac user base grows then there is going to be some risk, right now there is not a whole lot, so an anti virus would be a waste.

 

[EmperorDarius]

There's no need to use an anti-virus software, if you don't download cracked software (and even then it's not that important) and don't download any porn "codecs".

On the other hand, the best 2 are Intego and Sophos. But you don't need one.

 

[Hellhammer]

There are antivirus programs for OS X. For the time being (and in all the history of OS X) there is no need for antivirus software.

Must have apps are: quicksilver, firefox. Everything else already comes on your Mac.

Just downloaded Quicksilver and I have to say, it's awesome. Everything works with keyboard

 

[skye12]

Don't need 'em. Waste of money-just don't download anything pirated or from an unknown source.

 

[Tallest Skil]

and don't download any porn "codecs".

About codecs in general, I've found that a good rule of thumb is: If both QuickTime and VLC can't play it, it's not worth watching.

 

[uberamd]

About codecs in general, I've found that a good rule of thumb is: If both QuickTime and VLC can't play it, it's not worth watching.

I am more of a Quicktime + Perian guy myself

 

[EmperorDarius]

About codecs in general, I've found that a good rule of thumb is: If both QuickTime and VLC can't play it, it's not worth watching.

True.
As マスターポルノ said: "The porn is not to be blamed, it's those ###### malware writers degrading the integrity and usefulness of online pornography".

 

[cocky jeremy]

Anti-virus? No way. Must haves.. 1Password, for sure. Adium if you use chats other than AIM.

 

[Sambo110]

I am more of a Quicktime + Perian guy myself

I have Quicktime, Perian and VLC. Let's see a movie not play now .