What AV software do you recommend me?

**Dx3me** · 12-27-2012, 09:19 AM

Within a few weeks I'm switching from my Windows 7 laptop to a new iMac...

But... I'm not sure, do I need any AV software on an iMac?
(we all know how vulnerable Windows is... and how it can't survive without AV software)

On my Windows system I'm used to having BullGuard installed for my overall security.
I addition to this, I also use SUPERAntiSpyware...
* Together they keep my Windows system running safe.
-----------------

Now I would like to know, what AV software would you guys recommend me for OSX?
Normally I would use

and

as a reference, but they only show Windows software...

- Is there any reference site for OSX??
Do I even need AV software?

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-27-2012, 09:32 AM

Most common virus vectors-

Java - not installed by default and if installed, browser plugin not enabled by default. Keep it that way unless you need it.

Adobe Reader - not needed because builtin Preview app handles PDFs.

Adobe Flash - use a flash blocker extension in your browser and only enable flash as needed on trusted sites.

Be sensible about what websites you visit.

If using Safari turn off the option to automatically unzip/open downloads.

Turn on builtin firewall.

No AV software needed.

**TurboTiger** · 12-27-2012, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by Karenkcoulter

Adobe Flash - use a flash blocker extension in your browser and only enable flash as needed on trusted sites.

If using Safari turn off the option to automatically unzip/open downloads.

Turn on builtin firewall.

Karen,
Would you please tell me exactly how to enable the the 3 steps above which you recommended?
TIA

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-28-2012, 07:26 AM

Firewall - preferences -> security, there is a tab for the firewall, just turn it on. Afterwards you'll get popups when a program is requesting access and you can allow or deny and tell it to remember the answer for the next time.

Turn off automatic opening of downloaded files -> safari -> preferences. I think it's on one of the first two tabs-I'm not at my Mac right now to check.

Flash blocker -> depends on your browser choice, but safari, Firefox and chrome all have "stores" for browser extensions and plugins (almost all free). And there's probably more than one flash blocker in each store. For safari I've used Click-to-Flash. They all pretty much work the same though. On a web page with flash, the whole page gets loaded with a placeholder for the flash content and when/if you want to see it, you click on the placeholder to load the flash video.

**TurboTiger** · 12-28-2012, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Karenkcoulter

Firewall - preferences -> security, there is a tab for the firewall, just turn it on. Afterwards you'll get popups when a program is requesting access and you can allow or deny and tell it to remember the answer for the next time.

Turn off automatic opening of downloaded files -> safari -> preferences. I think it's on one of the first two tabs-I'm not at my Mac right now to check.

Karen,
Sorry to be such a PITA but I don't see the two above anywhere.
Any more clarification would be appreciated.
TIA

**kch50428** · 12-28-2012, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by Dx3me

Now I would like to know, what AV software would you guys recommend me for OSX?

I have Sophos on my MacBook Pro. It's nabbed a few thing that came in via email attachments.

**TurboTiger** · 12-28-2012, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by kch50428

I have Sophos on my MacBook Pro. It's nabbed a few thing that came in via email attachments.

Tks Keith,
I'll have to check it out.
Good Luck

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-28-2012, 10:36 PM

Originally Posted by TurboTiger

Karen,
Sorry to be such a PITA but I don't see the two above anywhere.
Any more clarification would be appreciated.
TIA

Ill get back to you tomorrow. It's already bedtime for me.

**Karenkcoulter** · 12-29-2012, 11:56 AM

System Preferences, then select Security & Privacy, then select Firewall tab.

Open Safari, the bring up Safari preferences (in menu Safari -> Preferences or Cmd,) on the General tab, there is a check box at the bottom that says "open safe files after downloading", make sure it is unchecked.

**TurboTiger** · 12-29-2012, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by Karenkcoulter

System Preferences, then select Security & Privacy, then select Firewall tab.

Open Safari, the bring up Safari preferences (in menu Safari -> Preferences or Cmd,) on the General tab, there is a check box at the bottom that says "open safe files after downloading", make sure it is unchecked.

Karen,

Tks for all of your help.
And I did find the Firewall setting as well.
All is good.

Tks again