iAntiVirus for Mac guards against various types of malware, most notably adware, spyware, and Trojans. It also checks for all known Mac-based viruses and worms, but since those types of malware are about as likely to cross your path as an elephant wearing a tuxedo, iAntiVirus for Mac’s main purpose is to provide peace of mind when you share a Mac with family members who may not be as diligent as you are while surfing the web, or who are likely to click on URLs in emails just because they can.
iAntiVirus for Mac: Tom’s Budget Software Pick
iAntiVirus is from PC Tools, the same company that markets antivirus and spyware detection tools for Windows. The Mac version of its antivirus product uses the same virus scanning engine as the Windows version, but PC Tools decided to only include a database of Mac-specific threats. This may be good or bad, depending on how you use your Mac. On the good side, iAntiVirus for Mac is fast, lean, and doesn’t bog down your Mac. On the bad side of the equation, it is possible for a file to harbor a Windows virus that, while not having any effect on you, could be passed along to a Windows-using friend.
iAntiVirus for Mac provides real-time protection, scheduled scans, smart updates, and file quarantine. It’s also one of the easiest virus scanners to set up and use on a Mac.
iAntiVirus for Mac is free for personal use. Commercial use starts at $29.95
See other software choices from Tom’s Budget Software Picks.
I bought my first macbook last November and loaded it with AV software. I later had to go to my local Apple technical support centre for assistance with an email problem. The technician found the AV software and said it was not necessary and with my permission, uninstalled it. However I have since loaded Trusteer Rapport software as recommended by the Bank.