Getting Macbook soon. Questions before it arrives

The day of getting my new 13 inch Macbook is getting closer, but there's still some things I need to know. So I don't come off as a loon let me tell you my story as quickly as possible.

-I've used windows computers for most of my life
-I work at home and do my business on the computer
-I've been a victim of identity theft and besides the feeling of being violated the time and money getting this resolved is horrible
-The people that live with me are reckless when it comes to using their computers, and it's bad enough that I'm buying a modem of my own
-The only experience I have with Macs is trying out my neighbor's a few times, and now that they're away until Winter I no longer have access to the Mac or my neighbor for help

Now for some questions.

1. I'm aware that I can use software update or download updates from Apple's website, but since I'll be setting up my new modem and the speed won't be optimized right away, I don't want to worry about the connection dropping out during a software download, or the download being slow due to a new connection and big file size, and quite frankly I just want to hop on my new Macbook and enjoy it. If I were to go to an Apple store, would they put the updates on a disc for me so I could install them at home?

2. If Apple would put the updates on a disc for me so I can install them at home, can I trust that the files would be safe? I've heard so many horror stories about how computers/computer networks get infected because someone used a USB drive they shouldn't have and unknown to a person they've spread something. How trustworthy can I be of safe computer practices and employees at the Apple store?

3. As I mentioned, the people I live with while good at heart aren't so good for computer safety. Whether they're 2 feet away, outside my bedroom door, or across the street I don't want them being able to connect to my Macbook or detect it with their computers or when they have friends over and they bring theirs. The only way I want them to be able to see my Macbook is if they see me sitting at the desk with it, and the only way I want them to have access to my Macbook is if they physically sit down at it (with my permission of course). What things do I need to disable or enable to ensure this?

4. The modem I'll be getting doesn't have the firewall turned on by default, and I don't think there's a way to turn it on before it connects to the internet for the first time. Does the firewall that comes with the Macbook offer enough protection to keep me safe while the modem firewall is off? What settings would offer me the maximum protection with the Macbook firewall?

5. What are other security practices and cautions I should take with my Macbook to stay safe?

6. I've read the debate over whether or not you need antivirus software on the Mac. I know not many here recommend it, but if I try one of the free antivirus options such as iAntivirus or ClamXav, is the worst that it will do is use up system resources, or do I have something else to fear by trying them?

7. I would like to use instant messaging, specifically AIM. There is a program called Adium which will let me use AIM, but it's my understanding that iChat will also let you use AIM and it happens to come with the Macbook. Should I use Adium or iChat for instant messaging? What program do you use for instant messaging?

LetsBeHopeful said:

1. I'm aware that I can use software update or download updates from Apple's website, but since I'll be setting up my new modem and the speed won't be optimized right away, I don't want to worry about the connection dropping out during a software download, or the download being slow due to a new connection and big file size, and quite frankly I just want to hop on my new Macbook and enjoy it. If I were to go to an Apple store, would they put the updates on a disc for me so I could install them at home?

2. If Apple would put the updates on a disc for me so I can install them at home, can I trust that the files would be safe? I've heard so many horror stories about how computers/computer networks get infected because someone used a USB drive they shouldn't have and unknown to a person they've spread something. How trustworthy can I be of safe computer practices and employees at the Apple store?

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I have not heard of this being done but you may as well ask. On the other hand I just bought a new macbook and the updates were less than a couple hundred MB. The apple servers are normally really good with speed and it took barely 10 minutes and a restart.

You can never be 100% safe, but considering the negligible amount of OSX malware I wouldn't stress about apple updates containing dodgy stuff.

3. As I mentioned, the people I live with while good at heart aren't so good for computer safety. Whether they're 2 feet away, outside my bedroom door, or across the street I don't want them being able to connect to my Macbook or detect it with their computers or when they have friends over and they bring theirs. The only way I want them to be able to see my Macbook is if they see me sitting at the desk with it, and the only way I want them to have access to my Macbook is if they physically sit down at it (with my permission of course). What things do I need to disable or enable to ensure this?

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If you go into System Preferences -> Sharing, and make sure file sharing is off (and all other services) you will be effectively invisible. Anybody with access to your router will be able to find your IP address but that's about it.

4. The modem I'll be getting doesn't have the firewall turned on by default, and I don't think there's a way to turn it on before it connects to the internet for the first time. Does the firewall that comes with the Macbook offer enough protection to keep me safe while the modem firewall is off? What settings would offer me the maximum protection with the Macbook firewall?

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Yes defaults will be fine initially. Don't worry about it. You won't get malware just by connecting to the internet.

5. What are other security practices and cautions I should take with my Macbook to stay safe

6. I've read the debate over whether or not you need antivirus software on the Mac. I know not many here recommend it, but if I try one of the free antivirus options such as iAntivirus or ClamXav, is the worst that it will do is use up system resources, or do I have something else to fear by trying them?

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If you are really paranoid, go ahead and install an antivirus. But really, if you have a decent amount of common sense, and only download anything from a trusted site, and read the warnings your computer gives you, you don't need anything. I have never had any additional protection and haven't ever had malware. On the other hand you won't lose anything except system resources by trying the free ones. Personally I'm a bit OCD about that and don't like things running in the background doing stuff without me knowing unless necessary.

7. I would like to use instant messaging, specifically AIM. There is a program called Adium which will let me use AIM, but it's my understanding that iChat will also let you use AIM and it happens to come with the Macbook. Should I use Adium or iChat for instant messaging? What program do you use for instant messaging?

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Adium, there's no question about it. iChat is only useful for video chat.

I just looked and see the Apple store near me is no longer open. Now the updates on a disc is out of the question. Darn it darn it!!!

LetsBeHopeful said:

1. I'm aware that I can use software update or download updates from Apple's website, but since I'll be setting up my new modem and the speed won't be optimized right away

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Whoa. Stop right there. What??! Nobody on a Mac needs to "optimise their modem." Never heard of it.

You've got a lot of PC-mentality unlearning ahead of you, I can see ...

When you unbox your Mac and turn it on, you'll get a welcome message and answer a few questions. Presuming your internet connection already exists, you'll be surfing by the end of the registration message. Done. Welcome to Macintosh!

In short, there will be no need to have anyone put updates on a disc for you.

2. I've heard so many horror stories about how computers/computer networks get infected

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Again, stop right there. There aren't any viruses for the Mac. None.

A couple of semi-harmless Trojans exist out there, but you aren't going to get them because you're not stupid. So no worries. You're on a Mac now. Things are different. You're safe.

3. The only way I want them to be able to see my Macbook is if they see me sitting at the desk with it, and the only way I want them to have access to my Macbook is if they physically sit down at it (with my permission of course). What things do I need to disable or enable to ensure this?

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Nothing at all. Literally, nothing at all. Your Mac is already set up like this from the get-go. It's already in stealth mode when you unbox it. You don't even need to turn on the firewall (your modem already has one anyway).

Any guests who need to use your computer can use the already-provided "Guest" account, which expires whenever they log out. Nobody touches your stuff, on the internet or physically, without your permission. Relax.

4. The modem I'll be getting doesn't have the firewall turned on by default

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Then it must be a modem from another planet, because every modem and router here on Earth *does* have the firewall on by default. I suspect you may be wrong about this.

Does the firewall that comes with the Macbook offer enough protection to keep me safe while the modem firewall is off?

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You're already safe. Don't turn on the MacBook's software firewall ... the router or modem already has a superior hardware firewall, and I've never *ever* heard of any model (even going back 20 years) that didn't have it on by default.

5. What are other security practices and cautions I should take with my Macbook to stay safe?

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1. Don't pirate software.
2. Don't install "video codecs" that promise you the ability to view porn.
3. Don't reply to Nigerians telling you they want to send you money.
4. Don't click on suspicious URLs in emails (phishing)

That's pretty much it.

6. I've read the debate over whether or not you need antivirus software on the Mac. I know not many here recommend it, but if I try one of the free antivirus options such as iAntivirus or ClamXav, is the worst that it will do is use up system resources, or do I have something else to fear by trying them?

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Since there aren't any viruses for the Mac, what do you need an anti-virus for? It's a waste of resources and in some cases money. It's your computer, do what you want, but anyone who understands OS X knows there is very little chance of there ever being an actual virus threat, so apart from the steps I mentioned above, trying to "protect" from a non-existant threat just seems silly to me.

This is why I hate Windows: not because its inferior (it is), not because its ugly (it is), not because its needlessly complicated (it is) ... I hate Windows because it convinces people that computers and the internet are complicated and dangerous and you should be afraid of them and paranoid of what's out there. As a Mac user, I'd laugh at it if I could ignore the damage that mentality does.

7. I would like to use instant messaging, specifically AIM. There is a program called Adium which will let me use AIM, but it's my understanding that iChat will also let you use AIM and it happens to come with the Macbook. Should I use Adium or iChat for instant messaging? What program do you use for instant messaging?

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I use iChat (and Skype). I use iChat because it is trivially easy to set up audio and video conferencing on it, even multi-party audio/video conferencing.

My wife uses Adium because she likes being able to text people on a wide variety of IM services, some of which aren't compatible with iChat. But she can't get the audio stuff to work reliably so it's just for "typing" in my view.

Skype I use for the same reason I use iChat: easy A/V chatting with people who for one reason or another can't use iChat. Skype also lets me (for a tiny fee) call real phones, which comes in awfully handy. iChat nor Adium do that.

The speed being optimized is what my ISP told me. They said after I set my modem up it would need to be connected to the internet for 5-10 days (computer wouldn't need to be on straight through) for the speeds to reach their best. They didn't say this was specific to Mac or PC though.

I HOPE that I am wrong about the modem not having the firewall on by default. I can't tell you until I get it if it's true or not. I picked that information up from a reviewer of the modem on Amazon. The modem in question is the Actiontec GT701D:

Amazon.com: Actiontec GT701D Ethernet DSL Modem with Routing Capabilities: Electronics

In regards to updates, would it be safe if I ran software update to see what I needed and then went to Apple's website and downloaded the files? A weather report just said heavy rain for the next few days, and sometimes in the past heavy rain has made the power go out. I don't want to be downloading and installing via software update and the have the power go out while in the middle of it. I'd also like to put those updates on a disc in case of a computer crash. Would it be safe to do that though when the version of flash that comes on the Macbook isn't the updated version that fixed security issues? Safari won't be the updated version either, and the version of Snow Leopard will be 10.6.3 and not 10.6.4

You don't absolutely have to have the newest version of everything but it is good to install it. If you're worried about power problems, downloading from the Apple site may be a good idea but the issue is installing them which you will have to do regardless of whether you do it "manually" or through Software Update. Your best bet is to wait until the storm passes if you're really this concerned about power issues. Also remember that your MB has a battery .

No need to put specific updates on a disc. Be sure to regularly back up your iMac to an external drive using Time Machine (already installed on your Mac) and you'll be fine. As an extra (and highly-recommended) measure of safety, you'll want to download either Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! (both are free) to clone your Mac's internal HDD to an external HDD. I use both Time Machine and SuperDuper! to make copies to a partitioned external HDD. Very easy and doesn't take too long if I do it on at least a weekly basis, if not daily basis.

As mentioned, you can take a deep breath and relax. No need to feel so paranoid anymore. You're in a safe place.

LetsBeHopeful said:

The speed being optimized is what my ISP told me. They said after I set my modem up it would need to be connected to the internet for 5-10 days (computer wouldn't need to be on straight through) for the speeds to reach their best.

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How incredibly bizarre. Been working with computers and the internet since before it WAS the internet as we know it ... there are postings of mine from 1987 still floating around the Well archives ... and I've never heard of this ever.

I HOPE that I am wrong about the modem not having the firewall on by default. I can't tell you until I get it if it's true or not. I picked that information up from a reviewer of the modem on Amazon. The modem in question is the Actiontec GT701D

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Is there some particular reason your ISP isn't providing you a modem?

In regards to updates, would it be safe if I ran software update to see what I needed and then went to Apple's website and downloaded the files?

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Yes.

I don't want to be downloading and installing via software update and the have the power go out while in the middle of it.

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Well, you'll have to take that up with your god, but interrupted downloads on a Mac are simply resumed by double-clicking on the incomplete file.

Safari won't be the updated version either, and the version of Snow Leopard will be 10.6.3 and not 10.6.4

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Software Update will take care of the Safari and OS updates by itself, you don't have to do anything. You can update Flash by simply visiting their website and downloading the latest version. No big deal at all.

You sound WAY too paranoid. Follow the advice given here and you will be fine. Surf the web intelligently, only let your roommates use the Guest account and keep your Mac updated. If you check Software Update, it will prompt you to download any updates, so actually navigating to the Apple website is unnecessary. You can choose to download the updates immediately, or you can choose to download and install them at a later date. Just wait for stormy weather to pass, then download the updates. They come out pretty regularly, so going through all the trouble of getting them on a disk seems like a hassle.

Thank you all for your responses. I appreciate your help. Switching to a completely new OS can be scary...well for me anyway ...so I'm glad I have people to help me out.

The ISP would provide me with a modem, but it costs more than the one I'll be getting, and worst of all it has a 1 year life span (according to most reviewers anyway). If you look up any modem on Amazon you're sure to find someone who may not have had a great experience, but in the case of the modem they'd be providing me with the overall product rating ranged from 1 to 2 stars. That is a Motorola brand. The one that I'll be getting has an overall rating of 4 stars, and it's said to be simple to setup, which as I'm sure you can gather is especially needed for me

Is there anything you'd recommend I look at, be it on Apple's website or another website, that would be of good use to a person who has very little Mac experience but will be a new owner of a Mac? I don't want to be lost and confused when I get my Mac, and I hope to be able to jump on in and let the good times roll.

Apple - Find Out How - Mac Basics
Apple - iLife - Find out how to use iLife applications on the Mac.
Apple - Support - Mac 101
Apple - Support - Switch 101

twain Depth

You'll be fine.

Apple Update = Microsoft Update... They work the same.

On the Anti-Virus front, just be reasonably intelligent in what you click. You/We are fortunate of the relatively small OS X user base. It isn't very attractive to Virus writers.

Ditto on making everyone else use a guest account.

Enjoy your Mac.

cditty said:

You/We are fortunate of the relatively small OS X user base. It isn't very attractive to Virus writers.

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1. This has absolutely nothing to do with why we don't have viruses, and this myth has been disproven many times.

2. Are you kidding me?? The PC greaseball who writes the first genuine Mac virus will be a hero in the halls of legend and entitled to a double helping of 42 virgins. Writing a virus for the Mac is the single MOST attractive prospect, the Holy Grail of all holy grails, to virus writers. Get real.

This conversation reminds me of an incident with my cousin a few months back. I brought my MacBook to a family gathering and he asked me what kind of anti-virus software I was running on it. When I told him none at all, he looked at me like I was either crazy or he was in complete awe. I couldn't tell.

LetsBeHopeful, I suggest you start living up to your username and stop worrying so much about security issues on the Mac. As others have said, you'll be fine. Just keep repeating to yourself, "This isn't Windows. This isn't Windows."

chas_m said:

1. This has absolutely nothing to do with why we don't have viruses, and this myth has been disproven many times.

2. Are you kidding me?? The PC greaseball who writes the first genuine Mac virus will be a hero in the halls of legend and entitled to a double helping of 42 virgins. Writing a virus for the Mac is the single MOST attractive prospect, the Holy Grail of all holy grails, to virus writers. Get real.

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You're living in Steve Jobs fantasy land. Apple devices are almost always first hacked at DEF CON

I think I am the 'real' one here.

I would think that any hacker worth his mettle would have come up with a true Mac virus a LONG time ago just to shut Mac users up for good. He'd have every reason to write the very first real Mac virus, yet there are none out there in the wild.

The only time I know of that anyone hacked a Mac was during a contest, and only then after the rules were relaxed to allow the user to actually GIVE the virus permission to work. Hardly sounds like a true viral threat to me.

There was a virus a little while back for iPods running Linux... if someone would bother to write a virus for such a small user base, I'm sure someone would have done the same for Macs.

cditty said:

You're living in Steve Jobs fantasy land. Apple devices are almost always first hacked at DEF CON

I think I am the 'real' one here.

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Nope.

1. They cheat. The compromises are always well-documented AFTER the contest.

2. This just underlines how much interest there is in writing a Mac virus, and YET HERE WE ARE ... ten years and counting ... ZERO viruses.

Surely those DEF CON "leet" could easily unleash their "viruses" on us poor smug Mac users in the real world if its SOOOOO easy to hack/crack/infect a Mac, right?

Right?

So where are they?

No fantasy land here. Just facts.