User profile for user: Pixturesk
Pixturesk Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Sophos Free AntiVirus for Tiger PPC

Not sure if the forum is aware of this (just saw it on MacUpdate) but Sophos, from what I know a reputable PC antivirus software, has just released a free, real time scanning version of their AntiVirus software for both PPC + Intel Macs running Tiger 10.4 + above. "http://www.sophos.com/products/free-tools/free-mac-anti-virus/". I have just installed Sophos (there is even a "Sophos remove" icon in the Applications folder in case I don't want it), got the latest virus definitions, now scanning all the files + folders on my main drive to make sure that everything is OK. The software puts an icon in the menu bar, which when black in colour is constantly protecting my computer. Before installing Sophos I completely uninstalled ClamXav 2.0.8 because 2 antivirus programs often conflict with each other. Just thought I would let the forum know, interesting to hear your opinions. I will report on any problems, my general experience with Sophos. Ken.

iMac G4/800, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 768 megs of ram, dsl internet

Posted on Nov 2, 2010 1:26 PM

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35 replies
User profile for user: WZZZ
WZZZ
User level: Level 6
13,238 points

Nov 2, 2010 2:50 PM in response to Pixturesk

Thanks for the heads up. I don't think the AV is necessary, but I might be interested in learning what other exploits it has definitions for.

I'd like to know how long a full scan of your drive takes. That's usually the painful part of these programs. BTW, I don't think it's necessary to uninstall ClamXav, since that isn't running constantly in the background. This one does? If so, I'm not crazy about that.

My bottom line reaction: I'm skeptical. Certainly won't install it until it's been well and truly vetted. Questions: I wonder if they aren't trying to cash in on the fears of new Mac owners already conditioned to PC slime as Mac market share increases? And is this really only a demo/teaser? Otherwise, how do they make any real money off this?
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User profile for user: BDAqua
BDAqua
User level: Level 10
250,253 points

Nov 2, 2010 2:53 PM in response to WZZZ

Yes, it runs in the Background, but I thought I'd start it off with Scan all drives about 20 minutes ago of only 3 drives about 1.5GB of data, nearly 6,000,000 files to go, 34 threats detected!

So far it all looks like PC infected eMails I keep around for anybody wanting to get into my Private>Credit Card Numbers folder. 😉
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User profile for user: Pixturesk
Pixturesk Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Nov 2, 2010 3:18 PM in response to WZZZ

WZZZ, while I agree that virus threats are not imminent, sometime in the future that might not be the case. The full scan of my drive, 182,000 files took about 90 minutes (I ate dinner), when I was a PC user, having antivirus software that ran in the background was essential because threats were omnipresent. I am not a techie but Sophos does not seem to be a ram hog, does not even show up in "Accounts" "Login Items". This is not a demo/teaser that I can see. Because it is free, the only support is from Sophos forums. They make money, by selling professional or corporate versions which offer even more functionality, but free versions, if constantly kept up to date, seem to offer sufficient protection, also no "nag screens" as with ClamXav. I was aware of the Sophos positive, long standing reputation in the PC realm, so I was not hesitant to install it. The only way to really evaluate it is by installing the software. Ken.
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User profile for user: Pixturesk
Pixturesk Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Nov 2, 2010 3:49 PM in response to BDAqua

BDAqua. Now that my scan is complete + clean, the Sophos virus definitions are completely up to date, I feel far more comfortable about the safety of my Mac. I will, however, give Sophos an ongoing test just to be sure. Also guys, Google search Sophos reviews, Sophos Labs has been in business for 20 years, see an entire spectrum of opinion on the software including the awards they have won. It's nice + smart to see a company that feels that us Tiger PPC types ought to get protection as well. Ken.
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User profile for user: Klaus1
Klaus1
User level: Level 9
52,873 points

Nov 2, 2010 4:18 PM in response to Pixturesk

(just saw it on MacUpdate) but Sophos, from what I know a reputable PC antivirus software

Not saying that Sophos is not an entirely reputable company, but they are very good at getting their sales pitches into the media.

All you need on a Mac is ClamXav (free) and MacScan (shareware) and to keep their virus and malware definitions up to date.

You may find my User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Privacy, useful:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1764179
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User profile for user: Pixturesk
Pixturesk Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Nov 2, 2010 4:37 PM in response to Klaus1

Thanks Klaus 1. I still have ClamXav 2.0.8 on standby, but I think we are fooling ourselves to think that Macs won't, at some point, be susceptible to virus attacks. If a reputable company with 20 years experience, is offering a free (no nag screens), more complete, real time antivirus solution (As long as Sophos does not slow down my Mac or cause some unforeseen problems) I, as a new Mac user, not much of a techie, am going to give it a try. Ken.
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User profile for user: WZZZ
WZZZ
User level: Level 6
13,238 points

Nov 3, 2010 2:34 PM in response to BDAqua

If it took 90 minutes on a G4/800, I'd never be able to run it on the G3/400/Tiger where, since Tiger is no longer supported, it's probably needed the most. I don't like the idea of running the CPU on the G3 flat out for three hours or more. If it lets you selectively scan different areas of the drive, then maybe I could run it in increments and avoid burning up the computer.

Update BD? Your opinion now?
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User profile for user: Klaus1
Klaus1
User level: Level 9
52,873 points

Nov 3, 2010 3:52 PM in response to BDAqua

I would not touch Sophos with a bargepole, nor do I accept their information at face value.

No scan should take that long, and in any case the risks to a Mac are tiny. Pure scare-mongering to lure people into buying their expensive and poorly working product.

All you need is ClamXav (free) and MacScan (very reasonable).
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Sophos Free AntiVirus for Tiger PPC

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