how do i know if my mac has viruses?
how do i know if my mac has a virus?
also, can it crash? should I be concerned
MacBook Pro
how do i know if my mac has a virus?
also, can it crash? should I be concerned
MacBook Pro
Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
There aren't any viruses for OS X, so you don't need an antivirus. See this webpage for more information > http://www.reedcorner.net/mmg
It doesn't. There are no known viruses affecting OS X.
Helpful Links Regarding Virus Protection
An excellent link to read is Tom Reed's Mac Malware Guide.
Also, visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on malware.
For general anti-virus protection I recommend using ClamXav.
All computers may crash, but that does not mean there is a virus involved.
As you must know, the OP is obviously using "virus" to mean malware in general (as most of the public does) and won't be helped--in fact, will be confused by hearing there are no viruses for Macs.
It's true. However, most of the malware is for Windows, so unless the OP isn't using some applications as MacKeeper, there isn't too much to worry about malware for Mac OS X, but the OP can always install ClamXav or Sophos in order to make sure that he/she doesn't have malware
Right now--and forever--probably most important thing to know is to keep Java disabled.
Then we may rely upon you to clarify that for the public. Although I don't really know what the OP means by "virus," I'm guessing just as you are. Or, I may be using the term to also mean malware. But perhaps you should ask the OP if he/she is in fact confused. As you know, there are no known viruse affecting OS X. There is a flu virus going around that does affect flying squirrels - flu then crash. 🙂
Come on Kappy, that's totally disingenuous and you know it.
Well, I was trying to pull your leg a little, but I guess you didn't feel the tug. I did put the smiley at the end. 🙂
You've already been given two references to my Mac Malware Guide, so I won't link to that again! 😀 I do wonder, though, why you ask about this. Are you having a problem that prompted you to wonder if you were infected with malware? That's not likely to be the case. If you describe your problem, someone here should be able to help with it.
Also, you asked if your Mac can crash... it certainly can crash, but it shouldn't. If your machine is crashing, there's a problem somewhere that needs to be addressed.
Now I get it. 🙂
There are many forms of ‘Malware’ that can affect a computer system, of which ‘a virus’ is but one type, ‘trojans’ another. Using the strict definition of a computer virus, no viruses that can attack OS X have so far been detected 'in the wild', i.e. in anything other than laboratory conditions. The same is not true of other forms of malware, such as Trojans. Whilst it is a fairly safe bet that your Mac will NOT be infected by a virus, it may have other security-related problem, but more likely a technical problem unrelated to any malware threat.
You may find this User Tip on Viruses, Trojan Detection and Removal, as well as general Internet Security and Privacy, useful:
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2435
The User Tip (which you are welcome to print out and retain for future reference) seeks to offer guidance on the main security threats and how to avoid them.
how do i know if my mac has viruses?