Mac owners: Do you use an anti-virus, anti-spyware/adware program(s)?

Question

I just bought a macbook like 3 months ago and I have had no problems not using any ant-virus/spyware program. However, the other day I clicked on a link (that looked harmless to me) but when I clicked it a bunch of windows pop up and my email was loaded with outbox mail. I had to go and then delete all that junk.

So do you use a antivirus, anti-spyware/adware program or not? If so, Which one? and what do you think was loaded on my computer when I clicked on that link?? adware? Do you think what I deleted was enough or do I need to load some kind of program to check/clean it out??

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I use nothing because nothing works on a mac, not even viruses

Answer 2

I use Computer Associate's eTrust antivirus.  But that's because this is a work laptop.

At home I have windows, and I use Avast there.  But that's because their home edition is free.  I think they charge for their Mac version.

Answer 3

Nope, Used two Macs professionally for two years, never bothered.

OK, I am lazy, but I've never had a problem.  

Answer 4

nice tried, if you own one mac you do know or you try to do sth else?

Answer 5

I'm about to. Several were recommended in the September 2008 issue of Macworld magazine.

Answer 6

Yes, I got my macbook 7 months ago, and have been searching a bit for the same program. So far I haven't found one, but also haven't the need of one, yet. I'm not sure you can just download any old program off the 'net, and mac sure doesn't come with one, as far as I know of.

Good luck. Also, don't bother checking the Apple Downloads page, as nothing (useful) will pop up; I've already tried.

Answer 7

I have 2 Macs and I don't use any kind of antivirus. I just think that it's not necessary, because there are almost none Mac viruses.

Answer 8

I do not use any virus protection or anything of the sort. All I can recommend is just to stay away from sketchy links and don't download things such as limewire. I downloaded limewire and it cause a couple problems on my macbook such as msn not working. If you stick to using legit websites and not downloading tons of things off of random websites, you should be fine :) macbooks are pretty good at keeping away virus' and apparently they are immune to most? But dont my word on that, its just what I've read. Hope that helped : )

Answer 9

It's pretty simple to understand why there are more viruses on Windows than on OS X: more people use Windows than OS X. Hackers generally target the biggest nail in order to reach a much larger audience.

There is no such thing as a "perfect" operating system. As more people move to mac computers, so do more hackeres exposing the security flaws. Every piece of software is going to have some kind of exploit, but there are several things you can do in order to keep yourself safe no matter what PC or operating system you use.

1. Be careful what type of sites you visit. There are many unscrupulous websites out there that will readily infect your machine with a virus or adware.

2. Instead of downloading music, go to the store and buy the CD or buy the MP3’s from legit sites. Not only will you avoid any financially difficult legal situation, you'll also avoid any website that promises free MP3 downloads but only delivers viruses and adware.

3. Instead of looking for software cracks or serials online, look for coupons. The "crackz" scene is filled to the brim with malicious websites. You're not safe when you're visiting these "seedier" websites.

4. Do not run in Administrator mode. You should only run in Administrator mode when you're installing hardware or software, but running in a lower security mode you'll avoid a lot of the more invasive attacks.

http://www.microsoft.com/protect/compute...

Answer 10

bitdefender internet security is the cure for the itch...