question re:virus on the virtual window

[floppitydoppity]

hi, can i just ask, if i was to succumb to a virus or malware on windows using vmware fusion. while working out how to get rid of it, is the virus contained to the virtual or can it spread to the whole imac?
having been a windows user for years, i am slightly panicky about virus's. i know how hard it is to get rid of them!!!

 

[Riverside]

The vast majority of viruses are written for Windows systems, and will not affect a Mac system. The popularity of Windows viruses is directly related to the popularity of Windows. Viral hackers are out to do as much damage as possible, and Windows popularity is the very reason most of them are written for Windows.

Just make sure you have a good anti-virus software installed on your Windows installation, and keep it updated. Do the same on your Mac installation and you should be fine.

 

[floppitydoppity]

thamks.
can you recommend a free anti virus for the mac.?
and would you scan daily or just to check on downloads.

 

[pwn247]

thamks.
can you recommend a free anti virus for the mac.?
and would you scan daily or just to check on downloads.

I wouldn't bother with virus protection for your OS X side. I'm sure in the past there have been viruses out for OS X, but at this moment, there are zero active viruses for the Mac OS X system. Period.

If you do, still, insist on virus protection, take a look at iAntivirus (http://www.iantivirus.com/) [free].

However, NOD32 is a good antivirus for your Windows side.

 

[hogfaninga]

AVG free on the Windows side is a great free anti-virus program. Google it. I know many on this site and many of my PC friends use it. I have had it for 2 years and no problems at all.

BTW I don't use virus protection on my OS X side. No need to.

 

[Sorkvild]

Just as more reassurance, I've been using macs for more than 10 years and have never put AV on any of them and I''m sure I would have noticed if I had ever gotten a virus.

 

[ingenious]

What happens if a virus/spyware/whatever-ware attacks your VM and you have shared folders set up with OS X?