Do I need anti-virus software?

Depending on how you use your computer, you may want to invest in anti-virus software. The majority of viruses come to your computer as attachments via email. Do not open attachments sent from email addresses that you do not recognize or that you are not expecting. (Check out our scam email below with Windows virus attachment.) Some common viruses hijack a victim’s email to send virus laden emails to everyone in their address book, so bad stuff can sometimes look like it’s coming from a trusted friend or associate. We recommend using an email service such as iCloud or Gmail that scans attachments for viruses. Although a Windows virus will probably not affect your computer, you can still pass that virus along to other Windows users. So if you work with a lot of Windows users and files, you may want to install anti-virus software to help protect them.

The second most common source of viruses is in files and applications downloaded from websites or file sharing services. A cool new freeware screensaver might just have a virus attached. If you’re using LimeWire or another peer-to-peer file sharing client to look for music, movies, or applications to steal, you’ll probably download disguised viruses at some point. Only install software from websites and people you trust.

If you install Windows on your Mac, it is just as vulnerable to viruses, worms, and malicious attacks as any PC running Windows. Although we haven’t seen any infection cases, all the bad stuff could mess with your Mac files as well as your PC files. You will definitely want to protect your Windows installation with anti-virus software. You should also consider installing anti-virus software on the Mac side as well. 

Example of Email with Virus Attachment

The tip-offs include spelling errors and poorly formed sentences. If you Google search for "Internet Service Provider Consorcium" you'll find plenty of other sites who have figured out this as a virus scam.

Published March 24, 2009 12:00 PM
Last modified on November 28, 2011 5:20 PM