Is anti virus software really needed for a Mac?

Hi,

When I switched to a mac from a pc almost 4 years ago (which I can't believe it took so long for me to switch!), I was told at the apple store that I did not need any anti virus software. I was just on apple's web site and I noticed that there was a "staff pick" for an anti-virus software.

Has there been a shift in the "force" and now macs need this software? ;D

Thanks for any light you can shed on this for me!

nope your still fine. The only people that want to to put AV on your Mac are the makers of the AV.

Clay

I'll wager none of the staff kept that pick on their machine after they finished testing.

Another vote for "no, it's not" from me.

But if you feel paranoid and want to install an AV anyway, at least don't be a sucker -- just get/use ClamX AV.

But again, there's really no need.

Nope.

More info: http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/switcher-hangout/23835-official-mac-antivirus-firewall-faq.html

Lots of threads on this here. Search would have turned up a bunch, all with the same answer. Heck, even Google would do that.

AV when running XP on MacBook ?

I have VM ware installed on my MacBook Pro/Leopard and sometimes must run XP to use some on-line programs. I use a LinkSys router so there is a firewall. Should I install AV (avast) on the XP side. Or what is best?

rocketman3 said:

I have VM ware installed on my MacBook Pro/Leopard and sometimes must run XP to use some on-line programs. I use a LinkSys router so there is a firewall. Should I install AV (avast) on the XP side. Or what is best?

Click to expand...

If you have SP3 use MSE it works without bogging the Windows side down.

Another vote for MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials).

My (admittedly limited) testing of Avast on Windows machines shows it to be ineffectual. The only reason ANYONE really uses it is because its free (let's be honest).

Now that MSE is out I can't see any reason not to use that instead.

I agree with chas. Avast and AVG both are ineffective and use more resources than they should. MSE is not 100% effective (no AV is) but it's free, updates automatically, and stays out of the way.

Yea just Protect ur XP side but there is currently no Need for an AV for Mac