Virus Protection using Parallels?

Welcome to the discussions!

You will definately want to run AV software with Parallels as if (when?) you get a Windows virus, it could possibly cause damage to the OS X side of things.

No worries though. There are free AV tools that are very good at their job. I use AVG Free found HERE for my Parallels use and it does the job.

Hi

While you're running XP your computer will be susceptible to XP viruses and other malware. You're going to need some antivirus protection and a fire wall. I suggest you start with AVG and Zone Alarm, both of which have free versions. Then you'll need an anti-spam solution, plus an anti-spyware checker, plus a pop up blocker, plus an internet washer perhaps?, plus... plus... plus

In other words, all those things that Steve gives you for free but which Bill leaves out of the box.

Bob

PS: Perhaps windows vista will be better. Yeah, right 😉

Should you run AV software with Parallels? If you are running Windows in it, absolutely. When running WinXP in Parallels you are running Windows and are at risk for adware and malware.

Is your Mac at risk due to this? It can be but it need not be, that depends on how you use Parallels. Parallels creates a disk image and runs the virtualized installation from that disk image. Think of a big yard with a fenced in section. The yard is your Mac drive and the fenced in section is your Windows installation in Parallels. Without a gate, nothing can get it or out.

Note I said without a gate. Parallels has the option of letting Windows share Mac folders. This is a convenient way to share information between Mac and Windows and it constitutes a gate. I create websites using Mac tools but before uploading them, I need to verify that they look correct in MS Exploder 5, 6, and 7. So I share the WebSites folder I have my user directory with my Parallels WinXP installation allowing me to load my websites in my Windows browsers. That means Windows can read and write to that folder and constitutes a potential danger to my Mac installation.

So, use anti-malware software with Parallels? Yes. Worry that it might cause trouble for your Mac? A little. BTW, many ISP's offer free WIndows software. Check yours out.

Yes. Start up Parallels, boot Windows, and install all your Windows software there. McAffee is as good as any.

As mentioned, boot into the Windows MV and install your AV.

If you haven't already bought McAfee, try AVG first. It is excellent. I have used it on a Windows machine I use as a personal file server and have yet to catch a virus on it. Not bad at all for free stuff.

If you want a recommendation on paid for AV software, I am a big fan of PC-Cillin. It uses a lot less system resources than the more popular Norton and McAfee and updates everyday. Very good stuff there too.

Hi all, interesting post and great answers... may i add some similar n00b quizz, related to AV programs on my Macbook 1.83Ghz ?

I also need to install Parallels and therefor Windows XP Home due to my work demands for vectorial 2D drawing program "Autocad 2006 - my questions are:

1) Did i imagine this or did i correctly read somewhere that iLife disposes of a McAfee program in the Retail Pack, as a protection for my iWeb when published online (...or was it in .mac?) - If i install a AV program, shouldnt it be compatible with the McAfee? So... what AV does Apple recomends anyway? (like that annoying slogan "Windows recommends XYZ").

2) If i never intend to go online trought Windows IE7 engine (only trought Mac Safari for search, chats and emails) can i still be a victim of Windows viruses, missing-files, updates and crashes? I intend to unplug my Ethernet connection when im working on Cad trought Windows (pluging it back, when im back for some fun online with the reliable OS X).

MY 1º MAC: macbook 13" white 1.83ghz Mac OS X (10.4.8) Autocad 2004 @ "Parallels Desktop"

if i never go online using the windows os.....will i still be susceptible to windows viruses?

At one time .Mac included anti-viral software but no longer. At present Apple recommends no particular AV software. There are a number of different companies selling AV software for the Mac. At present I've chosen to use ClamXav, an open source product. It isn't as fancy (or intrusive) as many other programs, nor does its developers make claims of impending doom with the obvious intent of drumming up business.

If you NEVER go online in any fashion with WinXP and never install any software or connect any device while using Windows you MAY be safe. Due to the way that Windows is thrown together - I mean engineered - unless you actually deactivate explorer.exe in some fashion, it has the nasty habit of starting up even if you haven't registered it as the default browser. Even worse, if you go to Microsoft intended to manually update, or check for updates, you MUST use explorer.

Bottom line - you got Windows - you need anti-malware software.

Not completely. Every once in a while there'll be a slip that results in some malware accidentally finding its way onto a commercial software CD or hard drive device. The hapless Windows owner then winds up getting infected when he installs his new software or connects his new MP3 player or flash drive to the computer. Use Windows? Get anti-malware software.

Ahhh, then i didnt imagined it! LOL Thanks for the info on AV featuring on MACs, in the past! So i guess my Norton System Works 2005 will do fine...

As many here, i see that the doubt and fear remains - If we dont install or use IE7, while on virtual Windows environement, all is safe!

Hurray... but its still very scary to learn that during Windows Installation, we may be already activating IE7 with automaticly opens the Gates (as in Bill) to a infected world. (sorry for being ironic) wink

All you Comcast high-speed users out there, take advantage of the free subscriptions to mcafee virus and other junk. It really is free, and seems very, very complete. I went ahead and installed it on my parallels windows xp, and I think I'm set. Maybe other broadband companies offer it, but us Mac users could never take advantage of it.

just a thought.