Is there ever a need for protection software like MacKeeper?

MacKeeper protects nothing. It is garbage. It deletes critical OX files because it does not really know OSX.

OSX defragments itself.

OmniDiskSweeper tells you what files are where and their size, but you must remove them manually.

If you getting the idea that OSX has enough "automatic" tools built in and all else should be manual operations by you, you are getting the message.

mackeeper is something one needs protection from

I run ccleaner, virusbarrier express and bitdefender virus scanner

all free and from app store so verified that they are not scamware programs like mackeeper

If you've had the misfortune of installing said crapware you'll be needing this:

http://applehelpwriter.com/2011/09/21/how-to-uninstall-mackeeper-malware/

No Mac needs MacKeeper. No Mac user wants or needs MacKeeper.

Every Mac user needs protection from MacKeeper.

The best anit-virus is you, the user and your brain.

• Don't visit questionable websites or website you are unsure about.
• Don't install pirated software or software downloaded from a questionable or unknown websites or sources.
• Java is a vulnerability right now, if you do not need it, don't use it.
• Use a browser filter and pop-up blocker
• Don't open email attachments from email addresses that you do not recognize.
• Install security updates when they become available
• Educate yourself as to what threats are common and active.
• In effect, use your brain as the antivirus filter.

Follw that advise and in MOST cases, you will be fine and won't feel the need to have to install antivirus software.

Rudegar wrote:

mackeeper is something one needs protection from

I run ccleaner,

I have 2 clients who have had significant probems develop after using ccleaner, keep your backups up to date.

I have 2 clients who have had significant probems develop after using ccleaner

Understandable. CCleaner is a handy utility on the Win side but, when i tried it on the Mac, it didn't do anything that later versions of the Mac OS seem to handle nicely on their own.

Agreed, I have used it successfully on Windows machines for years, on a Mac it is very shaky, sometimes downright dangerous.

Csound1 wrote:

I have 2 clients who have had significant probems develop after using ccleaner, keep your backups up to date.

to tell you the truth since it didn't really say it could free much space unlike on windows I havent really used it

I suggest keeping it that way (but the Windows version is fine in my experience, so I won't **** that) 🙂

I run ccleaner, virusbarrier express and bitdefender virus scanner

I agree with everyone else regarding CCleaner. It's not necessary or helpful on a Mac, and could be damaging.

Regarding the anti-virus software, VirusBarrier Express has quite good detection rates, and since it's from the App Store and cannot install all kinds of background tasks, won't cause you any problems. BitDefender, though, isn't much good. In my recent testing of Mac anti-virus software, BitDefender only detected 58% of what I would consider (at that time) to be current threats. There's no need to have it in addition to VB Express.