Best Security Software for older Macs no longer supported by Apple - iMacs, MacBooks

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Level 1

40 points

Best Security Software for older Macs no longer supported by Apple - iMacs, MacBooks

Hi All

So here we are. My iMac mid 2011 that I still use with both Safari, Google Chrome and other software was no longer supported from Oct 2019. Its now August 2020 and I am thinking of what is the best software to compliment my ageing iMac.

So why not upgrade to High Sierra? Simple really Adobe CS3 software that I use a lot and can't upgrade to High Sierra as it won't work. Also come Oct 2020 and High Sierra is not supported either.

So does that mean that my iMac is now rubbish? Throw it out, buy a new iMac at £1000+?

For updates from Apple then yes it is obsolete, however how many people out there still use their old iMacs for everyday stuff? My mate has an old El Capitan iMac that he only uses for Music and I know my iMac will follow suit soon.

So my question: ---

I have Googled the best software and Bitdefender, Norton 360, Intego X9 and others all give some sort of Malware, banking protection and an extra layer of protection that some upto date Mac owners will say you don't really need.

So which is the best for the Mac? Having looked at some they all have limited functions for the Mac compared to the Windows version.

Norton:- Will only support the current and last two versions of Mac OS - so thats no good from the start.

BitDefender: - Supports from OSx 10.10 (Yosemite ) so seems good value but functions are cut down for Mac owners.

Intego x9:- Mac only, expensive but seems one of the best options?

Just need some advice of what others have bought? Any Safari extensions to make Banking better and less of a worry with no Apple updates since Oct 2019? Surely this software will increase the security on the ageing Safari 12.1.2 Browser?

I can use Google Chrome which is updated and will be for at least a couple of years, just wanted to buy an extra layer of security.

Thank you in advance of the replies ....

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.12

Posted on Aug 25, 2020 1:06 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Ronasara

Level 6

14,971 points

Aug 25, 2020 4:34 PM in response to RKGB

Here are my thoughts. There is no clear answer as to when to buy a new computer. As long as the one you have is serving you, then it's good, whether the OS is still supported by Apple or not. Old operating systems are often tried and true because of their age, although some new features will not be available. Eventually updated apps will no longer work with your OS.

You asked about antivirus software. All of us here will advise you to not , not, not install any antivirus or Mac cleaner software. It will significantly slow down the computer and will often cause other serious problems. Lastly the Mac protects itself, so such software serves no purpose whatsoever. If you install it, you will come to regret it. I hope these thoughts are useful to you. Best of luck.

At some point you will decide to buy a new Mac. There are two things we all would suggest. Get a computer with only a solid (SSD) drive. They are much faster. Get one with at least 16 GB of RAM installed. I suggest only getting a computer which allows you to do user installed or upgraded RAM. You never know what your future RAM needs might be.

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Answer 2

Eau Rouge

Level 8

42,590 points

Aug 26, 2020 12:29 AM in response to RKGB

If you just use your mac for working in Adobe CS3 then carry on and don't use your mac for any internet activity,

as you have already pointed out you use your iPad and iPhone more often than you do your mac.

I have an older mac running Sierra and I am not concerned, I just keep on going, nothing

untoward has happened, although suspiciously a pair of velvet pantaloons disappeared after

a rowdy birthday party.

Never use Anti-Virus, macs do not need anti-virus apps, there are no viruses that attack the mac.

If you want to keep on top of malware/ adware then install the free version of Malwarebytes.

If you want to read more on keeping a mac safe, read this article.

Effective defenses against malware and ot… - Apple Community

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

202,228 points

Aug 25, 2020 1:16 PM in response to RKGB

Honestly, if you absolutely must stay on Sierra so that you can continue to run an obsolete version of Adobe's products which haven't been supported in years, buy yourself a cheap windows machine to use for web surfing, banking, etc, and disconnect the Mac from the Internet, or install Windows using virtualization or in Boot Camp and use that on the Internet.

So-called 'security software' for Macs is largely garbage. Even if you find something that would still be supported on Sierra at all, it would cause more problems than it would solve.

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Answer 4

RKGB Author

Level 1

40 points

Aug 25, 2020 1:31 PM in response to KiltedTim

Hi KiltedTim

I totally agree that Seirra is out of date and I own an iPad Pro, iPhone 11 etc and use these most of the time. It’s just that my iMac is so convenient for me and Adobe software is used a fare bit. Simply not paying £40-60pm for using it once every 2-3 months.

Are they all garbage? Really? Perhaps unless others tell me otherwise I may have to sell this iMac and move on or simply only use it for Artwork and not online like my mate uses his old iMac 2009 for just a music studio.

thanks for the reply.

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Answer 5

RKGB Author

Level 1

40 points

Aug 26, 2020 1:08 AM in response to Eau Rouge

Hi Eau

thanks for the reply

Yes already have Windows 10 boot camp installed. Although not officially supported I upgraded win7 and it worked so I will be using this now as the main boot device and using Seirra for artwork etc.

I currently have Sophos Hone installed (free) but if I was going to use Sierra more I was wondering is any good security software would help.

Time to think. Dump CS3 and buy newer iMac? Run Windows 10 on old iMac and use Sierra for artwork?

I love Malware bytes in PC but on Mac it’s seems a bit more restricted.

all good advice though.

cheers 👍

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Best Security Software for older Macs no longer supported by Apple - iMacs, MacBooks

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