As secure as we are with our UNIX foundation sooner or later some jerk is going to write a virus/malware that is going to get into OSX. The question is will the Mac antiviral programs hold the thin red line or will the punks flank us somehow.

It would have to make use of a pretty bad and “previously unknown” exploit to cause any appreciable damage.
As long as you run day to day in User mode instead of Admin’ mode (and therein lies the greatest truth of this whole thing) and stay on the beaten track then you are pretty safe.

I so don’t miss having AV software running. I’ve used computers for years and Windows, with Norton and AVG (though not at the same time) is NOT safe. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve had to sort out my daughters and other friends computers which have become infected despite using some of the biggest names in “anti-virus” protection.

It’s a design thing (and not a “bums on seats” thing). As most of us who use OSX and Linux know.

I wonder if the reason is to protect the many “switchers” and others who are also running Windoze on their Macs.  I’m not very worried about a Mac virus, but if I was running Windoze too I would be VERY concerned.

As secure as we are with our UNIX foundation sooner or later some jerk is going to write a virus/malware that is going to get into OSX

And if that should ever happen, the score will then be 129,000 to 1. Windows still has more software. 

This article isn’t a recent addition at all.  See the following archive of the article:

http://web.archive.org/web/20080113164722/http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=4454

First thing - I am never running Norton AV again. Once was enough. The second time was masochistic. Never again. It’s like pouring molasses over everything. Bleah. I happen to be trialling an AV now from PC Tools. Might post in 1 Infinite Loop about it. But anyways…

I’m not running AV software on my Mac. NO!

I’ll backup my data, and take my chances.

Apple Advocates Use of Multiple Antiviral Programs for Macs

No, it doesn’t. Time for a follow-up article, Bryan:

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10111958-37.html

USA Detailed Consumers Database, 61+ Million Records of Detailed Consumer Data, http://www.thedatasupplier.com/