First ever Mac..... virus protection??

[PCforever?]

Hi Everyone

I've just ordered my first Mac (ever) 27" i7 8Gb 2Tb. I figured if I'm in... I'm going all the way in, so now I have to wait 10 days (build time I'm told). I have owned a PC since about '78 or '79ish ? when I bought my first TRS80 (for all the old timers out there) and I think I'm pretty good with em, however apples, I haven't a clue .... Anyway my 1st question to the brains trust out there is do I need internet security/antivirus software on my new iMac.

Thanks in advance for all your help
PCforever?
Brisbane(Australia)

 

[Vylen]

There aren't enough serious viruses out there that warrant the use of antivirus software. They just end up bogging your system down with annoying real time protection.

Some people do opt to use an antivirus to protect their Windows friends, but they should be looking out for themselves, not you.

As for internet security, this is generally a good idea. Aside from using the built-in firewall, I would suggest using Little Snitch. This allows for network monitoring as well as blocking individual application access to the internet.

 

[wessew]

I use Intego Virus Barrier X6. I find it to be unobtrusive and highly configurable. You can adjust the real time protection to suit your needs. In my case, I would rather not wait until something happens to my system.

 

[aki]

There are anti-virus products for Mac but I can't say any of them are particularly compelling. The exception may be if you operate in a mixed environment - running anti-virus solutions on your Mac can help keep your PCs clean/er. Basically I think it's just a way to bog down your shiny new system, and best avoided.

It's true the Macside is "safer" but you should still observe basic internet safety principles.

In terms of software, yes use the firewall.

Little Snitch is a fantastic product although it's probably not necessary on every single Mac, more for the curious or paranoid. It is a very nice app though. (All it does is warn you if an application is trying to communicate with the outside world, and gives you the option to deny the connection. Handy for those apps which like to autoupdate themselves without telling you, etc.)

If you are just using your Mac for everyday purposes, I'd say just make sure the firewall is on and you are good to go really.

 

[OGDaniel]

HAHA !

No, friend. No antivirus BS needed with the Mac. I really hope you enjoy your new Mac. I'm positive you will love it.

 

[alust2013]

Don't bother. Most AV programs out there only intrude, and those that don't are hard to find and probably expensive. As long as you don't go downloading every file you see, and use the internet reasonably, there really is not a need for it. If you really feel that you need it, do NOT for any reason use iAntivirus. It will suck all the power out of your system, and I have heard nothing but bad things about it.

 

[GGJstudios]

I've just ordered my first Mac (ever) 27" i7 8Gb 2Tb.

Congratulations! I know you'll enjoy your new Mac! Here's a couple things that might prove helpful for you:

Mac Virus/Malware Info

Helpful Information for Any Mac User

I use Intego Virus Barrier X6. I find it to be unobtrusive and highly configurable. You can adjust the real time protection to suit your needs. In my case, I would rather not wait until something happens to my system.

Actually, you'll still have to wait "until something happens", since no AV app can protect you from a virus that doesn't exist yet. They simply don't know what to look for.

 

[CraigB3]

No need for virus protection when it comes to a Mac. Waste of time and money.

 

[Les Kern]

Toss on ClamXav. It's free, and hurts nothing. Might come in handy if you have a PC as well. Wouldn't want to infect yourself, right? Anyway, it's cool when it runs and never finds anything.

 

[Eduardo1971]

Wow. The Tandy Radio Shack TRS80.

I remember that (and I'm still in my thirties)!

 

[300D]

Virus software on your mac is only needed if you install and run a Windows OS.