virus & spyware protection

Question

virus & spyware protection

Hi, Im planning on purchasing my first Macbook in a few weeks & have an important question. I've been told that Mac's rarly get any virus's & I was wondering if that was true? Is there also a particular Antivirus system that is better suited for Macs? With my current PC I use AVG (which is free & does a descent job).Also I run Spybot & Adaware for the spyware. Is it nessasary that I install these on my new Mac? Thanks for the help.
Nick

Posted on Jul 3, 2007 12:47 PM

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Answer 1

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Jul 3, 2007 12:53 PM in response to nickthegreek35

You really don't need anything as Macs don't have this problem. If you decide to do it anyway check this out.

ClamXav

Mort

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Answer 2

iDenace

Level 1

30 points

Jul 3, 2007 4:29 PM in response to nickthegreek35

Viruses are programs that run on Windows, not OS X. You're safe without that stuff.

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Answer 3

dwb

Level 7

33,310 points

Jul 3, 2007 6:15 PM in response to nickthegreek35

So far the MacOS doesn't rarely get hit by malware - it has NEVER been hit by malware! I'm not gonna claim that will continue forever but for now we are enjoying an online experience that is free of worry. There are a number of programs that will hunt for the (non-existent) baddies but ClamXav is an opensource project that most of us have downloaded and (don't need to) use.

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Answer 4

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Jul 3, 2007 6:20 PM in response to dwb

I concur with dwb's assessment. The only time I use ClamXav is if I am downloading something on my MacBook that I will be sending to my wife's PC.

Mort

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Answer 5

Jul 3, 2007 6:21 PM in response to dwb

Thanks so much for the info. You've all been a great help. Can't wait to purchase my new Macbook with alot less worries. Thanks again.

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Answer 6

First Magus

Level 7

21,299 points

Jul 3, 2007 6:22 PM in response to nickthegreek35

Glad we could help. Thanks for the star.

Mort

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Answer 7

Jorlwind

Level 1

21 points

Jul 3, 2007 7:28 PM in response to nickthegreek35

ClamXAV is the only thing I can think of, but it's a program meant to protect OTHER computers rather then your own, since Macs are immune to malware.

All you need ClamXAV is to scan things that come in so you don't actidently send them on to your friends.

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