I just bought a new iBook G4

[Greybnk48]

which is perfect for my needs. I know almost nothing about computers except how to use it for email and word processing and surfing the net, mainly for news and some shopping. My question is do I need any more protection against viruses or spyware other than what comes with the computer? My last computer, a Dell, crashed a month ago. My son was sharing it (he's not using this one) and was going to some questionable sites.
I wound up with viruses, worms, and my address was highjacked. I called in a computer help service and they did a fix, sort of, but I was having so much trouble, I bought a new one.

Again, is there anything that I should add to this system for protection??

[MalachiConstant]

1. As of yet

there are virtually no viruses that affect the Macintosh OS. Because of Windows's popularity and dominance as an Operating System, occasional security flaws, and fewer updates, it is the most popular target for malware.

As a Mac user of a couple of years now, and previously a PC user for many years, since switching to mac i have never downloaded or used any virus scan or firewall software. I've also noticed that Apple keeps relatively as up to date as possible with the latest security updates; i would check apple's SOFTWARE UPDATE frequently to see if anything new has come out. despite this my computer runs as fast now as it did 2 years ago when i purchased it. However, if you'd like you can turn on the built in firewall that OSX provides by clicking on SYSTEM PREFERENCES->SHARING. you can also turn on and off some of the other internet related features that may or may not affect you.

also, check out the DU Group: Macintosh Users for more mac related info.

[Greybnk48]

4. Thanks MalachiConstant

for the info. It's greatly appreciated since, as you can probably tell I am almost afraid to go on the internet after my Dell fiasco. I will check out the MacIntosh group as well.

Greybnk48

[MalachiConstant]

7. if you're new to macs...

you may want to check out the discussions on the apple site. it's a wonderful source of information and if you post your problem there chances are you'll get the answer you're looking for. they can be found by going to apple.com and clicking on the SUPPORT tab then underneath that tab click on discussions. The URL is: http://discussions.apple.com

[RoyGBiv]

2. You need a firewall ...

I'm not intimate with Macs, so I can offer no specific suggestions, but every system that is connected to the Internet absolutely needs a firewall, no matter how secure. I guarantee you that if you run your system with no firewall, regardless of the platform, a way exists to exploit it that will be found and used. What's worse, you probably won't ever know it happened.

As for virus checkers and such, you don't have as much to worry about both because of what MalachiConstant mentioned and because the Mac OS is fundamentally more secure in its design. Should your system become infected with a virus, it probably won't affect it at the system-wide level, i.e. it may affect your user account, but that's it. I run Linux, and I run a virus checker, which a lot of people claim isn't necessary. Sorry to sound trite and paranoid, but invest in an ounce of prevention, and you'll live happier.

[Greybnk48]

6. Good to know

and believe me, after what I went through with the last one, I have no intention of cutting corners.

[Ready4Change]

3. I've been using both PCs and an iBook for several years now.

My PCs have been virused and spybot attacked several times. Nothings gotten to the Mac.

Not a 100% guarantee, but no rush needed to go out and get protection either.

BTW, a G4? Sigh... must be nice. :)

[Greybnk48]

5. I'm loving it so far!!

Aww, please don't sigh Ready4Change. It makes me want to pack it up and send it to you, since you probably could do it justice!!

[Ready4Change]

8. I'm sure you'll do it fine.

At some point I'll decide to get a replacement for my G3 iBook. But it's been too good so far to just toss aside so soon.

Enjoy. :)