Do I need anti-malware?

I have had to help a number of Mac users I support remove it after someone had convinced them they need it. It had totally corrupted the directory on the system drive to point where the Mac would no longer boot. On another Mac after the scan finished a number of system files had been so badly mangled that I had to reinstall OS X.

It has not become my standard procedure when asked to help someone with a Mac to check for anything from Symantec first and remove it. In a large number of cases the problems go away after the uninstall is finished.

How about an answer to my question about your qualifications?

Allan

stevejobsfan0123 wrote:

Compukid wrote:

Okay, what proof do you want that I don't work for Symantec?

The way you get so paniced every time you are accused is enough for me.

Compukid wrote:

In what ways is Symantec "extremely dangerous"?

Yet still, you are quick to jump to Symantec's aid.

Compukid wrote:

Are we here to debate on if I work for Symantec, or to help someone?

You know the answer to that. So why don't you help someone?

You help someone too. All you have been doing is insisting I work for Symantec, which is a waste of time!

We need to keep an eye on you and undo any harm you may have done by recommending Norton for Mac. If you read Allan's example, you should know what you are getting people in to when you recommend it for them.

Allan Eckert wrote:

I have had to help a number of Mac users I support remove it after someone had convinced them they need it. It had totally corrupted the directory on the system drive to point where the Mac would no longer boot. On another Mac after the scan finished a number of system files had been so badly mangled that I had to reinstall OS X.

It has not become my standard procedure when asked to help someone with a Mac to check for anything from Symantec first and remove it. In a large number of cases the problems go away after the uninstall is finished.

How about an answer to my question about your qualifications?

Allan

My qualifications:

Scan every .exe file I download on my PC

Scan my computer monthly

Check certificates of websites

Very careful about passwords

Have not shared any password with anyone

And more.

Please answer my question about your qualification which make you so knowledgable on security?

Allan

ZZZzzzzzzz...

stevejobsfan0123 wrote:

We need to keep an eye on you and undo any harm you may have done by recommending Norton for Mac. If you read Allan's example, you should know what you are getting people in to when you recommend it for them.

Never had a problem with Norton for Mac! I do not do any "harm" to someone's computer.

Allan Eckert wrote:

Please answer my question about your qualification which make you so knowledgable on security?

Allan

Why do you care? Can I see your qualifications?

You seriously thinks that make you knowledgeable about computer security?

In my book everyone should know that.

Here when you call yourself a security guy, I thought you might really know something.

I have worked in IT since 1981 doing operating system support. I will not even call myself a security guy with that background because I know there is a bunch that I don't know. I am will to bet my background is much better then what you have.

I suggest you just quietly go away.

Allan

What qualifies you to say that?

Allan Eckert wrote:

I suggest you just quietly go away.

Allan

I second the motion.

OMG. How old are you?

Stedman

There's a lot of yammering going on here, thanks to Compukid, who is absolutely not a "security guy," unless that means a guy who has a vague interest in security. Let's cut through the chatter.

Norton has a very bad reputation here. Whether it is legitimately earned or more historical in nature, I don't know, as I have never used it. Many other AV programs are similarly regarded. ClamXav is well-regarded, and it works well (which I know from personal experience).

However, note that AV software does not actually do a very good job of protecting you from malware. When malware is actually in its active phase, it slips past AV software. Your brain is the only thing that can protect you for sure. For more on that, see my Mac Malware Guide.

(Note that my pages contain links to other pages that promote my services, and this should not be taken as an endorsement of my services by Apple.)

Over 30 years of IT operating system support in Windows, OpenVMS and UNIX.

Allan

Allan Eckert wrote:

You seriously thinks that make you knowledgeable about computer security?

In my book everyone should know that.

Here when you call yourself a security guy, I thought you might really know something.

I have worked in IT since 1981 doing operating system support. I will not even call myself a security guy with that background because I know there is a bunch that I don't know. I am will to bet my background is much better then what you have.

I suggest you just quietly go away.

Allan

I have the right to stay right here. You can go away, because you haven't even answered Cassandra's question. Stevejobsfan0123, you can do the same.