My Dell is loaded with Viruses and I know that a Mac will be better but am I ok without anything else or should I get something and if so what?
2006-09-01 11:36:47 · 17 answers · asked by leprikan6 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Mac's do get viruses http://antivirus.about.com/od/macintoshresource/
Just not as many as PC's!
Since you are planning on getting a new computer you might want to do what I had a friend do who never kept their antivirus-antispyware updated. Get whatever computer will work best for what you do OFF the internet. Then use your Dell Recovery CD and wipe the drive and reinstall windows and surf the net on it. Get a virus - then format and recover as you aren't keeping files on it.
2006-09-01 11:43:36 · answer #1 · answered by topgun h 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, anyone running a proper secure installation of Windows XP won't get viruses either but Windows users, for the most part tend to be the less knowledgeable crowd. It requires a bit of manual tweaking, either in Windows itself or with third party programs to get it secure enough, but I'm telling you firsthand, it can be done and none of my Windows XP machines have EVER gotten a single virus on them, occasional spyware yes (though, automatic scans take care of that...).
I would suggest that if you want an anti-virus app for your Mac to check out Clamxav (based on ClamAV for Linux and Windows) it is open source and completely free, http://www.mac-net.com/fm.asp?id=www.clamxav.com%2F
And just because your Mac isn't necessarily affected by viruses on your system, you can easily pass on viruses to friends who are likely running Windows. The point is, Windows based viruses can be spread for Macs via vulnerabilities in MS Office for Mac and other Microsoft applications that run on Mac. It's better safe than sorry and it's free, don't pay for what you may never make use of.
2006-09-01 11:51:05 · answer #2 · answered by conradj213 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For a start Dell and a mac are the last two choices i would make.Sounds like you don't have anti virus on your dell ! that's probably why you have viruses.
Type "stinger" into your search engine and download Mcafee avert stinger. this is a stand alone program and should clean up your dell computer. Its not a substitute for full time virus protection but it a good quick fix
2006-09-01 11:47:05 · answer #3 · answered by Bob Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a mac and I have to tell you...I've downloaded accidently a couple of viruses but my Mac hasn't been affected because most viruses are written for PCs. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. I have Virex, it was a free download, though I don't know where to send you for it as I got it off my school's website. You might try googling it.
Enjoy your new mac! I'm jealous, been wanting a new one for a while!
2006-09-01 11:40:10 · answer #4 · answered by Kate C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You can get viruses. The reason that Windows machines get viruses more often is because there are more viruses that target the Windows system than any other operating system. It's a victim of its own popularity.
But rest assured. You can get viruses on Macs as well.
2006-09-01 11:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by cantankerous_bunch 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The short and simple answer... Yes.
You should always have anti-virus AND anti-spyware programs on your computer, no matter what the operating system.
The reason why Macs have LESS (there are viruses for Macs) is because the majority of computers are running Windows, people who write viruses, and other malicious code, go for the biggest target so they naturally go for Windows.
2006-09-01 11:39:08 · answer #6 · answered by TikiTantrum 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some sources will suggest it, but you won't need it. There are *few* viruses for Mac, but they aren't running wild like PC viruses. Most Mac users shouldn't fear viruses one bit. It's wonderful being able to use an operating system that doesn't require extra software running in the background just to patch security holes.
2006-09-01 12:32:39 · answer #7 · answered by UbiquitousGeek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What they tell you is correct. Anti-virus software is not required on your new Mac. You won't need Anti-spyware either.
But you do have to pay attention to symptoms. Viruses on the Mac are rare, so watch your computer's performance, as symptoms of a problem.
2006-09-01 11:47:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be fooled to believe that MAC's do not get viruses, it is just PC's and Windows based computers are more vunerable to them as they occupy 95% of the computer market.
As for Anti-Virus programs for MAC's there are good one's to buy, there are also one for free on the internet, check out the ones at "www.download.com"..
I use a free version of one called Avasti, there are one's you can purchase to from them, it updates on it's own so you are always protected and this will keep you from having to deal with viruses in the future.
2006-09-01 11:44:52 · answer #9 · answered by The Unknown Chef 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are Mac viruses, although they're few and far between.
Norton makes a version of their antivirus software for Macs. There's also a program called Virex that's supposed to be pretty good. Sophos makes one, too.
A Google search for "Macintosh antivirus" will find others.
2006-09-01 11:40:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋