Avast for OS X

General Topics
1

Well after putting up with Win NT 4.0 and its associated problems, I bought an iMac. I was wondering if the very competent Avast team are contemplating an AV for it? Being a Windows based convert I’m still getting acclimated to this new machine. Please correct me if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, this OS is a Unix based system… My question, can I run the AV for Linux/Unix on the iMac?

Apologies if this part of my message is considered off topic, let me know and I’ll edit it out.

Prior to switching OS’s I had, ad-aware, hijack-this, and other malware identifying programs installed. Is there any available Mac based software for the same? I’d appreciate anyone here that has experience with macs that would like to share his or her knowledge concerning the above issues or can refer me to a page with same.
Thanking you in advance.
FPKJr

2

Some Linux software will run on OS X so you could try it. But at the moment there is no avast! for OS X. In fact the only OS X antivirus I know of is Norton.

3

I believe there are more antiviruses for OS X available, but I don’t know many details.
avast! is currently not one of them, but it may change :wink:

4

Thanks igor, Justin 1278,
Any info concerning spyware? Please forgive my naivety concerning this OS.
As stated above, being a convert to the Mac, I’m struggling to understand the needs as it relates to security.

Forgive me, but Norton AV? I truly hope that isn’t my only software based option. I know I could use my Terminal App loaded in the OS and will read up on that option ASAP.
As I understand it, a mac could act as a Typhoid Mary while not actually being infected by a virus but could pass it on to a Window based PC. This is what I’m hoping to prevent.
This forum has been so helpful in the past for all my security needs over and above AV, this was the first place I thought to come.
As always,
FPKJr

5

Hi,

I am not sure about antispyware but I will do a search for you and in my next post I will list with what I came up with :slight_smile:

6

Here is what I came up with Security Wise: Note: This software is for if you are using OS X Panther(10.3) or OS X Tiger(10.4) some will work with OS X Jaguar(10.2) but you will need to check the Operating System for the software.

Useful security apps for OS X can be found here(including antivirus and firewalls) http://mac.sofotex.com/Security/Anti-Spyware/

I am sorry but I could not find any antispyware applications :frowning: but I really don’t think you will need any for OS X.

7

justin1278,
I’m using OS X 10.4.6, And that’s what everyones telling me, no worries. However, the Windows user in me wants to protect… I just have to face he facts.
Thanks for your time and effort.
FPKJr

8

if you have an intel iMac there are no Antivirus programs for you (none are fully intel ready yet)
if you have an iMac G5 there are tons

Norton ANtivirus
Intego Virus Barrier
ClamXav (ClamAV)
Virex (McAfee)

But currently there are only three virus/trojans for OS X so do not worry about viruses (unless you are dual booting windows with bootcamp)

Spyware is also very scarce so dont worry about it either.

Any questions just ask me, i work at a apple retail store so I know many things :wink: