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    question about virusses and internet

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by cheutc, Oct 10, 2007.

  1. cheutc

    cheutc Notebook Consultant

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    on the macbook pros do i need to install any anti virus and can i turn off the wireless internet
     
    cheutc, Oct 10, 2007
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  2. JimyTheAssassin

    JimyTheAssassin Notebook Evangelist

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    If you use Bootcamp to install Windows. you're just as vulnerable as any Windows PC while windows is in use.. so yes.. in this case use an anti virus.

    OS X seems to have few virus' to worry about, but it still is good prevention to have such a program.

    To turn the internet off, click on the icon at the top of your screen. The drop down menu will give you the option to turn Airport off.
     
    JimyTheAssassin, Oct 10, 2007
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  3. cheutc

    cheutc Notebook Consultant

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    which anti virus do you recommend on mac
     
    cheutc, Oct 10, 2007
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  4. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

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    Antivirus isn't necessary on OS X right now. You'd have a better chance of being struck by lightning.

    That may change someday, but for now, don't bother.
     
    swarmer, Oct 10, 2007
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  5. Dustin_D

    Dustin_D Notebook Evangelist

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    Does that mean there are no viruses targeted to OSX, but they can still be downloaded onto it?
     
    Dustin_D, Oct 10, 2007
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  6. JimyTheAssassin

    JimyTheAssassin Notebook Evangelist

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    I've heard more about vulnerabilities to the actual OS, and specific programs, than I have virus attacks. That doesn't mean Mac is invincible, but like swarmer said, your MBP literally has a better chance of being struck by lightning at the moment. But, that aside, we still run Norton anti-virus just in case.

    If you like fooling around with unknown executables, and probing the more predatory depths of the internet, I'm not sure any anti-virus will save you. In that case.. it would be much better to use a strong firewall, and proxy IMO.

    p.s. just a word to the wise.. mention of P2P clients and downloading "stuff" isn't allowed here at NBR.
     
    JimyTheAssassin, Oct 10, 2007
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  7. Sam

    Sam Notebook Virtuoso

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    To the original poster, antivirus for OS X is not necessary right now. There is no virus in the wild targeting OS X right now, so it is an unnecessary investment, and frankly, antivirus on OS X will probably cause you more problems than it will fix.

    Just keep your firewall on and you have more than enough protection on the Mac for now.

    As for turning off wireless internet, you can click on the "fan" icon on the Menu Bar and select "Turn Airport Off", and you can also go to System Preferences > Network > Disconnect... > Turn Airport Off.
     
    Sam, Oct 10, 2007
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