Should I install Webroot SpySweeper (antivirus) on my Macbook Pro?

In a word......No. At this time there are NO virus for Macs. If you insist use something that is free and known to work well with Macs like ClamXAV. But really...OS X and a little common sense go a long way.

lsilva08 wrote:

... Either way, I think I'm going to get it just to be safe.

It is a frequently overlooked fact that installing anything on your Mac involves risk - especially third party AV software, since most of those products modify OS X in an ill-conceived attempt to protect it from viruses that do not exist.

"Being safe" cannot be delegated to some magic talisman.

Anything that modifies OS X has the potential to cause problems. This site is riddled with complaints from those who installed poorly conceived AV software written by companies who think they know how to protect OS X better than the engineers who designed it.

It is also a frequently overlooked fact that OS X already includes everything it needs to protect itself from viruses and other malicious tampering.

There is no product, no magic shield, that can protect you from all the ills of the Internet. Installing some feel-good third party product with a clever cartoon character promising to protect your Mac from all harm is for suckers.

WebRoot is nearly worthless at detecting Mac malware. See:

Mac anti-virus testing

Note that it scored 19th out of 20 anti-virus engines.

As to whether you need anti-virus software, don't let anyone tell you Macs don't get viruses. The truth of that statement requires some pretty strict interpretations of the word "virus." Fact of the matter is, there is some Mac malware out there.

Do you need anti-virus software to protect you? Probably not, but it depends on many factors specific to your daily activities and preferences. See my Mac Malware Guide, and if you ultimately decide to install anti-virus software, only use one of the programs that it recommends.