Anti-virus /security software that doesn't slow the computer down

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I'm new to imac and find it hard to get used to the idea that Apple computers don't need anti-virus and security software.

I just came across the article and it says some interesting things that make me really want to get Internet Security software.

How to keep your Apple computer free from malicious programs and viruses

"Five years ago part of Apple's marketing was that Macs got no viruses," Minasyan said.

"Right now they're saying the opposite. On Apple.com they have started to say it's better to have virus protection installed."

The security expert says people need to change their thinking, and says he expects it to happen naturally, but not quickly."



I know that Nortons really slows your computer down .... I don't want to go down that path.

Can people recommend a Mac-compatible FREE antivirus and firewall software that won't slow my computer down to much?

Please don't add comments to the thread about not needing the protection ....

thanks :) :)
 

pigoo3

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Please don't add comments to the thread about not needing the protection ....

We cannot limit answers/replies to just the ones you want…if…not installing these apps is a totally valid and justifiable answer/option.

Please see some of the threads in our "Security Awareness" area for some good discussions on this topic.:)

- Nick
 
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MacInWin

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Firewall is built in to OS X so you don't need to download anything, just turn it on.

If you MUST have AV (and you don't need it, there are no viruses currently in the wild for OS X, nor any known vectors by which one can be created), ClamXav is free and doesn't take any cycles because it doesn't run all the time by default. You scan when you want to. But all it will find, like the others, are Windows viruses in your emails and possibly files sent by your Windows friends.
 
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And read the bottom line about 'a guest of Kaspersky'. The three best options for your Mac are AdWareMedic, AdBlockPlus and Ghostery.

Then if you absolutely must, as Jake suggested ClamXAV. Think of this - there are no Mac OS X viruses and scans are run using Windows virus software so what do you think they catch?
 
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If you want to use Anti-virus that has the least impact, download and use ClamXAV, but only download the version from the developer site as the one from the Apple Store doesn't include the "ClamXAV Sentry" option and isn't nearly as efficient, unless things have changed lately:
ClamXav

I don't know why, but Apple's AppStore seems to impose or limit a lot of apps they make available. :(
 

bobtomay

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I don't know why, but Apple's AppStore seems to impose or limit a lot of apps they make available. :(


In very simple terms, everything in the App store has to run sandboxed. Anything that needs system access is not permitted in the app store. Has many developers leaving or needing to offer 2 versions - a stripped down version in the app store and full version on their own site.
 
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I would listen to what others have said about not 'needing' AV software, but having some cant be detrimental to your setup (providing you don't overdo it with the scans).

Only a fool thinks they're bullet proof, even with the best armour.

It also comes down to your online activity. If you download a lot of pirated apps and visit a lot of porn sites (without relevant security), then you are leaving yourself more vulnerable. Sort your behaviour out before you worry about AV apps.
 

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And the anti-virus apps for the most part won't prevent you from clicking on and installing spyware and adware. So, at this time, they are basically useless in OS X.

The only things out there currently are a few adware clients (browser add-ons) like Geneio - most of them disguised as "you need to update your video player" or "you need our video player" from less than legal sites.

Some of them are packaged in legitimate apps via Cnet and download.com - don't get stuff from either of those places.
 

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