Anti-Virus Software

[Dave2002]

What, like the BBC iPlayer, for instance?

I think some systems - probably iOS - don't use Flash.

[Lento]

What do people use on Apple?

I believe it's still pretty safe not to bother.

[Dave2002]

I believe it's still pretty safe not to bother.

Depends! If you don't mind spreading Windows viruses that's fine.
Also, there are one or two viruses which do get in - though they are quite rare, and I think those browser malware things can still affect Apple systems.

There may also be some which target specific products - such as MS Office, which does also exist in Mac OS versions.

With the low incidence though, it's a bit similar to the problem with real viruses, and innoculations - why bother when everyone else is protected? Doesn't always work though, as measles outbreaks have shown in recent years.

Besides Flash, other Adobe products, such as the PDF reader, can be a pain. Indeed I didn't even realise that any Mac users were using these until quite recently - when I then realised that some Mac users don't know about Preview and how to make that work to do what one wants.

[Beef Oven!]

I believe it's still pretty safe not to bother.

Fingers crossed!

[richardfinegold]

Thanks Dave2002

I go naked on my Mac, so I'm pleased I'm not alone.

Sounds like I need to look into some of those other things, though.

I've had so many Windows PCs get viral infested that I prefer Macs primarily for that reason.

[Beef Oven!]

I've had so many Windows PCs get viral infested that I prefer Macs primarily for that reason.

Must say that I've noticed a huge benefit in that regard, since switching. Hope I'm not tempting providence!

[Lento]

Depends! If you don't mind spreading Windows viruses that's fine.

I can understand that forwarding a dodgy email could spread a virus, but would hope that other transmission of Windows viruses via Mac OS would be difficult. As torrent files have different clients for Windows and Mac would these be safe to share (not that I use them personally)?

As for versions of MS Word etc running on OSX I would have thought one need not worry much about incoming traffic, OSX being presumably blind to Windows viruses, but I'm no expert!

I see that there is a Norton product out there for Mac, however.

[MrGongGong]

DON'T WHATEVER YOU DO
Install "MacKeeper"
it's a SCAM

(more things here if you want https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4190885?tstart=0)

[johnb]

I've had so many Windows PCs get viral infested that I prefer Macs primarily for that reason.

It's very strange how some people seen to get virus infections (on Windows) when I have had none what-so-ever. Mind you I am very cautious about opening dubious e-mails and take great care over what software I install.

(It is probably extremely foolish of me to post this and tempt providence.)

[David-G]

I use Kaspersky and have done so for several years. It seems efficient and unobtrusive, and their Support service is always responsive.

[Beresford]

The "Ghostery" browser add-on lets you see/stop all the tracking cookies, and most of the adverts, that are downloaded from almost every web page. Not a virus stopper, but good for lowering annoyance. Google Analytics seems to come on every page.