Do I need Anti-Virus protection while running Parallel's (Windows 7) ???
I am installing a new MBP and need to run Windows 7 on Parallel's. Should I install Anti-Virus software? Any thoughts on Norton™ Internet Security Dual Protection For Mac® that runs on both MAC and Parallel's (Windows 7) ??? Any suggestions/issues? Thanks.
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
You will need AV software on Windows, in Parallels. You don't really need AV software on a Mac, IMO, but if you want to make up your own mind on that score, see my Mac Virus Guide* for all the info you need.
* Disclaimer: links to my pages may give me compensation, and should not be taken as endorsement of my services by Apple.
I strongly recommend against installing Norton on a Mac. All it is capable of doing on a Mac is causing problems.
Not doing anything with Windows myself, I am not able to answer your questions about AV software and Parallels.
Allan
You need anti virus software on your Windows. MS Security Essentials is a good program and it is free.
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security_essentials/default.aspx
I would not use Norton since it id bloated and is not free.
The Windows OS needs anti-virus - Windows ALWAYS needs anti-virus. OS X not so much.
However, there's no reason to use anything more complicated than Microsoft Security Essentials and the Windows Firewall - which have the added advantage of being free...
No clue about Norton, except to note that the very poor performance of some Norton products has soured many people on their entire line of security software for Macs. I'd guess that since in most cases Macs don't need anti-virus that it would be a waste of money - but maybe you're one of those people who do need anti-virus for one reason or another...you'll know that best, of course.
Here are two great FREE anti-virus software programs for both Mac and Windows running on Parallels. I'm using both and they are excellent .... especially the Mac offering:
1. ClamXav (Mac) at: ClamXav
(I would highly recommend giving these guys a donation for their continued development of this terrific software)
2. Avast (Windows/Parallels) at: Thank you for downloading avast!
I have Win7/64 running under BootCamp and find that the Windows Security Essentials is minimally intrusive.
On the Mac side, the a/v product I use lies between my ears!
Do I need Anti-Virus protection while running Parallel's (Windows 7) ???
