virus protection for macbook

Hi,

Recently purchased a macbook. Long time windows user. Do I need virus software and firewall protection ?. I read that firewall protection is built in and that the virus threat is minimal ?.

Any advice appreciated.

you actually don't need any antivirus protection for osx but I still recommend using clamxav just to scan your mail folder (otherwise you might send viruses to your close ones and friends-and that's something I hope nobody wants to do). and clamxav is free.

kuchiki

Yes, a firewall is built in, so you won't need third-party software unless you're super-paranoid.

You don't need anti-virus software. To best tell you why, check out The Official Mac AntiVirus and Firewall FAQ. While what kuchiki says about spreading viruses is true, I personally hold the belief that it isn't my problem, and that it's the Windows user's responsibility of having an up-to-date anti-virus program.

cheers and thanks for the info

I understand that we do not need a anti virus for our macs, but my college requires anti virus on all computers. which program would anyone recommend. i am not fond of Norton. it screwed up 1 compaq and dell we had here at home. i did like mcafee but i do not know if it is compatible with my macbook.

I've been using iAntiVirus on the Mac, having recently switched from Windows. I can't say I've had as much experience with viruses on OSX as I have with Windows, but its a useful tool for the occasional scanning of an email attachment.

And it's free.

Mac Anti Virus Software Reviews.

Regards.