Discussion Windows going osx maybe

[jimmyrlucas]

ok i was raised on windows started with windows 95 but every computer i get gets a virus within a year or to and i hated all macs everything to do with them but all of my the people who have macs they last 5 to 10 years but my question is for all the mac people do you still need a virous protection software or is it ready out of the box

 

[das_stig]

Yes, every operating system should have anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall software installed.

 

[electrontau]

Mac and Linux have very little viruses because majority of computers run on Windows. It does not mean that MacOS is virus free.

I use Windows since version 3.1 and never got virus. I don't look for serial numbers, no warez, no limewire, don't open unknown attachments, don't look for porn. Managed service dept where most of the computers that have virus, the owner were using limewire to download stuff.

Have only 1 antivirus: avast.

 

[wildwell]

I haven't had a Mac virus since running OS 7.x on a Macintosh Classic II. It was a mean s.o.b. and resulted in a completely destroyed external 80MB SCSI HDD.

Although most Mac owners I know don't have current malware protection or even remember to turn on their firewall, it's still a no-brainer in my book. I'm running 'VirusBarrier Express' scheduled for daily scans, the OSX software firewall, and the hardwire firewall in my Netgear router and D-Link switch.

 

[millerb7]

Yes, every operating system should have anti-virus, anti-malware and firewall software installed.

Mac and Linux have very little viruses because majority of computers run on Windows. It does not mean that MacOS is virus free.

I use Windows since version 3.1 and never got virus. I don't look for serial numbers, no warez, no limewire, don't open unknown attachments, don't look for porn. Managed service dept where most of the computers that have virus, the owner were using limewire to download stuff.

Have only 1 antivirus: avast.

I haven't had a Mac virus since running OS 7.x on a Macintosh Classic II. It was a mean s.o.b. and resulted in a completely destroyed external 80MB SCSI HDD.

Although most Mac owners I know don't have current malware protection or even remember to turn on their firewall, it's still a no-brainer in my book. I'm running 'VirusBarrier Express' scheduled for daily scans, the OSX software firewall, and the hardwire firewall in my Netgear router and D-Link switch.

Well unfortunately you all are a little off on this one. If he is buying a new mac, there is NO (and I mean not ONE single) public virus for Mac OSX leopard or snow leopard. You WILL NOT need an antivirus software. The only thing you can get is a script that YOU have to actually download yourself by going to a site or email etc... but it isn't a virus as you have to install it yourself.

I have been running macs for 6+ years now and have never run an antivirus program and I have never had any virus. I torrent quite a bit as well and again, no viruses. A virus by definition is an executable file that can replicate itself, but with mac's there are NONE in public for 10.5+, only malware.

 

[Yoder54]

I agree with millerb7! I should also add that I got my first PC around 1986, and have never had a virus. Made my move to Mac 5 years ago, own 6, and have never had a virus nor do I waste my money on virus software. Realize, that Apple sends out software updates rather frequently and these almost always contain security updates.

 

[roagie]

Okay, ummm guys there are viruses that are found on running MAC OSX. Microsoft Office is still susceptible to macro viruses on your mac (dependent upon the version, but again it does exist). These only affect office files, but still you might want to guard against them. In most cases just turning off macros is sufficient.

Also MAC OSX although not (at the operating system level) affected by viruses, can still spread them to PC's. So if you have a PC and a Mac it would probably not be a bad idea to run some type of anti virus on your MAC. From a security point of view you should definitely have on your firewall. Just my two cents.