Virus check on a MAC?

Question

Do I just install an anti virus protection thing like I do on a PC or should a MAC have some sort of virus protection thing with it? I'm new to a MAC and want to make sure I keep it virus free :)

Answer 1

MAC's don't get viruses, they aren't worth the effort, hardly anyone uses them. Hackers say 1 in a million people who use a MAC actually use online banking so its a waste of time.

Answer 2

Macs are not as prone to viruses. This is NOT because Macs are any better (as some allege). It is because 95 % of the pcs are Windows and virus writers have a larger target by aiming at Windows users (sometimes it is nice to be in the minority and many feel this is one such case).

Many Mac users don't mess with virus protection. There are Mac versions of virus protection written by the major players and it installs just like it does for Windows units. You need to install a Mac version however.

Answer 3

Macs don't get viruses and it's not because there are fewer people using them that they aren't a target. Don't you think at least one person has tried to write a virus that spread? It's the UNIX system behind it that prevents viruses from spreading, not the lack of Mac users. There are some great articles out there if you search "Mac virus" online explaining why they don't get viruses. The only thing I would do is turn on the firewall in the system preferences "sharing" menu. In that same window, click "advanced" and check the first and third boxes to put the computer into complete stealth mode.
http://www.apple.com/getamac/viruses.html

Answer 4

Well, I have had a mac in some way shape or form for the past 7 years and I have only heard of 1 virus for a mac. They do make anti-virus software for mac but it's not needed. you can install it for extra protection if you want but it's not needed.

Answer 5

Your MAC has an operating system which, unlike Windows, is designed with security at its heart. If it had 95% of the market it would be no less secure and basically still be immune to viruses.

Trojans and worms are a different matter, but the software peddled by the antivirus companies doesn't protect against them to any great extent.
I'd keep my money in my pocket.

Here is just one link for you to read. There are others you should seek out. Be aware that the word 'virus' is used by a lot of journalists to mean 'something which will harm your computer'. It doesn't, but that doesn't stop them misleading people.

Answer 6

You're done! Macs don't get virus', really, very few exist because a virus by definition spreads, and since so few people have Macs, they can't spread anywhere. Honestly, I don't even think anti-virus exists for Mac.

Answer 7

Do you use Shaw as your internet provider? If so, you shouldn't really have to virus scan because they do all of the scanning and everything for you. On mine, we took it off because it was annoying, and we still haven't gotten a single virus. The application on your Mac should be called "Norton Anti-Virus" if you use Shaw for your internet.

Answer 8

As people have already mentioned, OS X is less susceptible to infection. If you're worried about viruses, you can download a free virus scanner called ClamXav.
http://www.clamxav.com/

Also, don't forget to turn on OS X's built-in firewall, which is turned off by default. You'll find the settings in System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall.

Answer 9

Macs are clear of viruses, the reason PCs get them is because the Windows coding has the same base as many viruses and trojans and so doesn't recognise them as a danger.

Answer 10

Macs dont really get viruses but can still be attacked!

To make sure its virus free
Download ClamXav.Scan weekly with it to ensure its free of viruses.
http://www.clamxav.com/index.php?page=dl
or take a look here.
http://mac.softpedia.com/get/Antivirus/