nkeane57

Q: how do I check my computer for viruses?

my computer is constantly loading - I can't even type a sentence. What can I do?

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), virus?

Posted on Jul 29, 2016 6:16 PM

Close

Q: how do I check my computer for viruses?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Barney-15E,

    Barney-15E Barney-15E Jul 29, 2016 7:58 PM in response to nkeane57
    Level 8 (49,722 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 29, 2016 7:58 PM in response to nkeane57

    You can search for viruses for as long as the day is long, but you won't find any as they don't exist.

    You may have installed some other malware, but I imagine it is just some incompatible software.

    Try booting into Safe Mode and see how it runs. It will be sluggish and some things don't work. Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up - Apple Support

  • by Mrinal2455,

    Mrinal2455 Mrinal2455 Jul 29, 2016 8:30 PM in response to nkeane57
    Level 1 (66 points)
    Safari
    Jul 29, 2016 8:30 PM in response to nkeane57

    If you had MacKeeper installed try to uninstall it and reboot your system and try Malwarebytes Anti-Malware this may resolve your problem. Try this link as well How to eliminate slow Mac problems

  • by macjack,

    macjack macjack Jul 29, 2016 8:30 PM in response to Mrinal2455
    Level 9 (55,682 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 29, 2016 8:30 PM in response to Mrinal2455

    There are no viruses that can attack Mac.OS X. So, anti-virus programs are selling a cure for a disease that doesn't exist. And they are renowned for borking Mac systems.

     

    A Mac can pick up malware but not if you just use common sense. You really have to actively invite some malware in for it to happen. That means downloading and knowingly giving your password for it to download. Mac provides all the protection you need with SIP (System Integrity Protection).I About System Integrity Protection on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    If you do happen to download malware you can use MalwareBytes to get rid of it. Malwarebytes was developed by one of our own colleagues here in ASC. It gets rave reviews and is about the most proven anti-malware software for Mac. If you use torrents, don't. Torrents are a good way to pick up malware because it can hitchhike in on a download package and you’ll never know it.

     

    Safari pop-ups are different and easier to deal with. In Safari 9.1 and later just close the window. For earlier versions force quit and hold the shift key while restarting Safari.

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987

     

    Finally, stay away from programs that purport to "clean your Mac". They can do damage to your system. Your Mac needs no cleaning in the first place. All the cleaning that is necessary is taken care of routinely by OS X.