How to identify bugs?

[BigMac123]

Hi everyone!!!

I'm new to this forum.

I need some help from Mac professionals. A week ago my boyfriend stole my laptop (macbook pro) and kept it for a few days before he returned it to me. He says he didn't open it, but don't believe him.

Here are few questions:

1. Could he install any spy programs? If yes, how I can identify them? What are their names?
2. Is it possible to check history of downloads (files from my laptop)?
3. Is it possible to check if he plugged anything to my laptop?
4. Is there a place I can go and they check my computer for spy software?

Thank you, I really need your help.

p.s. my boyfriend knows Mac very well. He was maintaining my laptop since I bought it and he is the one who installed all software.
p.p.s I also have windows on my Mac

 

[True Bassist]

If you want to be *completely* safe, back up your personal data and then reinstall OS X. Then you'll have no problem and won't have to worry at all.

Apart from a fresh copy of OS X, I suggest you also get a fresh boyfriend as this one sounds either obsessive, insanely jealous or very controlling!!

 

[BigMac123]

Thank you for your advice!
I'm opposite to my boyfriend and I know very little about Macs. If I decide to reinstall OS X what will happen with Office and other software? Where can I get OS X from? Do I need to buy it?

 

[True Bassist]

Thank you for your advice!
I'm opposite to my boyfriend and I know very little about Macs. If I decide to reinstall OS X what will happen with Office and other software? Where can I get OS X from? Do I need to buy it?

You should have received a couple of disks with your Mac. One is the operating system (OS X) and the other is all the bundled software, drivers and other little bits you need to run everything nicely.

If back up all your music, photos, documents etc onto an external drive or DVD's then make sure you still have access to the Office CD's so you can reinstall that software. Insert the OS X system disc into your drive and then follow the instructions on how to reinstall OS X.

I also suggest that you add a password to your machine and don't let anyone know it.

 

[Collin Bl]

Another path would be to download and install Little Snitch, that way you are advised if your computer is attempting to send information from your MBP. Yu can read up on it here. You can see what apps have been set to load by going to Sys Pres in Apple menu and selecting Accounts/Login Items to see what Apps are set to load on your logging in. If u dont like the look of any select it then click the minus below and next time you log in it wont load.

 

[True Bassist]

Another path would be to download and install Little Snitch, that way you are advised if you computer is attempting to send information from your MBP. Yu can read up on it here. You can see what apps have been set to load by going to Sys Pres in Apple menu and selecting Accounts/Login Items to see what Apps are set to load on your logging in. If u dont like the look of any select it then click the minus below and next time you log in it wont load.

Good idea - try this first to get an idea if you do actually need to go ahead with the reinstallation of OS X.

 

[BigMac123]

Yeah, I checked accounts and I had a "Guest" enabled (access to shared folders). I disabled this account.
I also made an appointment with Mac store (with their "geniuses").

 

[Collin Bl]

Th only logger i have come across is by these guys - Mac Keylogger - $34.95 directly from the developer- Perfect Keylogger for Mac OS X Home Page - cheap invisible Macintosh key logger with email / FTP support - not expensive stealth Macintosh spy software so if you come across that i would delete it from your HD

 

[BigMac123]

OMG!!! I have it. What does it do?
What does FTP stand for?

 

[richardcavell]

Are you serious?

Well, if you do have this software, firstly talk to the police and take out a restraining order. Seriously.

The Apple geniuses ought to be able to uninstall it properly, but get the police involved first.

Richard

 

[D3v1L80Y]

NOTE: Not a Notebook hardware issue. Moved to software forums.

 

[Collin Bl]

When u go to the genius bar direct them to this forum so they can read the comments and source the links more quickly. And don't forget there is a good chance that the boyfriend is tracking this forum too.