How to scan a single file I downloaded before opening?

[stevefo]

I can't seem to figure out how to scan a file I downloaded for viruses before opening. Is there a way to do it?

 

[MisterMe]

If you have antivirus software on your Mac, then this is the default. That said, it might be helpful if you gave the name of your antivirus software.

 

[Weaselboy]

I can't seem to figure out how to scan a file I downloaded for viruses before opening. Is there a way to do it?

If you don't have or want a virus program on your computer, there are some services where you can upload the file to a web site and they will scan it for you. If you Google "online file virus scanner" you will see several.

 

[stevefo]

If you have antivirus software on your Mac, then this is the default. That said, it might be helpful if you gave the name of your antivirus software.

I dont have any antivirus software on my iMac. Does Apple have one built in or does Apple make one?

 

[Weaselboy]

I dont have any antivirus software on my iMac. Does Apple have one built in or does Apple make one?

No to both (although there is a system built in to detect malware downloads).

You can get the free ClamX AV in the App Store if you want. Many users here seem to like it.

 

[GGJstudios]

I dont have any antivirus software on my iMac. Does Apple have one built in or does Apple make one?

Macs are not immune to malware, but no true viruses exist in the wild that can run on Mac OS X, and there never have been any since it was released over 12 years ago. The only malware in the wild that can affect Mac OS X is a handful of trojans, which can be easily avoided by practicing safe computing (see below). 3rd party antivirus apps are not necessary to keep a Mac malware-free, as long as a user practices safe computing, as described in the following link.

​

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.

 

[stevefo]

Macs are not immune to malware, but no true viruses exist in the wild that can run on Mac OS X, and there never have been any since it was released over 12 years ago. The only malware in the wild that can affect Mac OS X is a handful of trojans, which can be easily avoided by practicing safe computing (see below). 3rd party antivirus apps are not necessary to keep a Mac malware-free, as long as a user practices safe computing, as described in the following link.

​

Read the What security steps should I take? section of the Mac Virus/Malware FAQ for tips on practicing safe computing.

Thank You very much for this information.