jasands

Q: do i need virus protection for my imac g5 and if so what type

please help cause i new with macs

Mac OS X (10.5.8), ive never used mac

Posted on Jun 12, 2013 8:16 PM

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Q: do i need virus protection for my imac g5 and if so what type

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  • by John Galt,

    John Galt John Galt Jun 12, 2013 8:34 PM in response to jasands
    Level 8 (49,226 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 12, 2013 8:34 PM in response to jasands

    You may be new to Macs but the Mac you have (a G5) is quite old, and not representative of Intel Macs. They have evolved considerably since then.

     

    No, you do not need any virus protection beyond what Apple already includes with OS X. However, Leopard is no longer supported which means that any threats that may arise in the future will not be addressed. Fortunately it is extremely unlikely that anyone will have any interest in developing malware or viruses for a PowerPC Mac. The dirtbags attempting to exploit users today are primarlily interested in financial gain, and the PowerPC presents a miniscule potential market for them. Just be aware of phishing attempts, which will always be a threat no matter what computer you use.

     

    Some websites may require a more secure browser than any that will run on your G5, so they will refuse to load. That is for good reason.

  • by Klaus1,

    Klaus1 Klaus1 Jun 13, 2013 2:55 AM in response to jasands
    Level 8 (48,831 points)
    Jun 13, 2013 2:55 AM in response to jasands

    You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful: The User Tip seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435

     

    More useful information can also be found here:

     

    www.thesafemac.com/mmg

  • by MichelPM,

    MichelPM MichelPM Jun 13, 2013 8:55 AM in response to jasands
    Level 6 (13,852 points)
    iPad
    Jun 13, 2013 8:55 AM in response to jasands

    I'll add my bit on this, as well.

    Some anti-virus solutions can slow down your Mac, but to be honest, the best anit-virus app is you, the user and your brain.

    • Don't visit questionable websites or website you are unsure about.
    • Don't install pirated software or software downloaded from a questionable or unknown websites or untrutsted sources.
    • Java is a vulnerability right now, if you do not need it, don't use it.
    • Use a browser filter and pop-up blocker
    • Don't open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize.
    • Install security updates when they become available
    • Educate yourself as to what threats are common and active.
    • In effect, use your own brain as the antivirus filter.

    Follw that advise and in MOST cases, you will be fine and won't feel the need to have to install antivirus software.

  • by thomas_r.,

    thomas_r. thomas_r. Jun 14, 2013 3:39 AM in response to jasands
    Level 7 (30,924 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 14, 2013 3:39 AM in response to jasands

    If you're using Mac OS X 10.5.8, as your profile indicates, I would disagree with advice not to use anti-virus software. Systems running Mac OS X 10.5.x and older are missing almost all of the anti-malware protections that have been added to subsequent systems, and malware authors are still writing code to target those systems because of that. A good, low-profile anti-virus program, like Sophos, would not be a bad idea on such an old machine.

     

    Note that, whether you use anti-virus or not, you need to be cautious. You especially must disable Java in your web browser! The version of Java on such an old system is outdated, with no possibility of updating it, and contains vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. Java is bad even on a modern, fully up-to-date Mac, but it's just completely and utterly unsafe to use in any way in the web browser on a system running 10.5.8 or earlier!

     

    Similarly, you should not use Flash Player in your web browser. The latest version of Flash Player will not work in 10.5.8, leaving you with only being able to run a version of Flash that can be attacked through vulnerabilities known to be exploited by Mac malware. You will want to remove or disable Flash.

     

    You will also need to keep all other third-party code updated - most notably, Microsoft Office, if you use it.