Anti virus programs for Macs. Mac users only Please.?

Question

Do I need an anti virus program for my wifes iMac G5? I just read MacWorlds newest mag and even the editor says he still runs his Mac without one but this issue is all about making your Mac more secure. Is two or three viruses written for our Mac's worth the drag an anti-virus program places on our iMac's? Window XP runs fast and somewhat stable till you load the firewalls, anti adwear and virus programs. Do I really want to go there with her new Mac? She is a smart experienced computer user and is the only user of her computer as we are empty nesters. What has been your experiences with this? Thanks for any help.

Answer 1

Under our old system 9, we didn't worry much about such things.
With OS X, it opened the door a bit. Exposing us to UNIX weakness. While far less than Windows users, there are those occasional little viruses.

I should say YES, but in truth... most of us (the people I know) don't. Just make sure you download and install any updates from Apple

However if you choose to run Windows on her MAC, YES!!!!!!!!

Answer 2

The possibility of the Mac getting a virus is extremely low. (Reasons quoted below.)


Below is a quote from:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000737.htm

"Question:

Do Macs get viruses?

Answer:

It is possible for an Apple Macintosh to get a virus, so the short answer to the question is "Yes". However, the likelihood of an Apple Macintosh user getting a virus when compared to a Microsoft user is very little to none. In fact, many of the Apple Macintosh users don't even run an anti-virus protection program.

Below are some of the reasons why Apple Macintosh computers do not have as many viruses as Microsoft Windows.

1. Newer Macintosh operating systems, such as the Mac OS X, is built on the Unix kernel, which is one of the oldest and most secure operating systems available.
2. Microsoft Windows is used by a lot more users. Because more users use Microsoft Windows, it is a lot better of a target than Apple Macintosh computers.
3. Most of the virus writers are familiar with the IBM platform and Microsoft Windows, and therefore are only going to be able to create a virus for that platform.
4. Many of the tools and scripts used to help users create viruses or other malware are designed for Microsoft Windows."

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

I installed an antivirus program on my PowerBook G4, being a little paranoid of virus infecting my computer. To date it hasn't detected any virus. Maybe I got it for nothing, but to make me feel more secure I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.