Apple Users

[ouiparis]

We purchased an IMAC a few weeks ago. Will you please weigh in on whether we need to buy antivirus protection? The guy at the Apple store says there is no need to get Norton unless you plan on running Windows. I did some light research online and some advocate purchasing antivirus just for security's sake. Any anecdotal experience?

[aude]

This is purely anecdotal, but I've had an iBook for four years, have never added any extra virus protection, and have never had any spam or viruses. I switched to a Mac after my son went off to college and got one; my daughter has one now, and we also have a desktop Mac in the house, too. No problems ever . You're going to love it!

[cigalechanta]

an aside, today Apple opened their largest store here in Boston. what's with apple users ? people were in line starting at 1am.

[ouiparis]

Thanks, Aude! I already do (love it, that is).

Cigalechanta, you should go and check out the store yourself to see what all the hype is about.

[cybee]

Hi OuiParis!
I am a relatively new Mac user aussi! I love it! I used to have pcs and have had experience with both Norton and McAffee anti -virus programs. When my last pc died from the "blue screen of doom" (or death) (actual terms used for what happened)...I determined to go to Mac and like you, found it startling that truly one does not need to put on anti-virus programs albeit the guy at the Mac store said there were some sites wherein might get a trojan type virus but such site was unlikely to be visited by me (I think he was referring to porn e-sites). Therefore, ENJOY! I love mine!
The Apple store that I go to seems to always be buzzing with customers!

[ouiparis]

LOL, cybee! I'm just glad that I won't have to fork out $50 to buy Norton.

[Shoesy]

I've never really given much thought to types of computers. Frankly, I don't care what kind of computer I have.........as long as I can log onto Ourparis. ;D

[annettecinca]

Mimi & Oui, hubby and I walked by there last night an hour before opening, and the line wrapped around the corner, down 2 blocks, and around the next corner! I didn't feel like walking around to see where the end was! The nice thing was, they kept the start of the line back far enough so we could walk by and look into the store. It's gorgeous! The front is entirely glass (3 stories high) with an amazing glass spiral staircase in the middle. One of the employees was on break and stopped to talk to us. One thing lead to another, and he ended up answering all hubby's Mac questions...so we didn't have to wait in line! It's nice to know they don't have virus problems, as this is probably what we'll get our college-bound daughter in a few weeks.

[Happygoin]

There was a story on the grand opening of the 3-floor store on the news last night. The store originally was planned to be a one-story bldg because all they had was the computer to offer for sale. Then, in the interim, Apple came out with the IPod and IPhone etc etc. They kept adding a floor for each new product. As Annette said, it was a hugely attended grand opening.

[cybee]

Yes, just received a little e-blurp from Apple re the same:

"When it opens its doors to customers on May 15, the Apple Retail Store on Boylston Street — located in the heart of Boston’s historic Back Bay — becomes the largest Apple Store in the US. Customers will enjoy hands-on access to the Mac, iPhone, and iPod on the first two floors, and on the third, they’ll find a Genius Bar and Boston’s first Pro Labs, offering free, in-depth training on Apple’s pro applications."

[sistereurope]

Well, I'm gonna have to go there to buy Vel Reid a new computer because she's so frustrated...she logged into OurParis today and she can't see the post that she made yesterday! I would think that she's - hmm, how to put this delicately - not too swift? - but I saw it with my own eyes! The posts disappear. I even cleaned out her cookies!

I know that many people swear by their macs...I just don't know if I have the patience to learn anything new.

[ouiparis]

Wow, it seems like we have a lot of OPF ladies in Boston!

[holger]

;D

I only use Macs. Love them and they are really easy. In general, they don't get the same number of viruses or attacks as PCs but since I get a lot of e-mail from students who do use PCs and surf constantly, our IT people insist we use Norton. It does automatic updates and checks. It is free but I would pay the $50 if the university did not supply it.

Really wanted the iphone when I needed a new phone but was warned off by our IT people as it apparently does not work well when using it outside the U.S. Ended up woth a Blackjack which does travel well but I really don't like it and as soon as Apple sets up service with Europe, I plan on changing. The Blackjack can get internet and e-mail but using Outlook and Windows. Yuck!

[ouiparis]

Holger, do you find that your MAC is slower with the antivirus? Now, you've got me concerned since I obviously do a lot of web surfing!

[iloveparis]

Holger,
I've used the Mac since 1984 - used Norton in the past but now rely on the .mac virus protection - have not had problems.

ouiparis - mine does not run slower. but I do repair the disk permissions regularly and that keeps it running well. Like Holger, I never have crashing etc. problems.

Would never trade in my mac ...

[grunblack]

We use a mac and they are fantastic. We also had the same feedback from the Apple store, no real need for antivirus, but I suppose if you want to be safe it would be worth getting. We haven't as yet, and haven't had any problems in the last 4 years.