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    Whats a good spyware and adware remover for macbooks?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by rich.paekk, Jun 30, 2007.

  1. rich.paekk

    rich.paekk Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone, I have a few questions to ask,

    1) First of all can macs get spyware and adware?

    2) And if they can get those, can you recommend a good free software to do so?

    3) Lastly, at random times I can hear my fan work really loudly, what can I do to cool down my macbook so the fans don't have to work so hard?

    Thanks!
     
    rich.paekk, Jun 30, 2007
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  2. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    3) download smc fan control and set the lower fan limit higher (default is 2000) if you set it to 3000, it will remain cooler and the fans shouldn't have to kick up to 4k+ as often, if ever.
     
    masterchef341, Jun 30, 2007
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  3. Nicholie

    Nicholie Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    1) Yes, but its very rare simply because most spyware, virus', general nasties aren't coded for OS X.

    2) No idea, but right now you shouldn't need one. I've literally TRIED to get my Mac infected, to no avail.

    3) They get a little loud cause they only spin up when things are getting a little too hot for comfort, and in general its good for them to be put to use from time to time. You can try elevating the Macbook off the surface, allowing air to get underneath.
     
    Nicholie, Jun 30, 2007
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  4. HLdan

    HLdan Notebook Virtuoso

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    You asked "CAN" Macs get spyware and adware? Answer, possibly. However to date there are none and their haven't been any. You won't need any special software. This is one of the pluses of switching from Windows to the Mac. It may require get used to having much lower maintenance on the Mac :)
    One of things I don't agree with Apple is how they dissipate heat on their notebooks. They use passive heat distribution which causes the fans to blow. I wish there were more air holes in the Macbooks.
     
    HLdan, Jun 30, 2007
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  5. Percybut

    Percybut Notebook Consultant

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    OS X CAN definitely get infected!! The MACs in our computer lab has nasty pop-ups. For me, my college provides the MAC version of Sophos Antivirus for free. You can find lots of anti-virus for MAC out there (Norton, Intego's VirusBarrier, ClamXav).

    ClamXav is free and open source--definitely worth a try.

    All operating systems have security holes, including unix and OS X. There's aren't many devastating virus for OS X right now does not mean there won't be any in the near future--it is always good to get prepared.

    I have Sophos on my MBP, you should definitely try ClamXav or maybe Norton if you are willing to spend the money.
     
    Percybut, Jul 1, 2007
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