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TICKET ARCHIVE -> Keeping My Powerbook Secure

doubleveenyc - Oct 15, 2005 - 6:33 pm

Hi guys,
I just got a powerbook and I love it. I am a FORMER pc user. I got hacked into so many times that when I got this powerbook I decided to change my internet service provider from roadrunner to earthlink, just to be on the safe side! lol

I want to keep my non mac downloads to a minimum on this computer and here is my question, earthlink came with a disc with virus protection, spamblocker etc. Do I need this stuff on my mac or is this really crap that is going to cause me more problems later....

Thanks and any help advice you can provide this newbie would be most appreciated!

DoubleVeeNYC

one1step1 - Oct 15, 2005 - 6:52 pm

Congratulations on your powerbook! Welcome to a much much safer world of computing with OS X!

Know these things, any virus written for the PC will not affect your Mac.
I don't recommend an Anti-Virus program for a few reasons.
1. There are no known viruses on Mac OS X.
2. The anti-virus will only help keep you from spreading viruses to PCs via emai, MS Word, l and such, since they can't execute, they can't propagate through your mac.
3. There is a free anti-virus for mac, clamxav http://www.clamxav.com for people that NEED to have one (such as in a corp environment, university, etc).

Things to do - Turn on the Firewall and the minimal sharing that you will need; go to
System Preferences -> Sharing ->Services
Here you can turn on Printer Sharing, Windows Sharing (if you must share with a PC), etc.
Under the Firewall Tab (next to services) , Turn the Firewall ON, then click on the Advanced Tab, and choose 'Enable Stealth Mode'.

This will keep you pretty secure, I have not had any issues at all and I use my Mac on all kinds of networks.

I haven't tried the 'Spamblocker', however, I have had much success with the Mail app that came with OS X. One thing to do is use it for a few months in Training mode, and mark things as Spam as they come in, and it will learn. After a month or two, you can then enable the junk mail filter, and it's VERY accurate. The more you train.. the better it is.

Good luck, let me know if you have any questions.
-Jonathan

doubleveenyc - Oct 15, 2005 - 6:57 pm

OMG that was so helpul! Didn't even know how to turn firewall on and stealth mode is AWESOME! THANK YOU!

one1step1 - Oct 15, 2005 - 7:10 pm

Glad to be of help!

One other thing to do, to keep your Mac secure, is run Software Update (Apple Menu->Software Update) you can also access it through System preferences.

I would run it every couple of weeks at least, it will add security patches and software updates.

Good Luck Victoria!

doubleveenyc - Oct 15, 2005 - 7:20 pm

Thanks and since you have been so knowledgeable and nice I am going to ask you for some more advice....are there any external speakers for the mac that I could also use as portable speakers for my ipod shuffle? Or should I buy them separate?

Any speaker ideas very much appreciated!

one1step1 - Oct 15, 2005 - 7:51 pm

Well, it depends on what kind of sounds you are looking to get out of them really, and how much you are willing to pay.
I have heard these two before, the

Harman Kardon SoundSticks II
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/...pno~381311.asp

and
Klipsch Ultra 2.0 Pro Speakers
http://www.macmall.com/macmall/shop/...pno~186598.asp


Personally, I liked the sound the best from the Harman Kardon, but it does come with a SubWoofer, so that is nice.

I would recommend just going to an Apple store or somewhere and taking a listen. Make sure you get 'Powered' speakers (so you have to plug them in) since you want to use it with your iPod Shuffle.

-jonathan

doubleveenyc - Oct 15, 2005 - 7:57 pm

Thanks Jonathan, I know I many have to sacrifice sound but the main thing I need for my laptop and IPOD shuffle is portability. I travel and want to take them with me...does that help narrow it down? Soundsticks are cool but am afraid too bulky....

one1step1 - Oct 15, 2005 - 8:05 pm

Try these Altec Lansing XT1 2 Speaker System
http://macworld.pricegrabber.com/sea...sterid=7412399

I think you should be able to connect the shuffle to the Auxillary in port.
The only caveat with these is that they are USB powered, so you have to have your powerbook hooked to them to work.

If I had my Powerbook out anyway, I probably wouldn't have a need to listen to my shuffle via speakers, I would just listen to iTunes on the mac.

However, these do have an Auxillary port you should be able to plug your shuffle into through the headphone jack.

-jonathan

one1step1 - Oct 15, 2005 - 8:06 pm

Here is a better link to them, but the first link I sent will get the best prices.

http://www.alteclansing.com/product_details.asp?pID=XT1

doubleveenyc - Oct 15, 2005 - 8:27 pm

Thanks jonathan!!!!