[X4U] Re: Malware (Was: Consumer Reports)

[Randy B.Singer]

keith_w said:

>I sort of started this sub-thread, in an oblique way, and I just 
>downloaded the program Randy suggested, Virus Barrier X®.
>Might as well be as free from critters as I can _before_ I install a new 
>version of MS Office 2004. Fence the pasture before you let the new 
>horses out!
>
>I did a scan of my H.D. first thing after installing it, and the enture 
>scan took only a few minutes, so it's fast too! A good selling point.


Virus Barrier is a pretty impressive program, isn't it?

But before the other folks on this list start flaming me for scaring 
folks into purchasing anti-virus software that they don't need, let me 
once again restate my position:

I don't think that most Mac users need anti-virus software.  There are no 
OS X-specific viruses, and though there is some OS X malware out there, 
all of it is either easily handled without having to resort to AV 
software, or it is incredbily rare.

I use AV software myself because it is vitally important that my client 
files not be exposed to any sort of risk whatsoever, but not many other 
folks are in that position.  (I also use a UPS and multiple hard drives.  
I think that these have their advantages too, but not everyone needs 
these things either.)

So please don't think that I am advocating that you purchase AV software. 
 You probably don't need it.





Randy B. Singer
Co-Author of: The Macintosh Bible (4th, 5th and 6th editions)

A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train 
stops. On my desk I have a work station... - Steven Wright