Antivirus slows down com?

[WuffRuff]

I am using a Mac and contemplating if I should install an antivirus as I will be travelling and using internet from all kinds of sources.
I would like to know if this is necessary and if having an antivirus program will slow down the com or not?

[night86mare]

no need.

just make sure the right settings are used when connecting to network, so that your own computer security is not compromised.. that is more important than having antivirus.

[limwhow]

Hmmm... pardon my ignorance.
I thought Mac don't need anti-virus softwares unlike Windows-based PC/laptops, because there isn't many (if at all) virus software out there as the Mac market is not as big as Windows?

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by night86mare no need. just make sure the right settings are used when connecting to network, so that your own computer security is not compromised.. that is more important than having antivirus.

Errr... and what are these settings?
I'm not very familiar with these things and I'm a new Mac user.

Originally Posted by limwhow Hmmm... pardon my ignorance. I thought Mac don't need anti-virus softwares unlike Windows-based PC/laptops, because there isn't many (if at all) virus software out there as the Mac market is not as big as Windows?

Mac generally is very resistant to viruses but there still are Mac viruses. The chances are slim but even a slim chance is still a chance. I'm being kiasu lah!

[2evans]

Originally Posted by WuffRuff Errr... and what are these settings? I'm not very familiar with these things and I'm a new Mac user. Mac generally is very resistant to viruses but there still are Mac viruses. The chances are slim but even a slim chance is still a chance. I'm being kiasu lah!

just found a quick primer on OSX security, http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/20...x-security.ars

Hope it helps!

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by 2evans just found a quick primer on OSX security, http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/20...x-security.ars Hope it helps!

Thanks, but this security was for data security, not virus stuff.

Back to the question, which has yet to be answered, I would like to know if antivirus slows down a Mac?

[ZerocoolAstra]

Originally Posted by WuffRuff Thanks, but this security was for data security, not virus stuff. Back to the question, which has yet to be answered, I would like to know if antivirus slows down a Mac?

I'm quite sure it would.
Any program that runs in the background (as an antivirus program would) logically has to be using up system resources...

[relac28]

Yes to a certain extent
any program that runs takes up system resources
but u will only feel it if u fully utilise all ur comp's processing power

so u prob won't feel it when it's running in the back grd with a decent spec mac
unless u run lots of system intensive software

My $0.000002

[WuffRuff]

Thanks for the replies.
I thought so toothat it would, but just wanted to confirm.

So do you use any anti-virus?
Should I use an anti-virus if I'm travelling and using internet from everywhere?

[ZerocoolAstra]

i think it's a good idea to do so.
but above that, you should still practise precaution, don't surf strange/unknown sites, be careful of strange links in emails, etc.

[giantcanopy]

It is a good idea to run a basic antivirus program.

Not sure for Mac but according to a previous issue of PC magazine that i used to subscribe stated PC users with a freshly installed windows will get hit with bugs after turning on for 20min idling on internet. I do not think it means Mac users are immuned. Maybe not 20 mins

ryan

[WuffRuff]

Originally Posted by giantcanopy It is a good idea to run a basic antivirus program. Not sure for Mac but according to a previous issue of PC magazine that i used to subscribe stated PC users with a freshly installed windows will get hit with bugs after turning on for 20min idling on internet. I do not think it means Mac users are immuned. Maybe not 20 mins ryan

I do not dare to venture into the world wide web on my PC for even one minute without an antivirus running!
Antivirus is absolutely essential for PCs going on the net.

Hmmm... I wonder how immune Mac is though.
Does anyone encounter their Mac becoming sluggish after being turned on for a week or more and having 100 tabs opened on Firefox?

My Mac is becoming retarded at this point.
Sighhh......

[giantcanopy]

Originally Posted by WuffRuff Does anyone encounter their Mac becoming sluggish after being turned on for a week or more and having 100 tabs opened on Firefox?

100 tabs ?!? why u even need to open so many

[spheredome]

All OS will have virus, it is just a matter if virus creators proliferate in that sector. Mac will be prone to malware too.

The danger for mac users are their novice level to diagnose or detect the presence bec all they know if the GUI. Is like saying, one won't get SARS
And because of the widely acclaimed immunity, this make the user completely ignore the presence should one target their workstation specifically. Of course MacOS is much harder to attack assumed the setting is not compromised.

So antivirus and personal firewall is a must if you are using your PC to do transaction.

[ortega]

just dont surf porn

[ArcticFox]

Originally Posted by ortega just dont surf porn

Yes and avoid any illegal download site as well. Using firefox really helps. I have been without any antivirus for 5 years and I do not have any virus.

[KelvinDestiny]

you can try using eset nod32 antivirus it dont really lag even while doing scans on the background and this is what i experienced been using it for 2yrs.

when surfing net, avoid suspicious website domain and make sure you see the link before entering. i believe there's some program to identify which site has suspicious activity like virus, trojan etc..