Anti-Virus programs for Mac
 

Hey guys,

I have a MacBook Pro and I think it would be a good idea to install some Anti-Virus software.

Any good suggestions? Preferably something that's free.

Thanks.

There is a system cleaner called Onyx, it allows you to clean out temporarily files, etc, and verify your hard disk. In my experience it does a better job than Clean My Mac (or whatever it's called). For the most part I do not believe you need anti-virus software, and whenever I took my old Pro in for maintenance, the tech guys always said that the anti-virus programs would slow my computer's performance (which they did), and were unnecessary.

Using a web browser that has an ad blocker is very important as well. I used Firefox (involved downloading the Ad Blocker add-on) but I believe Chrome has a great ad blocker as well. Then you can add websites that you want pop-ups from (say for yahoo mock drafts). A little message will appear in the top right hand corner of your Firefox window and you can choose to add that site (Yahoo fantasy mock draft, etc) as safe to allow the pop-up. This is very important for streaming shows or games because you do not see those pesky side advertisements, no banner advertisements and do not get any pop-ups. Makes a huge difference. I did not see a single advertisement on my computer until my Pro broke down after 5 years. Now I see them frequently on my iPad and it is very annoying.


Hope that helps!

Cheers,
Ross

What?! Apple users always brag that they don't get viruses. So this thread must not really exist. #tongueincheek

Hey Mac,

Are you looking for an anti-virus program for yourself? Or for your computer? Sorry, I had to! ;)

I've been a Mac user (the computer, not you ;)) for about 6 years. I've yet to install an anti-virus program. I've managed to avoid them and have done some reading and am not convinced that I need to install them myself.

Here is an interesting, albeit dated, article from MacWorld.

http://www.macworld.com/article/1137...antivirus.html

Hope this helps!

Please see my previous post! ;)

I read your previous post and noticed you forgot the article link.

Just taking precaution really, I haven't had any issues with my MacBook yet.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Yes, I know its funny, Mac owns a Mac.
:)

Sorry Eric. Got all excited about owning Mac... err.. I mean a Mac.


Link is posted. Here it is:

http://www.macworld.com/article/1137...antivirus.html

If you do give one or others a try, drop me a PM and let me know how it worked. I just put a new Crucial M4 SSD into my '10 MBP, so I'd hate to lower my speed gains with anti-virus software.

Sophos anti-virus for Mac is free. It was the one UBC provided. I installed it on my computer, and didn't notice it slowing down too much. But times when I've had it uninstalled didn't really have virus/ malware problems either. Sophos picked up malware/trojan once.

http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products...e-edition.aspx

Did you replace the optical drive? I did it on mine with a Samsung 470 SSD using a optibay case/tray off eBay ($10-15 vs $100 MCE optibay caddy), and put the SuperDrive into an enclosure. Used Ifixit guide and other online ones.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-2nd-S...5cb82ed&_uhb=1

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SATA-Supe...3a89fa8&_uhb=1

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/MacBook+...acement/3074/1

This one probably best overview.
http://notebooks.com/2011/07/27/mce-...s-seat-review/

there was a few anxious moments when my computer wouldn't boot up afterwards. I think it was mainly because I had trouble reconnecting the keyboard cable back so the power button didn't work. Have had to use the Superdrive only twice since then.

Works much faster now, though battery might be slightly less, and fan runs more.