Antivirus for MAC

[geekhelp4u]

I use Avast!
http://www.avast.com/en-us/free-antivirus-mac

AVG Link Scanner
http://free.avg.com/us-en/linkscanner-Mac

and of course - CCleaner
http://www.piriform.com/mac/ccleaner

[andyroe208]

I am sure F-Secure have an anti virus product for macs

take a look here

[300DDR]

I read a technibble article recently saying "macs need virus protection too" --> I disagree. It's MUCH more often I see AV apps causing problems on Mac then protecting them from viruses. Anytime I see AV software on a client's computer, and it's in for a tune-up, I uninstall them. Yes, there is a possibility of some minor virus affecting your Mac, but it's unlikely, and HIGHLY publicized and easy to remove when found.

*The only reason IMO to run it is if you are exchanging many doc files with PC people and you don't want them to get macro viruses.

Someone must disagree

[gunslinger]

Originally Posted by 300DDR

I read a technibble article recently saying "macs need virus protection too" --> I disagree. It's MUCH more often I see AV apps causing problems on Mac then protecting them from viruses. Anytime I see AV software on a client's computer, and it's in for a tune-up, I uninstall them. Yes, there is a possibility of some minor virus affecting your Mac, but it's unlikely, and HIGHLY publicized and easy to remove when found.

*The only reason IMO to run it is if you are exchanging many doc files with PC people and you don't want them to get macro viruses.

Someone must disagree

I could not agree more. You beat me to it. There are no real viruses in the wild for the Mac. There are a few bits of malware here and there but as you stated its easily removed manually if you even kinda know what you are doing. I also agree that if someone is running their Mac in a Windows environment exchanging lots of files a decent AV is a good option to protect the Windows boxes, not the Mac.

[compnet]

Originally Posted by 300DDR

I read a technibble article recently saying "macs need virus protection too" --> I disagree. It's MUCH more often I see AV apps causing problems on Mac then protecting them from viruses. Anytime I see AV software on a client's computer, and it's in for a tune-up, I uninstall them. Yes, there is a possibility of some minor virus affecting your Mac, but it's unlikely, and HIGHLY publicized and easy to remove when found.

*The only reason IMO to run it is if you are exchanging many doc files with PC people and you don't want them to get macro viruses.

Someone must disagree

Oh ya, all those mac customers that bring in their mac for a tune up.. And all those mac customers that install an antivirus themselves..



Never once had a mac in for a tune up and never seen antivirus installed. Macs "just work" and don't get viruses if you haven't heard.

[300DDR]

Are you suggesting Macs don't need occasional expert tune-ups? If so, you aren't getting the most out of your (or your client's) Mac.

[gunslinger]

Originally Posted by 300DDR

Are you suggesting Macs don't need occasional expert tune-ups? If so, you aren't getting the most out of your (or your client's) Mac.

I know that was not directed at me but I would like to respond. I do think Macs can benefit from the occasional tuneup. I personally run Ccleaner on mine daily and repair permissions about once per month. Keeps everything running smooth. I don't think Macs benefit from AV programs. All an AV program is going to do on a Mac is slow down performance and keep networked Windows boxes a little safer.

[Zippin]

Originally Posted by gunslinger

I could not agree more. You beat me to it. There are no real viruses in the wild for the Mac. There are a few bits of malware here and there but as you stated its easily removed manually if you even kinda know what you are doing. I also agree that if someone is running their Mac in a Windows environment exchanging lots of files a decent AV is a good option to protect the Windows boxes, not the Mac.

I'll sign under that too. If ever i feel that i need to run an anti virus, i will be the first to do so, but so far there is no real need. However when it comes to advising customers, i'm a bit more cautious, but still wouldn't recommend any specific antivirus. maybe Mackeeper if the customer really insists. because its 50% resale commission and its got a good antitheft feature.

[300DDR]

Zippin: I certainly would not recommend MacKeeper:
http://www.google.com/search?client=...UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

Even if it's not itself a virus or malware, they do some much phishing and pop-up adds to get people to click and download, it's unsettling to me.

[Martyn]

I just checked on my Mac and I'm running Sophos free version.