New Mac owner here. I have some questions about security...

[Skinner]

Since 10% of our visitors use Macs, I felt it was time to bite the bullet and get a Mac for cross-platform design/testing. So, I just picked up a new MacBook, running OSX 10.4.10. I've been playing around with it for the last few hours, and I'm starting to get the hang of it. (in fact, I'm posting from it right now.) I have a couple questions. (Please pardon my ignorance -- the last Mac I used regularly was a beige PowerMac back in 1995.)

Could you suggest anti-virus software? (Or is anti-virus software something that only Windows users need to concern themselves with?)

Do I need to install a firewall? Or is it already properly firewalled?

Is there anything else I need to do in order to properly protect my computer?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[LeftCoast]

1. Personally, I don't use a virus scanner

I've never had a problem. That's not to say it couldn't happen, but the risk seems very remote at this point.

I operate my machines behind a stand-alone firewall. I don't use a software version, so I can't really speak to how well the internal OS firewall works. I think everyone (whether they use Mac, Windows or Linux) should have a firewall of one form or another though.

[moggie]

2. Haha, anti-virus software!

That's so cute! No, you can pretty much forget about virus threats. As for firewalling, the OS has its own software firewall: provided it's enabled! Bring up system preferences, select 'sharing', click on the 'firewall' tab, and from there it's pretty self-explanatory.

[Poiuyt]

3. Check out Apple's page about security:

http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/security/

Personally, I don't have my firewall enabled, nor do I worry about viruses, worms or any other kind of evil things that are out there.

[onehandle]

4. Built in Firewall is plenty. Go to System Preferences and make sure it's switched on.

System Preferences > Sharing > Firewall > Look at button on left and make sure the Firewall is started.

In twenty+ years of using Macs, I've never needed a virus program. Especially with OSX.

Make sure Software Update is active. Whenever there is a system security issue, the fix will automatically download.

[Skinner]

5. Thanks, everyone.

Your advice was very helpful. :thumbsup:

[alfredo]

6. ClamXav

http://www.clamxav.com/


Free stuff you should get.

Virtual Desktops: Leopard will have them standard. Virtual desktops do come in handy on small screens.

http://virtuedesktops.info/index.php/downloads/


On laptops you need to do some simple house cleaning because you usually have your computer off when the normal house cleaning is done in OSX. Get MacJanitor:

http://personalpages.tds.net/~brian_hill/macjanitor.html


http://simonhaertel.de/quinn

http://www.nvu.com/

[fightthegoodfightnow]

7. Congratulations

Macs are the best. Honestly, I don't think you need anything other than what you have in front of you. The built in fire wall works just fine. Make sure you check your file sharing preferences. Enjoy your Mac.

[Omphaloskepsis]

8. I have had my Intel iMac for about 7 months...

I don't worry about security.. I have never had any problems. I would suggest reading http://daringfireball.net/ every day. If a nasty has popped up Gruber will discus it. And his blog takes 60 seconds a day to read. He doesn't allow comments.

10%, really, damn.. Awesome.

[funkybutt]

9. Software Updates

In System Preferences contains security updates is all I use for security. Never had my ID stolen or any kind of hack problem. Congrats on the new Mac!

[Pierre.Suave]

10. My $.02

You do not need anti-virus. Do NOT under any circumstance pay any money to norton for their crap, it WILL mess up your mac. Also, do not under any circumstance use ClamXav it is also crap.

There is a firewall already installed, open system preferences and go to sharing and turn on the firewall.

That is normally enough, if you REALLY want to secure it, the NSA has a paper on OSX security.

[rocktivity]

11. Whatdaya mean, ignorant? I'm still using a beige G3 I bought in 1998!

:rofl:
rocknation

[Elwood P Dowd]

12. I still use my 1999 iMac with OS 9.1 at times, but

my iBook G4 with 10.4.10 gets most of the attention. There is really no comparison between the two, but the old one still works as well as it did 8 years ago.

[rocktivity]

13. I began upgrading my G3 circa 2003

with a G4 processor card, USB/Firewire, a Super Drive, internal/external hard drives, maximum RAM, and of course OSX. Most recently, I added an LCD monitor and a video card. So I don't really think of it as being ancient or obsolete. In fact, when I see the new iMac commericals, I think, "The ONLY thing you have on me is your Intel processors!"

:headbang:
rocknation

[Elwood P Dowd]

14. You don't have much left of the ole' beige but the chassis and power supply.

I hate to say this, but I cannot afford to buy any of the new Intel stuff. Will keep what I have for a few more years, then buy used and upgrade what I can afford. The ole' iMac served me well on most tasks for over 6 years, but after tearing it apart again to replace the battery and fix a loose heat sink, I finally decided to upgrade to a slightly used G4 iBook. Also, unlike upgraded G3s like yours or the later B&W models, it wasn't worth upgrading to use with OSX.

[tigereye]

15. Macs are wonderful!

My husbad got me one for work and I love it! None of the weird bugs you get with other machines.

It is a pleasure to use - I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do!

Plus I have always hated Windows (learned from living with a software geek) and Open Ofice is so easy to use!

[alfredo]

16. I've been using Neo Office, it doesn't need X11

Open Office is working in that direction.

I'm going to buy a Mini next month.

[mrgorth]

17. Congrats

on the Mac Skinner. I haven't used AV in the 4+ years I've owned mine but considering what you do for DU I'm a little worried for you.

[Seabiscuit]

18. I was waiting for my 1999 HP Windows ME pc to die. When it did this May I bought a Mac.

I'll never go back to pc. Macs are the best.

Apple stock has improved my life as well. :)