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General discussion

Novice needs anti-virus advice please!

May 24, 2008 2:42AM PDT

I was recently given a MacBook and get the feeling that I should install anti-virus software on it. I am guessing that it isn't built-in. Any advice please? Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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That feeling,
May 24, 2008 3:55AM PDT

is probably because you are used to Windows or have Windows using friends.

Currently there are no virus's that attack OS X.

However, if you feel the positive urge to install such a piece of software onto your MacBook, consider CLAMXAV, which is free.
You can find a copy of it Here
Read the instructions and download the correct version for your flavor of OS X

Do NOT install any of the major brands, Symantec, Mcafee or the like, they are major resource hogs and will drag you machine down with them.

P

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Why anti big anti-virus brands?
May 27, 2008 6:37PM PDT

Dear P

Thank you very much for the info.

Why are the big anti-virus brands 'resource hogs'? What did you mean when you said they would drag my machine down?

NG

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Symantec and Mcaffe
May 27, 2008 9:49PM PDT

use a LOT of your computers resources, memory/processor, to hunt for something that does not exist.

As a consequence, your computer becomes slower.

As I mentioned, if you feel the need for AV software, go with CLAMXAV

P

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Thanks
Jun 3, 2008 6:36PM PDT

Thanks for the explanation - much appreciated!

NG

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Only Windows users get that feeling.
May 24, 2008 3:55AM PDT
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Understanding your reply?!
May 27, 2008 6:43PM PDT

So, OS X has a built-in firewall - but you'd have to turn it on? (Excuse the ignorance - I have no idea about any of these things).

And, it is very hard for your MacBook to get poorly because you would have to follow a series of procedures to unleash something on the machine.

Thanks for the advice!

NG

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Firewall
May 27, 2008 9:54PM PDT

OS X has a built-in firewall that is not turned on by default. You can turn it on in the Sharing Preference pane.

There are currently no virus's that operate against OS X.

The biggest danger to your computer is yourself. There are programs out there that will harm your Mac but they rely on You to expand them, launch the installation process and to give the system permission to install them.

Unlike other operating systems, this does not happen automatically. To install applications on your Mac, you will be required, by typing your password, to give it permission to install.

What computer did you own before this Mac?

P

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Getting used to a MacBook
Jun 3, 2008 6:34PM PDT

Thanks so much for this P.

I used to own a Toshiba laptop that had Windows XP on it - I think! I have really been at the level of writing documents, creating spreadsheets and sending emails. I'd love to do more creative things now with the MacBook. What I am enjoying most is iTunes. I haven't yet got into downloading music from the net. My friend did download the software Limewire but I am too paranoid to investigate using it. This is something I have to overcome as I am a real music lover. Another friend downloaded iPod Rip - but I have never used it. Do you use either Limewire or iPod Rip?

K

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Limewire is primarily used
Jun 3, 2008 9:51PM PDT

to download illegal music from the web.
iPod Rip allows you to move tracks from the iPod back to the Mac.

If, as you say, you are a real music lover; you will not be wasting your time downloading music from Limewire.
Quality is not generally very good, there is no guarantee that the content is what it is supposed to be, it is generally not legal (The person(s) sharing the file do not hold the rights to do so) and if anything goes wrong, you will not find support on these forums.

Beware Limewire and ALL the other file sharing sites.

P

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Thanks P
Jun 3, 2008 10:18PM PDT

Have a good day...