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AV software for MacBook Pro running ElCapitan 10.11.6

Do I need AV software for my laptop?

MacBook Pro 13″, OS X 10.11

Posted on Feb 28, 2022 1:24 PM

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Posted on Feb 28, 2022 4:44 PM

Virus protection is built into macOS. Currently, Catalina, Big Sur and Monterey receive security updates. If you're not running one of these, I recommend upgrading so you get current security updates:


How to get old versions of macOS - Apple Support


How to upgrade to macOS Monterey - Apple Support


9 replies

Mar 1, 2022 4:16 AM in response to Cjkwch

There are no known Windows-like Viruses in the wild that self replicate and affect macOS, because of the underling UNIX  Foundation and Permission Limitation. 


The Only thing this Antivirus software is protecting is the Bank Account of the Developers and for zero return to the User aside from the problems this software creates.


The The Built in Security  is all that is required to protect the computer.


Should “ Certain & Specific Software “ referenced from above be installed - it will negatively impact macOS. It is suggested, to download directly from a respected ASC Contributor, the application Malwarebytes for Mac


It is free or paid for added features. 


Run the Application and it should remove the malware / adware. Once done, restart computer and test.


Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.


Any of the below should be removed as per Developers Instructions 


This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.


This will include CleanMyMac , This will include BitDefender


This will included Norton Antivirus , Sophos Av Software


Intego AntiVirus, McAfee, MacKeeper, Avast AntiVirus


Ad Guard, Webroot

Mar 1, 2022 5:04 AM in response to Cjkwch

The Age of this computer will Govern what newer version of macOS it will Qualify to install. Use About this Mac from the Apple Icon on Desktop - the required Information will be there.


With the above information in-hand - follow this How to get old versions of macOS and verify what version this computer Qualifies to install.  For Best results use Safari to commence the download as Others may not work.


Safari will open a redirect and open the Apple Store where the download can commence.


If no ” Get Button “  Replace the https in the page's address to macappstore. Credit to Contributor @Niel


Computer Qualify for the Monterey upgrade


macOS Big Sur 11 hardware requirements


macOS Catalina 10.15 hardware requirements


macOS Mojave 10.14 hardware requirements


macOS High Sierra 10.13 hardware requirements


macOS Sierra 10.12 hardware requirements


Caution - jumping over all the newer versions and directly to Big Sur  / Monterey on Qualifying computers is Technically possible - there are those who have attempted and were successful. Then there are those who attempted and had less than good results.


If this is a Production or Mission Critical Set-up - a more prudent and measure approach is suggested. 


The above is from observations on the Apple Support Community Forums and IMHO


Tips Big Sir Upgrade Released Nov 2020


Tips Monterey Upgrade  Released Oct 25, 2021


Make Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS


Notation - Mojave is the Last version to support 32 bit applications / extensions and Drivers. Catalina, Big Sur & Monterey supports only 64 bit and there is no workaround.


Suggest using Go64 to find 32 bit application before attempting the upGrade. Some or many of the Application already installed may required update or upGrades to 64 Bit Versions.

AV software for MacBook Pro running ElCapitan 10.11.6

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