I have just started using macbookpro always used to use windows laptops and pc’s I’m confused as to whether I need to get virus, hacker, spyware and protection for all other risks, i want to use the internet to buy things and check bank details but haven’t so far as have always had norton or simialr on pc’s and have nothing on my mac!!! Please solve my confusion!!!!
It’s the same for any computer, Mac or PC -
Anti virus subscription
Spyware scanner
Firewall
Hello,
For a Mac, viruses are extremely rare, but better safe then sorry. You should probably get some free virus and spyware protection.
Also, stay safe on the web and don’t do anything stupid. Most viruses I’ve gotten on my PC are from sites that look very suspicious.
I recommend Open DNS, and never click on advertisements. Just never. In fact you should block them.
http://opendns.com/
If you’re using OS X, then nothing, nothing, and nothing. The only viruses you need to worry about are the ones you might be accidentally giving to your PC friends. In which case get one of these: http://www.pure-mac.com/virus.html
OS X comes with a built-in firewall under System Preferences > Security > Firewall. Set it to "Set access for specific services and applications" and it will ask you whether to let an application accept incoming connections whenever one tries to. Basically if you’re using the application, click allow; in the rare event an outside app you don’t have installed is trying to gain access to your laptop, click deny. Simple as that.
I would imagine you can get free anti-virus, and although its a small problem on macs, it’s better to be safe than sorry (can’t recommend – don’t have a mac).
Firewalls are mandatory on all OSs – I think there is one built into the Mac OS, and outbound leaking is not a problem due to the lack of viruses.
Norton is terrible, btw.
try to visit this website I just came across, you may find some useful information on spyware & adware:
http://spyware-enrich2u.blogspot.com
These days you need a whole lot more than just a virus protection. Only about 15% of all malware is viruses. The rest is worms, trojans, phishing schemes, spyware, etc.
Here’s some ideas to make Internet Security Suite (securitycenter) for free. Free is always the best.
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1. For your Anti-Virus……(Always use only 1 A-V…You must NEVER use more than one anti-virus, Even an expired anti-virus can cause a major conflict…(did I mention that you MUST uninstall any old anti-virus products?)
For your anti-virus needs, I would suggest Avira AntiVir® PersonalEdition Classic. It has excellent heuristics, a virus detection rate that is better than many of "paid-for" anti-virus programs and is light on using your computer’s resources. And did I mention that it’s free!
Download here:
http://www.free-av.com/
Avoid an anti-virus called AVG (free version). It is wildly popular but has poor virus detection rates.
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2. For your Anti-Adware and Anti-Spyware needs……………(use at least 1 anti-spyware, but 2 is OK). Do a scan with it on a regular basis.
SUPERAntiSpyware:
http://www.superantispyware.com/
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3. For your Firewall……….(Always use only 1 software firewall)
A decent free firewall is PC Tools Firewall Plus. One can either choose "Normal User Mode" Or "Expert User Mode"’depending on the detail of alerts and application custom rules desired.
It is one of the few free firewalls that will work (and work well) on Vista as well as XP and 2000.
http://www.pctools.com/firewall/
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4. And to help protect your computer from ever getting infected with malware in the first place………… (use them both)
SpywareBlaster helps to immunize your computer again certain selected malware.:
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareb...
SiteAdvisor warns you when visiting a potentionally malicious web-site:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/
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5. And always keep your Windows and all your installed software 100% updated and patched with all critical and security updates from the vendors THIS IS A MUST! In Internet Explorer just click Tools then Windows Updates.
Here is a little online (no download) security tool called The Secunia Software Inspector, that checks a computer for un-secure, un-updated and un-patched apps that may be installed on your computer.
The Secunia Software Inspector checks for possibly vulnerable programs like Adobe, Winamp, Java, Windows, Internet Explorer etc. and notifies if critical security updates are needed. !
Will work using IE, Opera or Firefox.
Use it once a month.
Pretty cool and free at:
http://secunia.com/software_inspector/
Great luck! Enjoy!