Norton Internet Security 4 for Mac

Hi all, I'm planning on getting NIS 4 (Mac Edition) for my MBP, which now has Snow Leopard. My question is on if anyone has NIS installed and if any major problems occur for you when running it. I read the FAQ page on Symantec's website and it states that several portions of NIS do not function in SL, but wondering if it causes other compatibility issues.

Side Note: I know that lots of people claim Mac's don't need security software but I'm one of those people that are a bit paranoid when it comes to online interactions, especially since I do quite a few purchases on the Internet. Just my opinion.

 

NO portion of Norton functions well on ANY Mac. Do not install it, not worth the pain. Besides Apple has beefed up the security in SL anyways. Again, Don't Do It.

 

After reading this post on Neowin's website, I'm not so sure anymore on SL's security... which is why I'm concerned. I have Norton Internet Security on my desktop and it runs marvelously, which is why I'm opting to get it for my MBP.

 

take the time to read some books and other types of information and learn a lot about computer security.... putting your faith in some software package wont help you nearly as much, and can end up giving you a feeling of security that isn't really even there.

 

You are exactly the type of person that article is pandering to.

I switched to a Mac May 2008 and am now on my third MacBook (simply because I like change).....none of which have ever had any kind of Anti-Virus software. I've even got the built in firewall turned off.

Do some reading and get opinions from other experienced Mac users. They will help you more than articles like this which IMO are absolute garbage.

 

As long as you don't download any applications or visit only major websites that you'll be OK without Anti-Virus installed. However, I have to disagree with you on turning the firewall off. If you are in a coffee shop, you'll be wide open to attacks in a heartbeat.

I'm still doing my research on this. I don't want to blindly assume OSX is immune...

 

Then I must be the luckiest person in the world because a) I download applications and b) I visit more than just major websites. This is exactly the FUD they want you to believe in order to buy their product.

Disagree with me all you want, however I have not used the firewall since day one and have taken my Macs with me to many many different locations over the last year and a half, always without a problem.

 

Macs are pretty secure not really because of the OS, but merely because of marketshare.

Apple is increasing their marketshare, so I can see why they upped their security for SL. But IMO, I think the Norton would be a waste of time, especially since its probably been optimized to work with Windows.

If you are paranoid, I would opt for some of the free antivirus programs that have been catered for Macs.

 

Just because you have been secure all these years doesn't mean that EVERY mac user will be as secure as you have been.

http://antivirus.about.com/b/2009/09/01/apples-snow-leopard-antivirus.htm

What you should do:

Make a Time Machine back up, install norton trial for mac, and see how it goes from there. If it messes anything up, use time machine to revert back. There is no risk this way.

 

Did I say that EVERY Mac user will be as secure? No. I said that Norton Anti-virus for Mac is a waste of money based upon my own personal experience over the last year and a half (which I'm willing to bet is similar to many thousands of others).

 

I'm with Khris on this. I have been a power user for over 10 years. I've never ever gotten a virus or anything of that sort. If your smart about browsing and don't click on "This will make you 4 inches longer" or "Hi, my name is amanda and I am bored" ads, you'll be fine for the most part. Yet there are plenty of other ways to get these stuff on your computer whether its a PC or a Mac. yes, you can make mistakes by accepting nasty stuff onto your system via tricked enterances (ie. .jpg, .mp3 files that are really virus'; but even those they open you a internet browser.)

To OP: As some one said before the norton is better tamed for windows. Just be smart when you browse and remember, if some one REALLY wants to get into your network or computer, They can!

 

I would say smart browsing is the best antivirus you can get.

 

What are some of the free AV/Firewall applications available for Snow Leopard that I can get my hands on? For me, I'd rather have added protection just in-case and error on the side of caution. I'll resort to a paid option if no free-ware version is currently available.

Thanks for everyone's input so far, very much appreciated.

 

If you're looking for a AV try ClamXav. Its a simple light weight antivirus program. It doesn't have all of Norton's features, but its free. Be sure to download the 2.0 beta. Its the only version that's compatible with SL. SL has a firewall built in. Go to security in System Preferences to turn it on. Hope that helps.

 

Norton is a virus, don't download that crap software, it destroyed my windows machine.

 

I have to agree somewhat with Seshan.

For a Mac user, Norton AV meets about 90% of the definitions for malware, all by itself.

What does malware do?

Increases boot time.
Slows your computing progress.
Takes up disk space.
Takes up memory.
Causes unexpected disruption and dialog messages that need attention.
Costs money.
Difficult to remove.
Serves no practical purpose.
Wastes time.

Gee, I don't think I want this on my Mac. Why would you ever want to actually install Norton on purpose?


At best, using an AV on a Mac is like putting airbags on a bumper car. I suppose if you really drive that poorly, it might help. But is you just behave with a smidgen of care, it becomes nothing but a liability.

 

It goes against your best knowledge not to use antivirus or any kind of security software, but I know for a fact, there are many people who run no security software at all on their Macs, and have had no problems.

Sometimes it's better just to have faith in your Mac!

 

I hear this one is pretty good if you want to check it out.

http://www.iantivirus.com/

 

^^^
I have that one installed on my mac (but turned off). Its lite weight, has a nicer interface than ClamAV, scans quickly, and can be turned off!!!
So +1 for iantivirus.
Its nice to have a virus scanner there if I need to do a quick scan of a file but like everyone else is saying. Good user practices is the best method on a mac.
Re: Norton...... I also have to agree with Seshan, Norton is a virus, it destroyed the pc's I ran it on, I even remember having to manually clean several of my friends pc's who had gotten a virus despite norton running on their machine, thus not only did it slow the machines to a halt but it failed to do the job it was meant to.
Stay stay stay away
a

 

I have a general dislike for Norton for ANY system due to the fact that every virus ever made for any system assumes you have Norton.
That, and its massively bloated... it doesn't matter what OS it is for.

I DO recommend antivirus and firewall for Macs... you are not invulnerable.
OSX is based on FreeBSD, and there are plenty of viruses for that. FreeBSD's security was based on the number of people working on it. Now you have Apple (a smaller group of people) doing the support and thus they cannot plug the holes as fast as they are discovered.
(For those of you who think this isn't possible... Safari is a bigger security hole than anything ever imagined on a PC! IE is a bastion of security in comparison!)

I also recommend a HARDWARE firewall to protect your internal network even a home. Not using any firewall at all is proof positive you have no idea how the Internet or how networks in general work.

Khris, the same argument you have used can be used to argue against wearing a seatbelt. "I've never been in a car accident in 30 years of driving, so I don't need one."
I could also argue against wearing a cup while playing hockey... in 10 years of playing I have never been hit in the groin, I don't need a cup. (Trust me, if you play hockey wear a cup... this is like playing russian roulette with only one chamber empty...)
Or STDs... not protecting yourself because you have gone how many years of being unprotected and haven't had an STD detected...

Advising people to "be amazingly lucky like me" is not good advice.
You are risking much on your misguided faith in your Mac. There are many positives OSX has, but invulnerability to viruses and malware is not one of them. Apple is lying to their users with their marketing campaigns.

Our mac users get infected with the same percentage as PC users... and all of them are using corporate antivirus (with full OSX support). Don't kid yourself.

 

OK, I've had problems with Norton in the past, but the latest one available actually is getting some really good reviews. I have that installed on my HP Mini net-book and it runs very good. Since it's running great on that I figured I'd get something similar for my MBP.

 

That's not what I said at all. I love how people misquote things to turn their meaning around.

 

I have Norton on the Macbook PRO and it runs fine. Not sure what the big deal is, it's not very expensive if you get it with rebates, so why not?

 

I have Norton Internet Security 2009 running on a Windows Vista machine. Norton for me causes few problems, and generally do not even notice it being there. As much as people hold a stereotypical hatred of Norton products, the current version for Windows is nearing on perfect.

If I owned a Apple notebook or desktop I would not be able to justify the purchase of a anti-virus program or a security suite. However, having a simple cheap/free program installed would never be a bad idea. I feel that Norton has a Mac division simply so that when Apple computers do need security software they will have a head start on the competition.

A lot of people have been pointing out the security faults that OSX most definitely has and Apple's attitude towards security at times has certainly been a little on the arrogant side. The argument should be that, you are safer on a Mac computer but has a operating system OSX is not necessarily a more secure operating system than its Windows competition.

 

How much is Norton for OSX? Look at amazon or other stores, sometimes the rebates are huge. It CAN'T hurt. People are talking about it being expensive etc, but how much did you just spend on that PS3 game that you'll use for 2 weeks? I think for a lower price Norton is worth having.

 

Amazon currently lists NIS 4.0 for Mac @ $37, which is very nice compared to the MSRP at $80. Only thing is I'm waiting for Norton to fully support Snow Leopard, as half the feature set doesn't work at the moment with it.

http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Intern..._1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1253466112&sr=8-1

 

Misquoted?

Let me clarify something...

1) you are stating that having absolutely NO protection at all has "caused you no problems"

2) you are stating that such irresponsibility is popular for mac users.

3) the combination of the above is encouraging other mac users to not use security software


How is the above not the same thing as encouraging others to be "amazingly lucky like me?"

I don't care what OS you use... protect yourself.
-Use a firewall
-Make sure to have anti-malware software.
-Do some reading so you know enough to not suggest others bend over, pull their pants down and wear a "please don't *hack* me" sign on their backside.

 

no security software is not the same as no protection...

its pretty big to call someone irresponsible because they do not use 3rd party security software, when for all you know they know so much more than you they are actually safer than you are.

 

They were arguing over if Khris was being misquoted, not what was safer.

Kernal was saying that Khris mentioned he has experienced no ill effects of having no antivirus and that the OP should adopt the same ideas of not using an antivirus.

Anecdotal evidence is never good advice and I don't think Khris was being misquoted. He meant what he said, he didn't have to hold a sign up saying so.

In the end I don't think many people helped the OP much other than "What antivirus on a Mac?! Your nuts!"

Me personally, if you want to use antivirus, I'm not so sure I would use Norton. I would look into iantivirus.