Viruses?

[Dak Drexl]

First off, I'm not sure if this is in the right place and if its not will someone please move it

 

I'm on my Mac right now, which is great. Why? Because it doesn't get viruses! On the other hand, my PC (which is my modding computer ) has become infected with several viruses such as trojans and what not...

 

I have no malware or anti-virus software installed. So, I ask the community: *where can I download something free to get rid of this (a trial or something?) or just how can I get rid of it in general?*

 

Any help here is GREATLY appreciated!

[Sabretooth]

You will want to install anti-virus software, because that is, you know, a good way to stop viruses generally.

 

I use Microsoft Security Essentials, which is a decent AV without a lot of fuss and regular updates. Other AVs you might want to investigate would be AVG, Avast!, F-Zero, Panda, on and on. Do a google for free Antivirus programs, you'll get it.

[TriggerGod]

I'm on my Mac right now, which is great. Why? Because it doesn't get viruses!

 

Because people don't make them for Macs. Because no one uses Macs

 

Nothing much I can advise you to do that hasn't already been said by Sabre. You can help not get viruses by:

1) Not going to porn sites that advertise young fresh teens.

2) Not torrenting Modern Warfare 2

3) Not giving your email away to a hobo who lives in the back of the subway and smells like Bourbon and failure.

[Dak Drexl]

Thanks, that was really helpful. I've downloaded Microsoft Security Essentials, but I can't run the .exe for some reason. It makes me choose a program; I choose winzip, but it still doesn't work... what should I do?

 

Edit:

Because people don't make them for Macs. Because no one uses Macs [/Quote]

 

Exactly!

 

@The rest of your suggestions, I will try my best...

 

Edit 2: Figured out the .exe... thanks again people.

[Jae Onasi]

Moved to the General Tech Discussion forum, where you can find all sorts of cool info and get lots of advice on free (and paid) anti-virus software to secure your system.

[urluckyday]

Actually, a report just came out by a security expert that states that Macs are actually MORE vulnerable to attacks than PC.

 

Clicky

[Astrotoy7]

Actually, a report just came out by a security expert that states that Macs are actually MORE vulnerable to attacks than PC.

 

Clicky

 

I saw that. It was hardly a surprise really. Windows most definitely has its security flaws but so does Mac OS. The fact that there are not as many virii existing for the Mac is simply because they are a smaller target, from a distribution point of view. Hence people intent on making malicious scripts to make life uncomfortable/spread more ads etc will target the bigger system.

 

I was glad that renowned hackster/security expert finally came out and said it though.

 

The same goes for Linux. Penguin fans love talking about MS security vulnerabilities, as if Linux is bulletproof. At corporate level servers etc, they are tougher nuts to crack - but for your average geek playing on the latest distro, the single most important factor that keeps them safe from attack is that malware authors/script kiddies generally don't want to bother with such a small slice of users.

 

The second any of these OS reach an huge presence in the market, they will start to suffer the same fate. A nice analogy is Symbian/iphone OS. Previous to the iPhone no one bothered hacking other symbian devices(eg. many Nokia phones) - but because of the huge popularity the iPhone has, security is becoming an increasing concern for iPhone owners - especially those with jailbroken devices.

 

mtfbwya

[DarthSlinky]

I want to mail this thread to Steve Jobs.

 

I am sorry to rain on your mac parade but any computer can get a virus, windows is just more common (or more well known) because its the most common OS. Linux can, heck your phone and your cars on-board computer could.

[TriggerGod]

I am sorry to rain on your mac parade but any computer can get a virus, windows is just more common (or more well known) because its the most common OS. Linux can, heck your phone and your cars on-board computer could.

 

Exactly, but put yourself in a hackers shoes. Your looking at a percentage of people who use a certain OS. 90% of computer users use Windows instead of Linux or Mac. If you wanted to infect and gather sensitive data on more people, you'd want to go for the Windows users, because more people use Windows than any other Operating System.

[Q]

I have no malware or anti-virus software installed.

Damn. Livin' on the edge, ain't ya? Risk taker; thrill seeker; virus catcher.

 

Here's another endorsement for Microsoft Security Essentials.

[LDR]

I use Webroot AntiVirus, as it traps any virus in the quarantine. My computer never gets infected!

[Dak Drexl]

Here's another endorsement for Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

Done and problem solved. Thanks everyone! And if you read my first post closely, I said that my mac doesn't get viruses, not that it can't

 

Interesting stuff here though, especially in that article. Thanks again everyone.

 

And thanks for moving it Jae.

[SofiaBrown]

Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac OS virus scan is designed for those users who use the Mac operating system. Mac® operating systems are made for secure use of data. So, the new software, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, is made in such a way that it keeps all your data safe from external users and online threats.