Post by: prin on January 14, 2011, 12:12:29 PM
My Qs: Do I need to purchase security for each and, if so, what do y'all recommend? If I have a trojan, how do I identify and get rid of it? Will one security system work on both? (I think I'm answering my own Q here - from what I'm reading, I have to buy a pkg that will allow me to load on both computers.) On the retired Powerbook, I used Symantec AntiVirus but am feeling really out of touch since it's been so long that I've had a new computer. Is one company better than another?
I know I will have more questions - one is already forming in my mind about my new iPod Touch and how to upload/download music. I will attempt to be brief (no promises tho) in the future. Thx for your support!
Post by: jchuzi on January 14, 2011, 01:06:06 PM
I used to have Intego Virus Barrier but got tired of paying yearly subscription fees for something that never came up with anything except, on rare occasions, Windows viruses.
For another point of view, read Antivirus utilities and recommendations for OS X. Considering that this is from the CNET site, I would take it with a grain of salt.
Post by: jwboyd on January 14, 2011, 02:01:42 PM
I do use ClamXav about once a week, but really don' know why I bother. I never find anything.
Congrats on your new hardware.
Joe
Post by: prin on January 14, 2011, 02:15:32 PM
QUOTE(jchuzi @ Jan 14 2011, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My personal opinion: Don't bother. There are no Mac viruses and the few Trojans are most dangerous to people who aren't particularly careful about how they surf. As to Norton, it is (IMHO) a virus. I would run, not walk, from anything by Symantec. If you insist on an AV program, look into ClamXav.I used to have Intego Virus Barrier but got tired of paying yearly subscription fees for something that never came up with anything except, on rare occasions, Windows viruses.For another point of view, read Antivirus utilities and recommendations for OS X. Considering that this is from the CNET site, I would take it with a grain of salt.
I appreciate your advice. Would you be willing to tell me why you don't like Symantec? Just curious because I never had a problem with them.QUOTE(jwboyd @ Jan 14 2011, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ditto what Jon said about anything Norton or Symantec.I do use ClamXav about once a week, but really don' know why I bother. I never find anything.Congrats on your new hardware.Joe
Thanks! Am glad you don't find anything.
Post by: jchuzi on January 14, 2011, 02:52:56 PM
Since then, I have read of problems with NAV in later incarnations of OS X and I swore off anything from that company. Oh yes: Norton Utilities had a way of messing up systems and I read many complaints of things being made unusable after NU "fixed" them. Symantec discontinued NU from supporting OS 10.4 and later but, as far as I was concerned, the damage was done and I refused to trust the company ever again.
Post by: prin on January 14, 2011, 02:58:51 PM
QUOTE(jchuzi @ Jan 14 2011, 03:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm happy that you never had a problem with Symantec but I definitely did. True, this was awhile back, but I originally bought Norton AV for Jaguar and kept it with Panther. I was having frequent kernel panics and was at my wits end. Someone at the old MacFixit Forums (not the current travesty that was taken over by CNET) told me to uninstall Norton. I did, and the KPs vanished, never to return. Uninstalling Norton was a bit of a nightmare. The Symantec uninstaller didn't work and I had to follow the advice of an expert at MFIF to get all the bits and pieces out of the nooks and crannies of my hard drive.
Since then, I have read of problems with NAV in later incarnations of OS X and I swore off anything from that company. Oh yes: Norton Utilities had a way of messing up systems and I read many complaints of things being made unusable after NU "fixed" them. Symantec discontinued NU from supporting OS 10.4 and later but, as far as I was concerned, the damage was done and I refused to trust the company ever again.
Since then, I have read of problems with NAV in later incarnations of OS X and I swore off anything from that company. Oh yes: Norton Utilities had a way of messing up systems and I read many complaints of things being made unusable after NU "fixed" them. Symantec discontinued NU from supporting OS 10.4 and later but, as far as I was concerned, the damage was done and I refused to trust the company ever again.
All good reasons to never trust them again! Thank you for the explanation. I appreciate it. Your experience was more than enough for me to avoid them now.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 14, 2011, 03:25:51 PM
QUOTE
If I have a trojan, how do I identify and get rid of it?
First, realize that a "trojan" in and of itself, is not a problem. It's what the trojan carries inside that does the damage. But you must first 'accept' the 'gift' the trojan offers, in other words, assume that the message, that is absolutely always asking you to do something, is honest and proper. You usually still have one more warning to "Stop, Look & Listen" before the "train wreck" happens: you will be asked to enter your password. Don't even do that out of habit. Know why that action is needed!So, to get rid of the trojan, just delete the file/message/app that delivered it. Period. That's what "trash" is for; getting rid of foul-smelling, bug-infested, contagious junk!
If you don't think you know how the trojan was introduced, just wait a few days and someone will usually announce exactly where to look and there may even be an app whose sole purpose is to delete the thing, from its nose to its tail!
Many of us have been brain-washed into thinking we must install everything as soon as possible. Don't fall for that trap. Nor is it wise to respond to every email just because it appears to come from a friend. Any good email app will show you the actual URL of a link simply by hovering your cursor over the link. If it looks strange, it probably is! If the message sounds too good to be true (or just extremely interesting) it probably isn't (and the "interesting" part may end up being restoring your files and drives!
).If anything comes along hat can't be handled by ClamXav, you'll hear about it pretty fast. Of course, visiting TS daily is, in my opinion, an excellent way to stay informed...
But beware of Geeks bearing gifts!
Post by: jwboyd on January 14, 2011, 04:29:13 PM
I notice, however, that Apple offers their software online and in the stores, so I guess that probably means they have fixed everything by now.
As with many other things, some swear by it while others swear at it.
Like the mail carrier said when Zip codes were introduced, "To each his zone!"
Post by: Paddy on January 14, 2011, 09:22:52 PM
QUOTE
I notice, however, that Apple offers their software online and in the stores, so I guess that probably means they have fixed everything by now.
Um...I wouldn't assume that just because Apple sells it, it's any better than it used to be. Some of the comments at Amazon.com indicate that it's just as bad as always. Ditto the comments at Apple where it gets a ringing 2.5 stars, and several of the idiots who praise it for "removing viruses and trojans" don't seem to understand that the things it found on their systems were WINDOWS viruses and trojans - that wouldn't do a thing to their Macs. (One gullible guy bought his ISP's story that he just HAD to have a virus). FUD always has been an effective marketing tool.
I haven't run AV software on my Macs for about 12 years now - considering it a waste of time even before OS X. I do have ClamXAV, but the one time I decided to run it out of curiosity just to see if there was anything that was sitting inertly somewhere in the crevices, it was looking like it was going to take hours or maybe even days
and I decided not to bother. I do, however, run AV on my Windows 7 install under VMWare Fusion. There is some very good freeware (AVG, Avast and I always forget the name of the 3rd one...) so no need to spend any money. Obviously, common sense also helps when using Windows - don't open anything untrustworthy, especially if it ends in .exe!!!
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 14, 2011, 09:50:54 PM
While many say that Norton is now safe to use, I have no first hand info to support that. And Apple is perfectly happy to sell you just about anything that is made for a Mac on their own site, after all, they get a cut of anything purchased. I don't think I've ever seen a user agreement that did NOT say the software was sold "as is" and it is up to the user to know whether or not it will be of benefit or even run on their hardware. Many developers write several paragraphs pre-denying responsibility for any damage their work may cause! 
QUOTE
There is some very good freeware (AVG, Avast and I always forget the name of the 3rd one...)
I know what you mean, Paddy! Perhaps it's the cold up there that is slowing your brain! ;PI think the app you're thinking of has "Xav" in the title...and it's named after some kind of sea creature...
I have no idea how long it takes to scan, I just start it up every other Season and let it run! It didn't seem to slow down my system when it was running but I may not have as many apps as others, anyway. I think the first thing it does is to fetch any new definitions since the last time it ran and then it just does it's thing. Perhaps I 'identify' with the little app too personally. I'm rather slow myself, but, given enough time (and BBQ! 
), I get the job done! 
Post by: Paddy on January 15, 2011, 11:01:49 AM
QUOTE(Xairbusdriver @ Jan 14 2011, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
There is some very good freeware (AVG, Avast and I always forget the name of the 3rd one...)
I know what you mean, Paddy! Perhaps it's the cold up there that is slowing your brain! ;PI think the app you're thinking of has "Xav" in the title...and it's named after some kind of sea creature...
I have no idea how long it takes to scan, I just start it up every other Season and let it run! It didn't seem to slow down my system when it was running but I may not have as many apps as others, anyway. I think the first thing it does is to fetch any new definitions since the last time it ran and then it just does it's thing. Perhaps I 'identify' with the little app too personally. I'm rather slow myself, but, given enough time (and BBQ! ), I get the job done! Nope - not ClamXAV (I'm not THAT forgetful/blind!
) - although they do make a Windows AV - just never heard anyone talk about it. Think it's Avira that I was trying to think of.
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 15, 2011, 01:37:38 PM
QUOTE
Think it's Avira that I was trying to think of.
Isn't that one of those new miracle drugs? You know, the ones that take ten seconds to mention the benefits and another 50 seconds telling you the limitations, adverse effects, FDA warnings and who should not be within 15 feet of anyone using it.
Post by: jchuzi on January 15, 2011, 01:43:10 PM
Post by: Xairbusdriver on January 15, 2011, 02:11:00 PM
You should consider writing for the BBC?
Post by: kcourt on January 15, 2011, 04:12:33 PM
As for Norton - never again. It took months to rid all of the components from my computer!Kathy
Post by: jchuzi on January 15, 2011, 04:33:26 PM
Post by: krissel on January 16, 2011, 11:54:13 PM
That removal tool that they offer works through the Terminal. Not sure I'd trust Norton to have that much control over my Mac.
