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09/10/2005 02:17:01 PM · #1 |
I'm biting the bullet and finally getting rid of all my Windows based PCs. That means I will finally be hooking into the internet with a G5 or an iBook. Bieng new to this configuration I need to know what protection from spyware and viruses I need to put on my computer. Any imput would be helpful.
Message edited by author 2005-09-10 14:17:28.
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09/10/2005 02:20:24 PM · #2 |
I believe they do make a few anti-viruse programs, but it's not really a needed thing, as far as I know.
I've had my powerbook connected to the internet for over two years and haven't had a single problem. Someone once told me that there are only two known viruses for macs. Whether that's true or not, I don't know, but that's what he said. But anyway, yeah, from experience and from a lot of people I've talked to, there's no nead for an anti-virus software.
Message edited by author 2005-09-10 14:21:20. |
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09/10/2005 02:21:01 PM · #3 |
My dad has been a Mac guy since the Mac SE. He runs Norton System Works on his G5.
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09/10/2005 02:28:57 PM · #4 |
We've always had Macs and have had no probl;ems despite not using anything on our ibook and only Norton on our main one. Another blessing when using Macs!
P |
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09/10/2005 02:44:43 PM · #5 |
The only computer virus I've ever caught in 15 years of Mac-only use is an MS Word macro virus, years ago. It infected every machine on the LAN at work, but did very little damage (and obviously only to Word documents). I'm currently the only Mac-only user in a company with about 100 networked computers, and also the only one not required to run any anti-virus software.
So I'd say don't bother! |
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09/10/2005 02:50:41 PM · #6 |
lots of info and help over at the forums here.
generally you just have to worry about Macro's, not viruses or the typical worms. There were problems with a virus on autorun Cd's years ago, but i doubt its a problem with OS X.
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09/10/2005 03:13:28 PM · #7 |
Remember that the only real reason that there are not more viruses on MacOS is because it is a much smaller pool of machines to attack. The unix-based OS X is certainly more resistant than Windows, but don't think it can't be compromised. Complacency in this regard will certainly be rewarded with an outbreak sooner or later.
BTW, macro viruses can be highly destructive. Once one is running, it has access to any files that the current user has access to. It can easily take down your OS.
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09/10/2005 03:25:25 PM · #8 |
| Kirbic is correct. Macs make up only between 4 and 10 percent of all machines connected to the internet. The virus-making scum pretty much ignore us. I have used Macs forever and haven't run any virus blocking software at all since connecting to the internet via broadband about 4-5 years ago. Macs are pretty much invisible on the net because all the Trojans, works, spyware look for windows signatures. It probably won't last forever, but it sure is nice now. |
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09/10/2005 03:41:56 PM · #9 |
I was told that within 6 minutes of connecting to the net using a newly installed version of windows on a new h/d, it will be infected by a virus and adware/spyware.
A new Mac will still be clear after six months, I don't know if this is true, but as already stated, there are fewer Mac virus's as there are few Mac users, compared with Windows/Microsoft users.
Steve |
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09/10/2005 03:55:34 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Formerlee:
I was told that within 6 minutes of connecting to the net using a newly installed version of windows on a new h/d, it will be infected by a virus and adware/spyware.
A new Mac will still be clear after six months, I don't know if this is true...
Steve |
Well I can tell you for a fact that the 6 minute thing is true. I won't have a chance to let you know about the Mac side of the story, because it will have some form of protection before it goes online. I'm not happy with the way Norton's currently works on my PC (with all its pop-up interuptions to my workflow and its limeted protection spectrum) so I would like some other alteranatives if available.
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09/10/2005 04:00:31 PM · #11 |
Re: NSBCA7's comment and Kirbic's earlier point too:
It's tough to formulate an effective defense when there's no coherent threat. Once a threat appears, and is evaluated and understood, good protection software for the Mac will be available. My (admittedly scant) understanding of the Mac protection software market is that there are lots of claims but little evidence of success, again, because there's no threat.
My macs are all behind a hardware firewall (router) and all have Mac OSX's software firewall turned on. Never had a twitch of a problem so no reason to look outside for solutions. |
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09/10/2005 06:00:00 PM · #12 |
Been using Mac sine about 1983. Connected to the internet a damn longtime and never had a problem. I have TechTool Pro on my puter now, but it doesn't have anti-virus that I am aware of. I have been looking, just in case. But, have never needed it.
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