Antivirus for Mac

When people ask me about antivirus for Mac, in most instances I have to provide a brief resume. Regardless of the fact that all people who know me know that I have been working in some way shape or form with computers since I was a little kid. From tricking out arcade machines at the local amusement park and the old Texas Instruments Ti-99 to The Little Black Book of Computer Viruses, Firedog, and PHP programming websites for clients. I can honestly say computers are a part of my life.

Over the years though, what I have learned that generally (disclaimer) there are a few different kinds of “computer people”. One type of person is the kind of person who knows just enough about Internet security for (say) Mac to get into trouble, while acting the whole while like they knew what they were doing the entire time. Another type of person is the kind of person who knows an extremely huge amount about Mac Book computers (for example), but will not act like he or she has any knowledge of AVG or antivirus for Mac at all and quietly solves problems on their own or for work purposes and the like.

Somewhere in the middle is the kind of person who constantly wants to show other people how much more they know than everyone else, even going so far as to quote the latest Norton Internet security for Mac reviews and everything.

I believe at one time or another just about every computer person will go through or be stuck at one of these computer personality phases. The funny thing is I seem to run into the more annoying computer personality more often than not.

Yesterday for example, I noticed a guy with a MacBook Pro so I innocently asked him what antivirus software he was using. When he said he was not using anything, I asked if he had heard about the Mac Defender virus and the many new variants that are out there. Perhaps the way I look inspired the response I received next or maybe his demeanor was just indicative of where he is at in his life right now. But, the next thing he told me was “There are a lot of Mac viruses. If you are stupid, then you download music and you get a virus. That is probably what you do.”

Virus Barrier X6 Website

The funny thing is, I do not download music (or movies for that matter) nor do I consider myself stupid. It was just the most unusual response to a question I actually thought of as innocent. When I tried to tell him to just Google “Internet security suite for mac” or “MacShield” he interrupted (quite rudely I must say) with “I don’t need to, I am not stupid.” Well, with that said, I just elected to say “Okay. Nice to meet you anyhow.” and went about my way.

This strange interaction about Mac’s and viruses made me realize I am sort of in the middle of a sort of loyal belief system. There are the believers and non-believers. Some people will never, and I mean ever believe that they need antivirus software for their Mac. While others may be turned into converts with a little persuasion, you never know.

Which one are you? Do you believe that you need antivirus for your Mac? Do you have complete (and almost religious) faith in Apple?

As for me, I love my Mac but I do not have faith in the Internet security of my Mac. That is just the way it is. It is a great computer, but realistically, I know that I am the only one who truly cares about my identity more than anyone else. As a result, I will not be taking any chances and if anyone ever asks me about antivirus for Mac, I will definitely say “Yes.” I have some installed in my operating system and if someone disputes it citing their vast knowledge, I’ll be sure to say “Just Google it.”