Apartment computers

[Prock]

I was wondering if anyone could help me with this, I start my DCP on wed and was looking over the things you need to bring list on the website. One of the things listed is a computer with anti virus software, I recently bought a mac and was wondering if I still needed to download some?

 

[BabySimba]

I myself have had a Macbook for about a year now and I've never got a virus on it or anything close to a virus. You could download some anti-virus software, but I don't really think it's necessary. It would definitely be necessary with a PC though.

 

[Prock]

I know that there are very few viruses for it, but I was wondering if I needed to have an anti virus program in order to hook up to the DCP housing networks?

 

[BabySimba]

I'm not sure about that. I'm bringing my Macbook if I get accepted, but I definitely won't be downloading any virus programs. My computer is perfect the way it is so I sure do hope I don't have to download anything useless on to it. You'll probably have to email them directly about it. Sorry.

 

[almost there MN]

You'll be able to get on the network without an antivirus software. I have an antivirus on my macbook pro because my school requires it, but I had several friends on my program who connected with their macs without installing antivirus software.

 

[jeenyus720]

I never even heard that you needed antivirus software

I never had any on my PC

 

[dancinjediknight]

There's no way that they can actually check your computer for anti-virus software unless they physically get on it (which will only happen of you do something illegal while on their network and get caught). Moral of the story is, no you don't *have* to have it, but you should anyway. I recommend AVAST! Anti-Virus and MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. Neither of them mess with you computer like AVG tends to do and they're excellent programs.

 

[vanillarum]

My wife is a computer graphic designer, and has used a mac for 20+ years at work and we all use macs at home. According to the mac people, macs are "immune" to viruses, based on what is built into them. We have never purchased anti virus material and have never had an issue. Our son is going on an internship in 3 days, and his macbook has no extra anti virus material. I don't think it is an issue. Good luck.

 

[bluelobster]

The reason why Macs have developed a reputation for being immune to viruses is because there are so, SO many more people who use Windows - so Windows is the easier target. Viruses for Mac are slowly starting to appear, so if you wish to be extra-cautious, antivirus programs for Mac ARE now made, but it's still not nearly as mandatory as it is for anything from Apple.

And the networks aren't actually set up to detect anti-virus programs, so they have no way of knowing if you run one or not.

 

[andylcq]

I never even heard that you needed antivirus software

I never had any on my PC

me too , I has never heard this.

 

[FluffedMojo]

My wife is a computer graphic designer, and has used a mac for 20+ years at work and we all use macs at home. According to the mac people, macs are "immune" to viruses, based on what is built into them. We have never purchased anti virus material and have never had an issue. Our son is going on an internship in 3 days, and his macbook has no extra anti virus material. I don't think it is an issue. Good luck.

I worked at Geek Squad for a year and we had plenty of Macs come in with viruses. They are not immune to anything; however, as a PP suggested...90% of the world uses Windows, so virus makers and hackers generally target the bigger piece of the pie, hoping that somebody will bite.

To be fair, Mac OS comes with some nice built-in detection systems which sort of auto-clean the machines, but they are not immune.

However, Anti-Virus Programs have grown from just simple anti-virus and anti-spyware machines into full fledged Internet Security programs, which can help with data protection, phishing attacks, and password encryption. Trend Micro makes a highly rated program called "Smart Surfing for Mac" which does just that without cluttering your machine.

In regards to the CP...like other posters said, it'd be pretty difficult for the Network systems to determine whether or not you have an anti-virus software installed. So I think you will be ok, but if not...there's plenty of free software online.