There has actually never been a
true virus that affects Macs OS.
Most viruses, Mac users deal with, come in E-Mails from infected PC users. These do not effect Macs OS, but can be passed on when we forward a message with a virus in it to another PC user. If you are worried about that, many users prefer the free ClamXav. I have not used any virus protection since I ran OS9 5 years ago (and I didn't need it then either!). No ill effects at all!
What is the best anti virus/spyware software to date?
The Mac OS - any version.
I haven't used any AV software since "Agax", back in 1999. Even then, it didn't find anything.
There was also something that exploited the CD Autorun for System 8.x, I believe, but a simple change in System Prefs fixed it.
There was something about MS Word macros a while ago, but I don't know if there was anything to it, since I've never used MS Word for Mac.
Some Norton users have mentioned slow downs. Most members here stay away from all Norton products. Their PC stuff is OK, but too many here have had bad experiences with Norton on Macs (including me!).
Never install Norton stuff; perhaps use Norton from a disc, but don't install.
You don't need a/v software if you're careful. Never open emails from unknown sources; never open attachments from unknown sources, etc. If something 'accidentally' gets downloaded like a strange .dmg, don't install it; trash it immediately. With Macs, you practically have to do the damage yourself. If you're cautious where you go, you won't get any viruses, malware, trojan horses, nor adware. Pretty much has to be self-inflicted. Yes, it can happen but chances are quite remote if you're even somewhat mindful.
Jordan asks:
What is the best anti virus ... software to date
I sez:
Don't date software. Date girls.
But if you MUST date software and are concerned about catching cooties, may I suggest that Intego's new VirusBarrier 4X ?
Intego VirusBarrier X4 is the simple, fast and non-intrusive antivirus security solution for Macintosh computers, by Intego, the leading publisher of personal security software for Macintosh. It offers thorough protection against viruses of all types, coming from infected files or applications, whether on CD-ROMs, DVDs or other removable media, or on files downloaded over the Internet or other types of networks.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 protects your computer from viruses by constantly examining all the files that your computer opens and writes, as well as watching for suspicious activity that may be the sign of viruses acting on applications or other files. With Intego VirusBarrier X4 on your computer, you can rest assured that your Macintosh has the best protection available against viruses of all kinds.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 is an application that works in the background and checks everything that your computer does, looking for viruses. It detects and eradicates all known viruses, including Word and Excel macro viruses, and even viruses targeting the Windows operating system. It knows the unique signatures of all known Macintosh viruses, and whenever a new virus is discovered, Intego's Virus Monitoring Center goes into action to provide updated virus definitions, which you can download using Intego VirusBarrier X4's automatic NetUpdate function.
When you purchase a license for Intego VirusBarrier X4, you have access to virus definition updates for one year from the date of purchase. After this time, additional subscriptions, allowing you to extend your access to virus definition updates, are available from Intego, and can be purchased by using NetUpdate.
Intego VirusBarrier X4 was designed according to specific concepts. The main idea is that an antivirus program should not require the user to do anything once it is installed and configured, unless a virus is detected. The Intego VirusBarrier X4 philosophy can be summed up in three words: simple, fast and non-intrusive.
Actually, I'm an industrial maintenance mechanic, a millwright.
But in my spare time I am President of MaUsE, the most active
and fastest-growing Macintosh Users Group in the Greater Toronto Area,
located in Ontario, Canada. I am also Editor of the MaUsE DoubleClick,
our monthly online publication. Please go online to our website at
<www.mause.ca > and download a few recent back issues to see what we've been up to.
Besides reports about recent MaUsE activities you will see that we have lots of articles about
Macintosh-compatible hardware and reviews of Macintosh software
in every issue and for the December 2007 issue I am writing about Intego anti-virus software for Macs. So I just happened to have the Net Barrier 4X window open on another computer.
I use this program myself and it is fast & effective: finds corrupted as well as infected files (if any) and has a clean interface.
Warmest regards,
Michael,
Sorry 'bout misspelling your name in my last post. And I should have added a smiley or 'lol' after the, "Do you work for..." Cool web site and sounds like a nice MUG.
FYI, this is from the latest Tips&Tricks at OWC (Macsales.com)....
"...Scary Mac Virus Alert - Not!
Last month a new Trojan came out to threaten the Mac platform. One Mac anti-virus software producers even called this one of 'critical concern' in email blasts seeking to sell the ware. What the trojan app did was certain critical in nature, but the threat level is anything but.
While one day it's highly likely that someone will release a real zinger of a virus or trojan against the OS X platform, that day has yet to come to pass. To date, and including this latest 'OSX.RSPlug.A' trojan, the only way you get infected is if you intentionally enter your admin password that is required before it can install itself. The simple solution? If you don't know where an application is coming from and/or that it is from a trusted source - don't install it. And for sure, things like Web Browser plug-ins - it doesn't take the admin password to add them, if you browse some random site and something onthe site says you need some add on plugin, etc - and then the installer for that wants your admin password... Something's not right. 🙂
Again, while we are fortunate to be on a platform that thus far has not faced an onslaught of viruses. Just browsing to the 'wrong' site on or opening an infected e-mail/document can be all it takes on a Windows PC to become host to malware... For us Mac users, the few virus/trojans we have to worry about - well, really don't worry about - unless you 'invite them in' with your Admin password entered on a silver platter, there's nothing to worry about at all.... not yet anyway..."
HTH or is useful.
😀
