is it ok to add google chrome, plug-ins and anti-virus to my new macbook air?

1. You can install as many web browsers as you want. They won't interfere with the OS or each other.

2. Yes. Ensure you're downloading them all from the developer's site.

3. If the defenses built into the OS and common sense aren't enough, use ClamXav or Sophos.

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There is no need for antivirus, ... Firefox (modzilla) works fine without conflict, nor causes any sys. conflicts. There have been a very small number of Chrome users experiencing a black screen on wake up, but nothing detrimental to the Air, and a software point being worked on, however most are running Chrome fine.

Java, quicktime, Acrobat reader, all fine. adobe flash player a must for youtube vids, endless 100s of 1000s running same fine on their Air.

LJ5cincinnati wrote:

installing google chrome. It also reads most students and teachers also choose to install mozilla firefox. If I recollect I thought these browsers could impact the OS X system or certain applications.

No more than any other browser, for most users.

Plus isn't Safari fully capable of engaging the google apps content??

I've never had any problems with any of the ones I use in Safari.

What about plug-ins?? ok for adobe shockwave, java, quicktime, adobe reader, microsoft silverlight (not sure of this) and adobe flash player? I'm assuming these are fine to install, but welcome input.

I've heard there are issues with Shockwave, but never with OS X. Java is full of vulnerabilities and has been a major issue in the past, but at this moment it's safe. Just be sure to manage which sites you allow it to work with to only those that must be visited (as opposed to game sites, etc.). QuickTime should already be there. Silverlight has been known to cause operational issues to some users. I would only install it if there's a site that can't be used without it.

Flash has a lot of vulnerabilities, but I don't know of any that have been exploited on OS X. The only real danger there is that a Trojan is downloaded instead of the real thing. It's actually being phased out, so most, but not all YouTube video's will now work without it. Chrome has it's own version built in which it keeps up-to-date, so some users don't install Flash for Safari or Firefox and if they fine a site that requires it, launching Chrome to view it.

The other item is it is recommended we install free anti-virus software (i.e. Avast Free). One reason we love macs is to avoid this type of purchase, etc.