Built In Mac Security Tools

 You just have to enable them.

Just like Windows, there are several versions of Mac OS X. The two most recent – Leopard and Snow Leopard. Most people will have one of these. New Macs come with Snow Leopard.

 Macs have a built-in firewall, but it's turned off by default. You need to activate it.

In Leopard, click the Apple logo at the top of the screen. Select System Preferences. Click on Security, and select the Firewall tab.

Most people will be fine selecting "Allow only essential services." This will block nearly all incoming connections. That keeps hackers from finding your computer with a random search.

You'll still get system updates from Apple. This is a good balance between security and functionality.

However, the firewall may block some applications you want to use. When you open these programs, you'll be prompted to allow incoming connections. If you allow a connection once, the firewall will allow it in the future.

Snow Leopard has a much simpler interface. Click the Apple logo at the top of the screen. Select System Preferences. Click on Security and select the Firewall tab.

Click the lock at the bottom of the window. You'll be asked to enter your log-in information. Then click the Start button to enable the firewall.

You'll get a notification when the firewall blocks a program. Then you can decide whether or not to allow the program. You can manually add programs by clicking Advance,then the plus button.

Mac Users in Shock

A lot of Mac users are in for a shock. The idea that Macs are invulnerable to viruses is an old one. Unfortunately, it isn't true.

That isn't to say viruses are common on Macs. Historically, there have been very few. Meanwhile, there have been tens of thousands on Windows.

However, that was mostly a function of market share. Until recently, Windows was used by over 90 percent of the market. Macs, on the other hand, made up less than 10 percent. In 2007, for example, it was around 6 percent.

That isn't the case anymore. Macs now comprise 16 percent of the U.S. market, and that number is increasing. That's enough for virus writers to take notice.

A major virus for the Mac was recently discovered. It's called MacDefender.

Secure your Mac by Updating it

The process is the same for Leopard and Snow Leopard. Click the Apple logo at the top of the screen. Select System Preferences and then click Software Update. You want your Mac to check for and download updates automatically. Make sure the boxes labeled "Check for updates" and "Download updates automatically" are checked. Then click Check Now to check for updates manually. Your Mac will check for new software. Recommended updates will be displayed. If it finds updates, click Install. You may need to reboot the computer after installing

One update may lead to others. When you've installed all available updates, a message will notify you. Operating system updates often plug security holes. PC owners know this very well as Windows is updated weekly.

Viruses on Macs????

 Mac users don't like to think about antivirus and anti-spyware programs.  I argued with a few Mac tech support people about whether you need anti-virus programs, over the years.  As a tech support person, I have seen viruses on Macs, but it is funny that people believe marketing more then they would believe a techie. [But that is a whole new subject which I will address at some point!] However, it is now Mac anti-virus programs are becoming a necessity.

Snow Leopard includes an antivirus utility. Apple has released little information about it. So, it's hard to tell if it is good it is. Plus, it's unclear if Apple updates it regularly.

However, there are third-party programs you can use.  In my Introduction to computers class, a student of mine asked me which free programs she could use on her Mac. The free ClamXav, Sophos or AVG are available for Macs.