how to run virus detection software

This is a good discussion of security with OSX:

http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg/

The following will check for/remove adware

Adwaremedic: Removes all known adware from your Mac

While there are antivirus apps for the Mac they seem to cause more problems than they solve.

Are yo having any symptoms of a virus (which presently there are none) or adware (which the Mac is susceptible)

kywood96 wrote:

I would like to determine if my computer has any type of virus or malware. How do I run detection software? Thanks!

A bigger question is, why? Are you just curious, or are you having a problem that you believe may be due to malware? If the latter, what are the specific symptoms you're seeing?