Does the mac need AntiVirus?

Many people are aware that the mac is less prone to virus infection. The overwhelming reason Windows has so much more virus activity is because Windows is so much more popular than OS X. However, more and more people are purchasing macs nowadays and therefore one of the questions I get most has to do with antivirus for the mac. Does it need it? What do I recommend?

Security Confusions for Mac Owners

All mac owners must keep in mind that OS X is not immune to viruses!!! If OS X were to be  as highly used as the the Windows platform then OS X would have a much larger virus problem. In the future, as the Apple platform gains popularity, many people will see more viruses targeting specifically OS X.

Antivirus sites will talk of our macs being in great danger to viruses because of the huge numbers. In reality, though, there are only around 200 known Mac viruses in the wild, most of which have caused very little in the way of damage. Further, many of those 200 target versions prior to OS X.

While Windows users know they need security on their systems, Mac owners are left with a confusing and difficult question. 

Do Mac Owners Need Anti-Virus Or Not?

At this point owners can choose two paths each effecting your mac.

1. If you choose to install an anti-virus or something, chances are it is going to impact your Macs overall performance in a negative way. However, your Mac will be safer if you install a anti-virus.
2. Don’t install an anti-virus and you will have a better computer performance but with a risk, which is tiny compared to windows users, of viruses.

Personally, though, I choose not to as I don’t want the performance impact. Let’s see, a tiny risk of infection from the small batch of Mac viruses that actually exist, or the 100% chance that my system performance will suffer at the hands of an intrusive anti-virus program. 

Do Nothing?

For now mac owner can enjoy their computer without having to use any anti-virus and as a result slowing down the cpu. However, don’t be too confident about it because the Apple platform is gain popularity very quickly!!! There are some things a Mac owner can do to protect itself:

1. Always have an antivirus scanning your incoming emails. No need to install antivirus as most free web-based email sites already do this for you. (hotmail, gmail, yahoo etc.)
2. If you run windows on your mac you will need to install an antivirus to your Windows installation. Windows is still Windows, regardless of the machine it is running on. If you install Windows to our Mac, you just installed that big bullseye to your machine.

Mac Anti-Virus Options

1. Norton AntiVirus. 
2. aVast! AntiVirus for Mac.
3. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac
4. McAfee VirusScan for Mac
5. ClamXav. 

Finish

We have come to the conclusion that our mac OS X are not immune to viruses, even though there are limited number out on the internet. We have to enjoy it while it last!!!