Definitive yes or no... Do I need anti-virus for a new iMac?

OK i know that there are supposed to be no real viruses for Macs, and I know according to most people anti-virus and security arent necessary with OS X, but there are more and more anti-virus programmes available for the Mac and I was wondering if its a cash in scam from people like Norton or if its something any of you actually use? I have always used them on Windows but I have been reliably informed that Mac users dont bother as regular viruses dont work on them, but i know some people who use them anyway.

Save my money or save my Mac, i genuinely dont know what to do?

There was a similar thead on here a few weeks ago on the very subject:

http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-apps-games/253705-any-good-virus-protection-imac.html

i think the definitive answer from the more experienced members was - No

but again, life is full of choices, hope this helps

J

I never had it on my Mac's because there are no viruses for a Mac.
I use MSE on my Windows Laptop.
I find that a lot of AV programs cause a few issues on Mac's.
I make sure before giving my admin password on anything.
I always have a firewall on either my router at home or my laptops in field.

i think those threads have convinced me that I will keep my money firmly in my pocket, and scorn people like Kaspersky for making a programme to check for viruses that do not exist!

dennyc123 said:

i think those threads have convinced me that I will keep my money firmly in my pocket, and scorn people like Kaspersky for making a programme to check for viruses that do not exist!

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They are in it for the money either through direct purchase of their software are the paid adds that go with the free stuff a check comes from someone.
It will be front page news when one actually hits the Mac community so far no headlines.

The only thing you can get at the moment are trojans, so as long as you only install trusted software then you are safe

dennyc123 said:

but there are more and more anti-virus programmes available for the Mac ... I have always used them on Windows but I have been reliably informed that Mac users dont bother as regular viruses dont work on them, but i know some people who use them anyway.

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Those "regular" viruses you mention are written for Windows, and do not affect the Mac OS. Some people with Macs have anti-virus software to find Windows viruses, and thus avoid passing them on to friends with Windows. But, if, like me, you don't engage in such activity, you don't need it.

Another for no antivirus software whatsoever. Safe browsing practices are the best defense, and if you use Safari go into Preferences > General and ensure the bottom pane 'Open safe files....' is NOT selected.

If you are from the Windows environment and this troubles you, look at ClamXAV which is freeware.


http://www.clamxav.com/

I haven't needed to download any virus software for OSX. It would be a waste of money IMO.

No.

Never used it in 10 years, and never will.

Kevriano said:

No.

Never used it in 10 years, and never will.

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Well, assuming that the Mac OS remains secure...

Yeah I guess, though I don 't intend any OS upgrades now, so reckon on being ok until I ca afford a new Mac in about 10 years!

This question actually comes up quite a bit - and I think we're doing a disservice by categorically saying "no". There's enough malware out there now, that for the uninitiated, the possibility of actually picking up something (not necessarily a "virus" in the truest sense, but certainly some undesirable code) is a real threat.

Yes, generally speaking, by using a bit of common sense while using the Internet, you can avoid it, but if you're new to the platform, you might not know what to look for - and it is out there now.

So, in short, there is no definitive answer to this question. I don't personally run any AV software like many others here. But I would recommend having a read of this thread:

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

...to any newbie who feels uncomfortable without AV software. The best defense for any computer is an educated user.

Sounds like one thing to do is never click on a popup to update adobe flash on a Mac. Go to the adobe website and manually download updates there.

Kevriano said:

Yeah I guess, though I don 't intend any OS upgrades now, so reckon on being ok until I ca afford a new Mac in about 10 years!

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That's a long time to suffer new Mac withdrawal symptoms buddy. Either your budget is as tight as mine or you have remarkable restraint.

Slydude said:

That's a long time to suffer new Mac withdrawal symptoms buddy. Either your budget is as tight as mine or you have remarkable restraint.

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Well daughter just turned 12, so have a few years of her schooling to consider etc. I'd love an i7, but can't justify it for current needs.