Mac users: Do you use antivirus software?

[Harley Goldman]

I just took delivery of a new Mac and I was wondering if Mac users feel it necessary to have anti-virus software. I have heard from two schools: one says not necessary as there are no successful Mac viruses; and the other that says the probabilities of infection are low, but there are viruses out there and it worth being protected. As a Mac newbie, I have no idea which one to embrace. Opinions?

If you do use one, which one would your recommend?

[Robert Skeoch]

We don't use them at work at the newspaper.... no issues.
-rob

[Walter Calahan]

No


I added this so the message would be longer, but it doesn't include anymore information.

[jb7]

No.

I don't know how necessary it is,
but I don't use any-

j

[Ken Lee]

No.

Not too long ago, I pointed my browser to the Norton Anti Virus site, and took their free diagnostic security test. My 3-year old PowerBook passed with a score of 100%.

I have never spent a penny, nor have I spent even a moment, dealing with security issues on this machine.

How much is that worth ?

[Eduardo Aigner]

No,never.

[Bob Salomon]

Add another no on two Macbook Pros and a Powerbook.

[Maretzo]

I have one because I sometimes use Windows with Parallels Desktop Virtual Machine.

[Scott Knowles]

No. I just run the firewall and use Apple's automatic security updates.

[bsimison]

Depends...are you asking in earnest, or are you a virus-writer doing market research?

For the most part, no. Only 1 Mac out of the 6 we run has AV software. If you're interested, that one runs ClamXAV.