Mac users: do you use antivirus software?

[traces7]

I just got a new IMac today! I had a 10 year old G3 previously and I always had antivirus protection (even though they say you don't need it with Macs). The guy at the Apple Store said I wouldn't need antivirus software. Is he right? Do you have it on your Mac? If so, what do you use. Before I think I had Symantec. Thanks for the help!

 

[java]

Nothing here. Imac going on 3 years. Oh how I love it.

 

[mrsheppo]

I have had Macs for 9 years and never used anti virus protection. Have yet to pick up a virus on my Macs.

 

[Stephanie218]

I've never used anything, nor has my husband. He's had his for about 3 years already.

 

[Carl]

I have never had any, but I would think that you might need an anti virus program if you run Windows on your Mac. But, Apple should know, I guess.

 

[Tinijocaro]

I had a G3 for 9 years with no anti-virus software. We have a new iMac and are not running any now either.

 

[Tigger Woods]

I've been using Macs since 1995. I've (knock on wood) never had a virus.

 

[dazeddaisy]

Yes you should. There are indeed quite a few viruses out therefore macs. The thing is most Mac users do not notice. But the virus scanners for mac are terrible.

Hopefully now that Apple has just under 10% market share a decent virus scanner will come out. (and when it does watch many mac users be shocked that they had a virus).

This is coming from a Mac user who has indeed had a virus.

 

[traces7]

Thanks everyone, I guess I don't have to worry about viruses. I didn't think I did, but wanted to make sure.

What about online security? As far as banking and using credit cards online, do I need anything for protection to prevent others from seeing my info.? Or is that built in on Macs?

More questions on software also, what program do you use for typing letters, resumes etc. They mentioned iwork and Microsoft Office for Mac. Which would be better? Or is there something else I should look into? My old Mac had Clarisworks. (I just need it for basic stuff).

Also, I like to balance our checkbook on the computer. My old Mac has Quicken. Should I stick with that or is there something better?

Thanks so much for all the help! I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go on!

 

[popeyeohoh]

bought my imac april 08 so far so good. I hope all the extra money is worth it.

 

[traces7]

Yes you should. There are indeed quite a few viruses out therefore macs. The thing is most Mac users do not notice. But the virus scanners for mac are terrible.

Hopefully now that Apple has just under 10% market share a decent virus scanner will come out. (and when it does watch many mac users be shocked that they had a virus).

This is coming from a Mac user who has indeed had a virus.

What virus software do you use? My old computer had Symantec antivirus. Seemed to be pretty good.

 

[dcentity2000]

Been a life long Mac user. The last time I used antivirus was on a previous major operating system, System 7. I don't see the need any more.



Rich::

 

[iggbees]

i've been a lifelong mac user (25 years) and have never had antivirus software on any of my macs.

 

[iggbees]

More questions on software also, what program do you use for typing letters, resumes etc. They mentioned iwork and Microsoft Office for Mac. Which would be better? Or is there something else I should look into? My old Mac had Clarisworks. (I just need it for basic stuff).

It depends on what you want to do and how much you want to spend. iWork is fine if you do light things, just typing or putting together simple spread sheets. Office is more for the heavy users. I work in a scientific lab and Excel is my best friend. Apple has improved iWork this time around though and I actually prefer their template documents in Pages, Numbers, and Keynote to the ones in Office.

 

[dcentity2000]

More questions on software also, what program do you use for typing letters, resumes etc. They mentioned iwork and Microsoft Office for Mac. Which would be better? Or is there something else I should look into? My old Mac had Clarisworks. (I just need it for basic stuff).

iWork wins hands down for me. If you need Office, you could always download OpenOffice, which is a free version of Microsoft Office (identical down to the looks).



Rich::

 

[travelbug]

Mac user here for at least 12 years (have lost track), with no anti-virus software. No sign of a problem.

 

[traces7]

Back again, anymore advice as far as internet security, am I fairly safe? I never had anything before on my old computer. Any other advice about IWork or Microsoft. Also Quicken or a similar program? Thanks!

 

[maelstrom]

There's no need to install an anti-virus program on your Mac, unless you also run Windows on it.

I use Microsoft Office, personally. I used to use a little program called Checkbook to balance my checkbook (it's available for download online; Google it). It is very basic and I don't know if you need more functionality than that.

 

[agnes!]

I am not going to reveal on an open Internet forum what security software I do or do not have on my iMac .

agnes!

 

[Golf4food]

For office software we currently use NeoOffice - its free and it opens any Microsoft Office files and saves in those formats as well so I can use documents at work on Microsoft systems or at home on my iMac. No problems so far.

I do use antivirus software on the XP side of my home iMac running VMWare Fusion software to run XP in parallel with OSX, but don't have a specific Mac antivirus for the Mac. If you don't open strange files or surf unusual websites the chances of getting one on your Mac are small.