nanrussell

Q: Virus protection on my MacBook Pro?

Is it ever necessary?  I keep hearing pro and con....  Thanks!

Posted on Mar 2, 2013 3:55 AM

Close

Q: Virus protection on my MacBook Pro?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Mar 2, 2013 3:55 AM in response to nanrussell
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Mar 2, 2013 3:55 AM in response to nanrussell

    No it is not. All it will do is slow the system down.

  • by nanrussell,

    nanrussell nanrussell Mar 2, 2013 4:03 AM in response to Shootist007
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2013 4:03 AM in response to Shootist007

    Thanks....

     

    What's the story on ClamXav?

  • by Shootist007,

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Mar 2, 2013 4:12 AM in response to nanrussell
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Mar 2, 2013 4:12 AM in response to nanrussell

    Don't know as I have not run any virus protection software on Win PC or Mac for years, like 7+. And I have never been infected with anything on either platform.

     

    Security is really between your 2 ears.

     

    Other say it is OK but then no AV software is needed on the Mac and even if you have it and someone writes a virus for the Mac the AV software won't protect you as has been proven for years on Win PC. The AV program must know what to look for and with new viruses they don't know what to look for. It is only after many computers have become infected that the AV companies come out with updated data to detect that new virus.

     

    IMHO AV software is just a waste of money and computer resouces. Backups of Data and OSs and an awarness of what you are doing and where you are going on the net is the only real protection from the scum that write Viruses, Trojans and Malware.

     

    But hey that's just my opinion. And like A holes everyone has one and most Stink.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Mar 2, 2013 4:32 AM in response to nanrussell
    Level 9 (52,101 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2013 4:32 AM in response to nanrussell

    I suggest that you read the following User Tip and log on to the REED CORNER whcih will give you excellent guidance in this area:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3341

     

    http://www.reedcorner.net

     

    Ciao.

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Mar 2, 2013 4:26 AM in response to nanrussell
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 2, 2013 4:26 AM in response to nanrussell

    Take a look at a couple of Thomas Reed's articles (he's our Mac malware/virus guru around here);

     

    Mac Malware Guide

     

    Mac anti-virus detection rates

     

    Mac anti-virus testing, part 2

     

    ...and then make your own decision as to whether or not you need any av software. The only two that I have ever tested are ClamXav and Sophos for Mac. I tested Sophos for the longest period of time and found that while it did no harm (like some paid commercial products out there) I just really didn't have a need for it. Same with ClamXav. Never 'caught' any malware - neither ClamXav nor Sophos. I do run Microsoft's Security Essentials on Windows 7, but I've never 'caught' anything there, either. That's just 'smart' computing, I guess.

     

    Just stay away from Java and you should be fine.

     

    Good luck,

     

    Clinton

  • by nanrussell,

    nanrussell nanrussell Mar 2, 2013 5:39 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Mar 2, 2013 5:39 AM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

    Thank you all so much!  Really helpful reading.... I've now diabled Java in Safari.... and am comfortable with not installing any virus protection.  Thanks again!  :-)