anti-virus etc.besides what Apple has installed

Don't purchase the antivirus. You don't need an antivirus, but if you want, you can download ClamXav > http://www.clamxav.com

Helpful Links Regarding Malware Protection

An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.

Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on malware.

A link to a great User Tip about the trojan: Flashback Trojan User Tip.

To check for the trojan: Anti Flashback Trojan 2.0.4.

A Google search can reveal a variety of alternatives on how the remove the trojan should your computer get infected. This can get you started. Or the preferred method is to use Apple's protection tool: Flashback Malware Removal Tool 1.0.

Or, open Software Update. If you do not have the Apple protection software installed it will download and install it via Software Update. If no update appears that means you either already have it installed or it isn't needed for your system. The software is only available for Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Lion versions of OS X.

Also see Apple's article About Flashback malware.

For general anti-virus protection I only recommend using ClamXav.

Shari3 wrote:

... i've seen articles in the past that have said Apple protection is not as good as Apple says.

i've noticed that several of the anti-virus companies hae versions for the Mac now.

Of course they do. How else would they sell you something you don't need?

The common advice in the others' recommendations above is that you do not need to buy anything. Don't.

Shari3 wrote:

i've seen articles in the past that have said Apple protection is not as good as Apple says.

Apple has modified what they have to say about it, but it's still very good for most users.

i've noticed that several of the anti-virus companies hae versions for the Mac now.

Yes, when all the publicity about 600,000 infected macs came out, several formerly Windows only A-V vendors rushed offerings to market. In my opinion, none of those have proven they fully understand OS X, so I would not use any of them until they do and some independant labs test their effectiveness. There are several that have been around for years.

A fully up-to-date OS X 10.6.8 or above will protect you today against all known Mac malware. Keep Java (not JavaScript) turned off in your browsers to be even safer against future attacks. Go through Thomas Reed's guide that Kappy referenced then decide if you need anything.

Of course you don't need antivirus software, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. With mac becoming more and more mainstream, more and more people are going to try and hack OSX. Although it is difficult to get a virus with a mac, it isn't impossible.

Do you wear a motorcycle helmet while riding the bus?

Of course you don't need it, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.