One of the deciding factors to purchase a Mac over a Windows-based PC has been viruses. Traditionally, Macs have had the reputation of being immune to viruses that have always plagued computers using the Windows operating system. While in years past that may have been the case, the truth now shows Macs have become more susceptible of being infiltrated by virus, back-door programs, trojan horses and other types of malware.
But an anti-virus program on a Mac may not only help prevent an eminent direct attack. It can also give the Mac user better peace of mind when interacting via electronic means with those on Windows-based platforms. Those Windows machines may or may not be adequately protected from the myriad of viruses and malware that can attach to documents and email messages. Those in turn could work their way into a Mac system that is not equipped with anti-virus software via email or networking.
By having an anti-virus program installed, Mac users can also benefit from a “cleaner” running machine. Most anti-virus programs for the Mac can also detect possible scams and malware that could be attempting to enter the system. Although these aren’t as traumatic to the operating system as a virus, they can bring plenty of frustration to the user with recurring pop-up advertisements and rerouteing while internet surfing. But perhaps most importantly, preventing such programs also results in better security of the machine and the user. These programs often can transmit password, credit card and other personal and financial information input on the Mac without the users knowledge.
Do you need anti-virus software on a Mac? The answer used to be no. But the popularity of Macs brings added authorship of potential viruses for the system. Interaction with unprotected Windows machines further increases the risk. Every Mac should now be running an anti-virus software program.