Do I Need Virus Software For My Mac

The days of PCs being viewed as virus-ridden boxes of dismay are long gone. But that doesn't mean there aren't lots of terrible people out there creating malicious programs with the intent to steal something or just create havoc.

Some PC makers will preload antivirus software and try to coerce you into signing up for it because that's how they make money. But you shouldn't ever feel pressured, and you likely don't need whatever it is they're shilling.

Aug 22, 2019  But if you want to make your own informed decision about whether Macs need antivirus software, you’ll need to examine the facts. Let’s explore such topics as what built-in protection macOS offers, what types of threats it can and cannot stop, and several common myths about antivirus software. First, let’s get some terminology out of the way.

But do you actually need antivirus software in 2020? Yes .. but ..

It's not only viruses you need to watch out for

Mac

The fact that we still refer to this type of software as 'antivirus' is out of date. No longer do we have to be worried only about nasty viruses infecting our computers and wiping out our personal data. Malware is perhaps more common today, with a different tactic to achieve a still-nefarious goal.

The worst part is that the 'best' malware — if you can really even call it that — will quietly sneak onto your PC without you knowing. It'll maybe lie dormant, hidden from view, but all the while, it will also do something you don't want it to.

Whatever the term for it, the threats out there are still very real.

You have protection in Windows 10

Microsoft takes your security and safety in this permanently-online world very seriously, and it built some very important tools into Windows 10 to keep you safe. And, because it's integrated into the OS, it doesn't hog any additional resources. Microsoft also updates it frequently with new data definitions, all the while looking to keep the latest threats at bay.

If, for any reason, something breaks through and you can't get rid of it, there's a beefed-up version called Windows Defender Offline. You can run this while not connected to the internet from a USB drive, and it should find those harder-to-kill viruses.

Windows Defender is still considered in many corners to be little more than a baseline, though. Whatever your own opinion, it's still a useful tool, and there's no reason not to use it. It's also good to use alongside other software.

You can never be too careful

You might think that you're careful when you're online, visiting reputable sites and downloading from official sources like the Windows Store, or iTunes. But here's the thing: You're never truly careful if you're going online completely unprotected.

Would you ride a motorcycle without a helmet? Even if you're careful, there's potential for disaster.

For more options, see Best Mac antivirus programs: Top rated Mac antivirus programs for 2019. Best free antivirus software for Mac. As with most things in life there’s usually a catch when a product is free. Security is not an area we recommend you cut corners on but if you really don’t want a paid solution here are two free options. Should i have antivirus software on my mac Sep 26, 2019  The best thing you can do to protect your Mac is to keep it updated and install only signed software from approved developers and the Mac App Store. And—in case you’re wondering—the author of this piece doesn’t have an antivirus on his Mac.

The people coding viruses and malware know exactly how to get it out to the wider world. That's why it still exists.

Something is always better than nothing

Earlier, we asked if you need to use antivirus today. The answer was yes, and no. The no refers to the fact that you don't have to go and find antivirus software anymore. If you're using Windows 10, and everything is up to date, you already have a solid, free tool built in that won't hog your system resources and will keep an eye on things in the background.

And if you're using nothing at all, immediately go enable Windows Defender. (Do it now!)

Sadly, you do still need antivirus software in 2020. It's not necessarily to stop viruses anymore, but there are all kinds of miscreants out there who want nothing more than to steal and cause mayhem by getting inside your PC. It sounds scary, but because much of our lives are now conducted online, the threat is as real as ever.

Which route you take and which software you use is ultimately your decision. But don't think it won't happen to you. That's precisely when it will.

Mar 13, 2018  Here you just need to click on the Start button to turn the Mac into a WIFI hotspot. Now you have just turned your Mac into a WIFI hotspot. Just connect your iPhone, iPad or any device with the hotspot and enter the password you had set up in the above steps. Step 5: In the To computers using the box, Click the checkbox next to Wi-Fi to Enable the Wi-Fi option. Now it will create a Wi-Fi hotspot. Step 6: Click the Wi-Fi Options button at the bottom of the window to configure your Wi-Fi hotspot. Select your preferred network name and the best Wi-Fi channel. Wifi Jul 03, 2017  In the “To computers using” box, enable the Wi-Fi option. This will create a Wi-Fi hotspot, and the Internet connection you selected at the top of the window will be shared with devices that connect to the Wi-Fi network. Click the “Wi-Fi Options” button at the bottom of the window to configure your Wi-Fi hotspot. Jun 17, 2020  To get started, you’ll need to turn your Mac into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Simply follow these steps: Open System Preferences and click Sharing. Click the Internet Sharing option.

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