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    Security

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by BaldwinHillsTrojan, Feb 15, 2010.

  1. BaldwinHillsTrojan

    BaldwinHillsTrojan Notebook Evangelist

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    Can someone recommend some solid firewall settings for a MAC? Would be using the native firewall.
    Also, what is the best anti-virus (freeware) to use? I'm not looking for debate on how an Apple OS doesn't need it. Just what is the best and most widely used freeware.

    Any other things to consider?

    BTW, not familiar with MACs.
     
    BaldwinHillsTrojan, Feb 15, 2010
    #1
  2. exi

    exi Notebook Evangelist

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    1. Would suspect that simply ensuring it's on -- and to prompt for your permission for connections -- would be sufficient.

    2. I think a lot of people use ClamXAV, but I could be wrong.
     
    exi, Feb 15, 2010
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  3. blue68f100

    blue68f100 Notebook Virtuoso

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    I have mine set for stealth mode.
     
    blue68f100, Feb 15, 2010
    #3
  4. exi

    exi Notebook Evangelist

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    Whoops. Yes, and that. Been awhile since I've done any firewall tinkering on my MBP.
     
    exi, Feb 16, 2010
    #4
  5. MKang25

    MKang25 NBR Prisoner

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    Just turning it on in the security and i use ClamXAV
     
    MKang25, Feb 16, 2010
    #5
  6. Underpantman

    Underpantman Notebook Virtuoso

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    iAntivirus is also a ok free one. I had some problems with it eating up cpu cycles but that was a while ago (I no longer use it or any av)
    a
    :)
     
    Underpantman, Feb 16, 2010
    #6
  7. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    I had norton for a while, was pretty good.
     
    AMDgamer, Feb 16, 2010
    #7
  8. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    If you want a really comprehensive firewall, get Little Snitch. It isn't free, but it gives you all the control that you'd want.
     
    sulkorp, Feb 16, 2010
    #8
  9. JWest

    JWest Master of Notebookery

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    Eh, Little Snitch became VERY annoying when I tried it. I had to deal with about 40 pop up windows on start up, so I just got rid of it.
     
    JWest, Feb 17, 2010
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  10. AppleUsr

    AppleUsr Notebook Deity

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    Jwest beat me to it. lil snitch gets annoying. plus many use it to prevent apps from phoning home and if you read the lil snitch forums it doesnt work. apps still get through some how. apparently block all outgoing connections doesnt really mean that. so you think your app is all set not phoning home when it really is. that pretty much destroys the reason 99% of the people probably buy it.
     
    AppleUsr, Feb 17, 2010
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  11. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    i 4th the built in firewall and clamxav
     
    masterchef341, Feb 17, 2010
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  12. Brain191

    Brain191 Notebook Consultant

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    I haven't tinkered with my built in firewall (I know it is on lol) but what do yall recommend it should be set at for just normal use. This stealth mode mentioned earlier sounds interesting...
     
    Brain191, Feb 17, 2010
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  13. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

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    What is stealth mode?
     
    AMDgamer, Feb 18, 2010
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  14. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

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    basically, it doesn't reply to a ping, so no one can just ping a buncha IPs to find your machine.
     
    doh123, Feb 18, 2010
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  15. sulkorp

    sulkorp Notebook Deity

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    You aren't using it properly, if an app is still able to connect to the internet.
    The only time that you should see a new popup, is when you launch a program for the first time.

    Either way, it works very well for what it does, but I guess you guys have had your problems with it.
     
    sulkorp, Feb 18, 2010
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  16. Brain191

    Brain191 Notebook Consultant

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    So is stealth mode good? I really don't know much about firewalls and such.
     
    Brain191, Feb 18, 2010
    #16