Anti virus software

I am getting my first Mac in a few days and would like to know if there is an anti-virus program that I should use. I've always heard that macs don't get viruses, but now I'm hearing differently so I
just want to be safe. Thanks.

A lot of reading, but this will cover all the opinions to follow.
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/sw...-official-antivirus-malware-firewall-faq.html
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ap...c-os-x-update-catch-mac-defender-malware.html
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ap...alware-attacks-mac-os-x-without-password.html
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ap...-variant-bypasses-apples-security-update.html
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/ap...hes-beta-new-free-mac-antivirus-software.html

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/sw...-official-antivirus-malware-firewall-faq.html

There are no viruses. There are basically no malware that will auto install as a drive by without your input.

There are a half dozen trojans. To avoid them:

1. Don't pirate software - embedded trojans
2. Don't download fake "video codecs" from porn sites
3. Don't fall for that fake scan of your system that says you have viruses and should buy their software - just close the window, don't install it and then delete it.

At this time, that's really all it takes.

Sorry, I don't agree, but do not want to have a debate here about it. I just put the free version of Sophos on both my Macs. I deal with a Mac Consultant, who advised me to do so. Nasties are on the rise for OS X, and I haven't noticed Sophos to slow me down at all. There is, to my understanding, at least one piece of Malware that will install itself without you doing anything. I know that Apple put out an update to protect you from it, however, I don't believe at some point that Apple will be able to keep up that way. All you have to do is go to the wrong site. That is my opinion. Don't want to debate it here, just want to help.

No, it does not install itself without user action. It does launch and no longer requires a password to install. But, it does not install without you having to click to continue the installation.

I will leave installing an A/V up to the choice of the individual user however.
Following the 3 steps I have outlined above, you are still safe.

I put Sophos on my iMac as well. I'm not going to roll the dice and the program is free. It doesn't appear to have any significant effects on the performance of the machine.

Thanks for the input

What was it PT Barnum once said?

Anti-virus at this stage, not needed with OS X. Maybe in the future. But you can bet that when a virus does pop-up, Apple will ensure that everyone knows. I was pretty impressed with the quick response from Apple when it came to the "MacDefender" issue.

May God Bless!

Ed

I bet if Apple ever gets hit the cover or Time will not be a person.

chas_m said:

What was it PT Barnum once said?

Click to expand...

"Hi, I'm PT Barnum."

chas_m said:

What was it PT Barnum once said?

Click to expand...

"There's a sucker born every minute." ;D