Mac and Linux AV software

Antivirus protection for alternative operating systems

Although Mac computers are less vulnerable to malware than their PC counterparts, that doesn't mean Mac users can take security lightly. That's because Apple computers (not to mention smartphones and tablets) are growing in popularity, so they're attracting more attention from increasingly sophisticated troublemakers, as evidenced by the MacDefender scareware that infected Apple computers in summer 2011. Security through obscurity is less effective the less obscure Macs become.

If you are running Mac OS X and Windows on an Intel-based Mac computer, be aware that you need to protect both platforms and that means you need security software for Windows even if you are working on a Mac.

There are a variety of paid solutions available, but most experts agree that free antivirus software will meet most the needs of most Mac users. Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition is one free program that earns high marks from reviewers. It's based on the paid software designed for corporations running Mac computers.

Philip Sellers, who reviews Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac at TechTalk.com, praises the quick installation and lack of advertising. "I would expect to find ads and other money-making tactics embedded into the product, but these are never seen," he writes. The interface fits in well with the Mac aesthetic, he says. Mary Landesman, the antivirus software guide at About.com, gives Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac a perfect 5-star rating. Landesman likes that you can opt for automatic or on-demand scans. She also appreciates that it offers a complete antivirus solution. "Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition offers more complete scanning than most of its competitors -- detecting not just Mac malware but Windows malware as well," she says. Landesman adds that "this alone puts them ahead of the pack in Mac antivirus protection."

SecureMac.com likes the variety of customization options in Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac, which help reduce system drag. You can opt not to scan archived or compressed files, for example, or exclude certain items. In the test at SecureMac.com, the software is effective at blocking sample malware. However, like most free antivirus software, Sophos does not include telephone support, so you're stuck with the user forums or how-to videos if you run into problems.

If you're willing to pay for antivirus software, Intego is often mentioned as a good option for Mac users. The company's latest product, VirusBarrier X6 (*Est. $50), includes more features than Sophos free antivirus, including a firewall and online support. The software comes with a two-way firewall, phishing and spyware protection, and "dynamic code monitoring" to identify new types of malware.

The latest version hasn't attracted as many reviews as previous Intego software. The few user reviews at Amazon.com are mostly positive. Users praise the simple installation process and say the software doesn't have a large impact on their system's performance. "I'm pleased to say it has not affected my MacBook's performance at all," says one owner. However, Britain's TechRadar.com gives Intego VirusBarrier X6 an average rating, saying it's too complicated for most users. "We'd have to say that in combining features of VirusBarrier and NetBarrier, Intego has over-egged the pudding, producing a product that's over-complex for the general user," says the site's Trevor Middleton.

Norton and Kaspersky, the top-rated antivirus products for Windows, also make software for Mac computers, but there's a dearth of reviews for them. The OS X Lion-optimized Norton AntiVirus 12 for Mac (*Est. $50) protects against viruses, spyware and Web exploits, and the software automatically removes any viruses it finds. It also scans downloaded files, instant messages and email attachments. The license gives you access to email and chat support, but if you want a firewall, you'll need to pick up Norton Internet Security 5 for Mac (*Est. $60), which also includes antivirus protection.

A number of reviewers evaluated Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac (*Est. $40) when it was first released in 2010, but few experts have tested the latest versions, which address many of the complaints leveled against earlier versions. In addition to on-demand scans, the software checks downloads and mail attachments in real time. The program frequently communicates with Kaspersky's servers to keep up-to-date on threats from malicious websites and applications; if you stumble across a suspicious site, the program's URL Advisor will give you a warning. Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac looks for PC malware in addition to Mac-specific threats, so you won't have to worry about accidentally passing on "badware" to your Windows-loving friends and family. Unlike Norton AntiVirus, Kaspersky includes free telephone support in addition to email and chat service.

Antivirus software for Linux

The general consensus in the Linux community is that antivirus software is an option, not a necessity. According to Linux.com author Joe Brockmeier, Linux-based computers are "more secure" than their Windows competitors, but there are some areas of vulnerability. Brockmeier says rootkits and worms are particular areas of concern for Linux users. However, he says typical antivirus programs aren't needed, largely because most products scan for malware that affects Windows systems. "Linux doesn't have problems with the same kind of viruses and malware that Windows does," he writes. Instead of purchasing antivirus software, Brockmeier recommends running updates at least once a week and keeping on top of permissions so that only allowed users can access your system or network.

If you feel you need it, several manufacturers make Linux-based antivirus software. AVG and Avast offer free Linux antivirus programs. The free software from ClamAV is also often mentioned for Linux users. (Mac users can download the free ClamXav on-demand virus scanner for Apple computers, too.)