Do I need anti-virus/spyware for a Mac?

well, so plan to get my MacBook 2.4 Ghz May Yay! Be that Macs run not leave hidden files, this and many other things that make the Mac almost immune to viruses, but has yet to invest in virus protection? I've read forum postings from people saying it's only cuz Apple has a market share of less, but some still say it has virus protection (for true) and that has not yet found anything which is not being renewed (the anti-virus software). So basically, all Mac users out there, help me with the experiences they have had! take into account to use this on a college campus in a wireless network at home and also on a wireless network (+ places like coffee, caribou and the like). The only reason I say this because I heard that some wireless networks are not encrypted and help me in getting a virus. give thanks for all the help!

I'ma newly converted Mac too - Penryn MBP! I'm no expert, but the best expert advice they can get is by reading this: http://db.tidbits.com/article/9511 feel a little long, but answers all your questions

Mac Virus Advice

CA Anti-Virus v.8.1 $50.99 1 User 12x5 Phone-Based Support Centralized Virus Management Quick Response Ease of Distribution, Implementation and Management Provides Anti-Virus Protection Extensive Reporting Recommended configuration for servers: Processor: Pentium 4 - 2.6 GHz or higher Hard Disk: 10 GB Memory: 1 GB of RAM minimum (2 GB recommended) Recommended configuration for each client running the agent: Processor: Pentium 300+ MHz recommended (200 MHz minimum) Hard Disk: 256 MB Memory: 512 MB of RAM Supported Platforms: Microsoft: Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4.0 SP6a, 2000, XP (32/64-bit), Server 2003 (32/64-bit), as well as Microsoft Exchange 2000 and 2003 Linux (32-bit): Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 and greater, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8 and greater, SuSE 9.0 and greater UNIX: Sun Solaris 8 and greater; HP-UX 11.0 and 11.11 Novell: NetWare 5.1 and greater Citrix Presentation Server 4 for Windows Lotus: Notes/Domino 4.6.2 and greater Network Appliance NAS Devices: Filer Appliance Cisco NAC and Microsoft NAP Support for Windows Apple: Macintosh OS X 10.3 and greater for Power PC; Macintosh OS X 10.4 and greater for Intel Gateway: Microsoft Windows NT 4.0, 2000, XP, 2003 and Red Hat Linux Gateway Plug-In: Microsoft ISA Server; Apache; CVP PDAs: Palm, Microsoft Windows Mobile 2002/2003/2005, Microsoft Smartphone 2005, and Pocket PC 200 CA Anti-Virus is the next generation in comprehensive anti-virus security for business PCs, servers and PDAs. It combines proactive protection against viruses and malware with powerful management features that stop and remove malicious code before it enters your network, reducing system downtime and outbreak response costs. Anti-Virus v.8.1 Antivirus CA Computer Associates International, Inc EAV8101BPE Security Software www.ca.com

KASPERSKY ANTI-VIRUS 2012 Software - 3 USER $59.99 Use your PC with complete peace of mind with the Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012. This essential software provides core protection for your computer from the latest viruses, malware, and more. Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 software uses intelligent scanning and convenient, frequent updates to create the ultimate defense system against known and emerging threats. Features Harnesses the power of the cloud and your PC with Hybrid Protection Detects and helps repair program vulnerabilities Scans all websites and emails for malicious software Checks instantly for safety of files, applications and websites Rolls back most harmful malware activity Maximizes PC performance with speed and efficiency UPC: 736211599582 Manufacturer's Part Number: 4729237S

Virus $15.99 Virus - Original Poster

Cisco Spam & Virus Blocker $1813.99 14.60 lb 1U 2 2 GB 2 x RJ-45 10/100/1000Base-T LAN 50 90 Day Limited HTTP HTTPS SNMP Telnet Command-line interface Software 6.6 for Cisco Spam and Virus Blocker Appliances (SF-BLKR-SVB-6.6) 1 Year Subscription Protect your business against dangerous email threats Improve the productivity of your employees by eliminating spam Reduce the time spent managing spam and email threat security Increase the performance of your network, servers, and personal computers by getting rid of unwanted email Reduce your liability for a spam or virus attack that is unintentionally propagated through your network The Spam & Virus Blocker with 50 User immediately stops spam coming into your business email, requires minimal management, and is backed by SenderBase services, a network database of email security threats. This dedicated antispam, antivirus, and antiphishing security appliance is an easy-to-use solution designed specifically for small businesses. Other spam security products require time-consuming manual administration to be fully effective and can't match the accuracy of the Cisco solution. Antivirus BLKR-SVB-50U-1Y Cisco Cisco Systems, Inc Firewall Appliance NAT Rack-mountable SDRAM Spam & Virus Blocker Yes www.cisco.com

Kaspersky 8043853 Anti-Virus 2010 for PC $19.97 Provide your computer with the essential protection it needs to keep you safe against the ever growing threat of cybercriminals. Kaspersky Anti Virus 2010 combines trusted virus and spyware protection to increase your computer's defenses against the threats that lurk on the Internet. With this reliable software suite, you'll be able to fend off online attacks, protect your personal data and surf the Web in confidence.

Kaspersky KAV1103121 Anti-Virus 2011 for PC $19.97 Kaspersky Anti Virus 2011 delivers the most trusted malware and antivirus defense with real time protection that ensures you're always safe. Intelligent scanning and small, frequent updates guarantee your security software won't slow you down.

AVG Anti-Virus 2012 - 3 users $39.99 AVG Anti-Virus 2012 delivers the ultimate protection for surfing, searching and social networking. The software is automatically updated regularly to protect you from continually evolving threats. As hackers develop new techniques, AVG's research labs are constantly processing web data to provide new defenses to keep your Internet activity safe. Work and play uninterrupted with PC scanning that operates when you are away from your PC . The software also knows when you are gaming and ensures that the security operates in the background only. Whether your browsing the Web or downloading files, AVG Anti-Virus 2012 alerts your before your enter a dangerous site or download a corrupted file. AVG Anti-Virus will also protect you when exchanging files through popular instant messaging applications and social networks like MSN, Yahoo, and Facebook®. AVG Anti-Virus also offers 24/7 free technical support, providing a worry-free computing experience. UPC: 814949011337 Manufacturer's Part Number: KE9645

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