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Level 1

10 points

iMac Anti Virus Software

Did my due diligence and conducted a search before submitting this question, and as expected saw the general responses.

I have owned Macbooks for at least 8 yrs without ANY type of anti virus / malware protection without any result so I agree with the masses that it is NOT a must for us lucky ones in the Mac community.

HOWEVER - I am a Federal Government employee who is now permitted to work from home and they REQUIRE that whatever operating system I decide to utilize to access my office PC via remote login MUST have some form of anti virus software installed on it. I just purchased the 2013 iMac desktop in a 27" display and was so excited to work from home on this, until hearing this news.

I need a no bs answer on the best anti virus software available for this precious unit that does not somehow conflict with anything else installed on it. I hear of iTunes lag issues, and all sorts of other crap happening after people install this stuff. They even gave me a free Kapersky anti virus disc for Mountain Lion when I bought the machine but even stated they dont recommend it (*** over?)

Can anyone please help me decide what to use in this issue since I truly wish to be granted this ability to telework 3-4 days a week here!!

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.1)

Posted on Feb 25, 2013 5:17 PM

Best reply

Eric Ross

Level 6

11,807 points

Posted on Feb 25, 2013 5:21 PM

You are correct no need for Anti-Virus software for Mac OS X, but this one is free and it has good ratings. http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Antivirus/3000-2239_4-75451160.html?tag=main ;pop

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22 replies

John Galt

Level 10

141,168 points

Feb 26, 2013 1:31 PM in response to GunnyFitz

Typical dicked up Govt IT department eh?

Eventually, they just may come around: Pentagon to open networks to iOS, Android devices in 2014

Not even the US Government can avoid the inevitable. They'll just deny it until their pensions are secure.

GunnyFitz Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 26, 2013 2:36 PM in response to John Galt

Impressive idea. Hope it comes to fruition.

So out of the list on AV, you feel safe saying ClamXav is best route to take on thios without any side effects?

As MadMacs noted above, which version of this would I need for Mountain Lion?

If you had to pick a 2nd or 3rd which way would you go with them? It appears only one in App Center on iMac is the CLamxav.

MadMacs0

Level 5

5,221 points

Feb 26, 2013 2:59 PM in response to GunnyFitz

GunnyFitz wrote:

So out of the list on AV, you feel safe saying ClamXav is best route to take on thios without any side effects?

As MadMacs noted above, which version of this would I need for Mountain Lion?

Sorry, I knew I should have double-checked, but the current version for OS X 10.5.8 and above is 2.3.4.

If you had to pick a 2nd or 3rd which way would you go with them? It appears only one in App Center on iMac is the CLamxav.

Check Thomas Reed's Mac anti-virus testing, part 2.

PCTools no longer maintains iAntiVirus and Norton has taken the name.

Sophos is generally considered #2 by most of the advisors around here, but I generally refrain from making any recommendations myself.

Full disclosure, I do uncompensated tech support on the ClamXav Forum.

John Galt

Level 10

141,168 points

Feb 26, 2013 3:12 PM in response to GunnyFitz

Whatever you install on a computer must first do no harm. Should you ever have a problem with your Mac and need to come here for help, no one is going to tell you ClamXav is the cause, not at present anyway. I cannot say that for any of the other options that may be acceptable to your agency. If you have a problem with your Mac, they won't care. Therefore there are no second and third choices other than to install Windows, and live with all the problems that can bring. Misery loves company and you'll have lots of it.

Download ClamXav from the Mac App Store.

GunnyFitz Author

Level 1

10 points

Feb 26, 2013 3:25 PM in response to John Galt

LMFAO !! So true my friend!

Thanks. I will update this thread once I get past the point of no return! 😎

MadMacs0

Level 5

5,221 points

Feb 26, 2013 3:44 PM in response to John Galt

John Galt wrote:

no one is going to tell you ClamXav is the cause...

I reserve the right to do so 😉

GunnyFitz Author

Level 1

10 points

Mar 4, 2013 4:58 PM in response to GunnyFitz

Ok my friends. Here is the way it went down for all to know.

You guys were correct (who I cant recall) but it turned out that I DID NOT require to download ANY AV software after all sine I used the "Citrix" method. All I did was download the Mac software for my Mac OS and followed the steps issued to me by our IT office. I was able to remote desktop in to my PC at work using this route with the only problem being a little sluggish or choppy at times.

However, had I elected to use the VPN route I would have had to get the ClamXav as you guys were so very helpful to inform me about. I guess this is the system that sends out the ping to my Mac seeking the AV software. Some are saying that we are soon going to be reqired to go VPN, but until then I will stay with Citrix.

Oh. I also find that my remote logon times out quickly regardless if I am using the mouse or trackpad to keep it alive. Other employees are also experiencing this too and we cannot change the inactivity settings ourselves. IT needs to change this to a higher time delay. At the office use of the mouse keeps it from timing out on us. dont know why it does not do the same at home. But these are small issues compared to the whole purpose of this thread right? Again, thanks to you all for the input and advice on the Citrix Receiver route to teleworking!! Keep up the great work guys. Hope to bring another issue to the table for you all soon! 🙂

Gunny out.........................

iMac Anti Virus Software