Mac software > All Reviews > Software > Utilities > Finder utilities > Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac review

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac review

If you’re thinking about security, is a free option the way to go?

Ben Harvell

Manufacturer: Sophos
Manufacturer: Sophos
Pros: A slick, free and subtle antivirus experience
Cons: Advanced and business users should consider a paid option
Min specs: Mac with Intel or PowerPC processor; 256 MB of memory; 150 MB of available disk space; Mac with OS X 10.4 (Tiger), 10.5 (Leopard) or 10.6 (Snow Leopard); Supports all Apple Mac hardware including iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and the new MacBook Air
Price: Free
We rate this 5 out of 5.Star rating:

Mac users often claim that Macs don’t get viruses, which is by-and-large true – they don’t. At least not the self replicating kind that has all but made working with Windows a miserable experience.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other types of malicious attacks out there, such as Trojans, malware, phishing attacks and pharming websites. And, of course, if you work with people using Windows PCs its considered bad form to pass viruses (often attached to emails) on to them; even if it doesn’t affect your Mac. So, security should be important to every Mac user, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork out a lot of money for it, or, indeed, any money at all.

Sophos offers a free security package, Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition. Frankly, there’s no reason not to try it as it provides precisely the protection a home user needs without the added bells and whistles that often serve to slow down your system. It’s simple to install and use and needs just a few megabytes of disk space. Running quietly in the background, it’s hard to tell that the software is active at all, aside from a small icon in your menu bar.

Sophos can keep a free eye on your system. It can even e-mail you warnings.

This icon is the key to your security, if it’s black then all is well but should a nasty piece of software – be it malware, Trojan or phishing scam – arrive you’ll be notified immediately. Unlike more aggressive options, Sophos simply quarantines suspect files for your review and, in most cases, can clean them up for you without having to delete the file itself.

Should you wish to disinfect your computer more thoroughly, you can opt to scan local drives for threats. You can then choose to deal with anything you discover in a number of ways using the Quarantine Manager. This allows you to see when the file was created and view the type of threat it poses. We were surprised to find several suspect files on what we believed to be a clean system; fortunately most of them were harmless

MACWORLD BUYING ADVICE >
1 | 2 | NEXT >

Reevoo Price Comparison For Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition

Reevoo Reviews For Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac Home Edition

User Reviews

Thu, 24 Feb 2011Reviewed by: NeilFiertel

Star Rating:

Duration of ownership: 2 months

Strengths: does not seem to slow the computer down at all

Weaknesses: none that I know of

Overall Evaluation: Having had the horrid experience of Norton and Virex, this Sophos is fantastic Of course, I have yet to have it notify me of any threats so I can only say for now that it is a no brainer to install it on my machines. Why not?

Submit your own review for this product

Click here for the latest reader comments

<<prev article | back to index | next article>>

Search reviews

Search Google

Newsletter signup

It's easy and free to get the latest news headlines, reviews and opinions straight to your email inbox. Sign up NOW to make sure you receive the latest Mac news, reviews and tutorials on your favourite topics.

Latest issue: Macworld

Find out what's in this month's Macworld here.

Macworld reader poll

What version of Adobe Creative Suite do you use?:

View poll results

Have your say in the
Macworld Forums!

Register now

Stay on top of the latest, breaking Mac news and chat with other Mac professionals and enthusiasts about the issues that matter to you. Register with Macworld today to join our forums and receive our twice-weekly email newsletter, Macworld Mainline.

RSS

Have the latest content delivered to your desktop via RSS. Use the links below to get access to a specific blog, news, or reviews feed.

Subscribe to our feeds here

Latest PC industry news

Latest news from MacVideo

MACWORLD MARKETPLACE

	LogMeIn Free - Remote Computer Access LogMeIn is a secure remote desktop software that lets you access your computers, files, and apps from anywhere on any device. Simply connect with LogMeIn Free and be free to work the way you want.
	TemplateCloud TemplateCloud.com is the design marketplace for graphic designers. You create designs, and use our software to build them into online editable templates. We sell your designs in different countries via different websites. Each time a customer uses your design, we pay you a royalty; the price is set by you.
	Amsys Amsys is recognised as the technical leader in Apple and has developed bespoke technical products and solutions to deliver class leading support to its business clients. Amsys clients can select from consultancy, integration, break-fix, recruitment, training and app development. Amsys make Apple products work for business.
	About NAD NAD Electronics has always stood out by doing things differently. Our relentless pursuit of great sound has earned us a ‘giant killer’ reputation. Every product is designed with heart and soul you can hear, emphasizing quality over quantity. We focus on the inside where it counts—and where you can hear the results.
	Sphero is a completely new type of gaming system. It's the world's first robotic ball that you control from your smartphone or tablet. You can drive Sphero, play tabletop and multiplayer games, use Sphero as a handheld controller for on-screen gameplay, and even explore augmented reality. Now with 20+ apps!
	MeteoGroup WeatherPro - the award winning weather app! Developed by professional meteorologists and providing weather forecasts for over 2 million locations with real-time, high resolution radar and satellite images, ski weather, water temperatures and more, WeatherPro is the most accurate and comprehensive weather app on the market.
	Beat the Credit Crunch - Lease your Mac from Hardsoft Hardsoft are the only 'one stop' solution for the supply and finance of I.T. to businesses throughout the UK via our regional branch offices. We are uniquely both equipment Apple Approved Reseller and licensed Credit Brokers and have tailored a solution which includes a full 3 year warranty and an equipment upgrade every 18 months.