Mac Antivirus Products

The Mac media is all atwitter with talk of viruses coming to the Mac.  Although one pundit took a few moments to point out that they've been talking of Apple malware for at least 6 years. http://daringfireball.net/2011/05/wolf  

In any case, I thought I'd go over a couple of free choices for Mac Antivirus, for those users who you know will get something.

PC Tools iAntiVirus - http://www.iantivirus.com/
    This tool is perhaps well-known in some circles, but even the Web site notes a 2008 copyright date, and many believe the program hasn't been updated since then, either.  I've installed on my machine for a couple years, and it's never really done anything.  NOT recommended.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 0 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Unknown/Generosity of developer
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

ClamXav - http://www.clamxav.com/
    ClamAV has long been a staple of opensource PC antivirus, and there's been a Mac version for some time that uses the same engine as the PC versions.  I've had this on my home machine for a couple of years, and while I've never gotten any viruses, I also don't know if I would've gotten them without it.  I have used the software repeatedly to scan files that I've downloaded for questionable sources, and no other Mac or PC antivirus has ever argued with what ClamXav had to say!  I do like that definitions files and such appear to be regularly updated.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: open source community
Restrictions: None known
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

Sophos Antivirus for Mac Home Edition - http://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-antivirus-for-mac-home-edition.aspx
    With the recent "outbreaks" of virus problems, almost every article on the topic ends up quoting something from Sophos.  Of course, Sophos is also hanging out the welcome banner with this free versino of their software for Mac.  Sophos is a respected name in antivirus, so this might be a good pick.

GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 3 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Commercial use fees
Restrictions: Home use only.
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE LogMeIn Central features for FREE users

Recently I posted about how excited I am about LogMeIn. And my excitement has only dwindled in a minor way. It appears, that in an effort to get you to upgrade your LogMeIn to a paid, or "pro" version, or to their new management interface "LogMeIn Central", features are being removed from the free version.

But, if you know how to get there, the features are still available. First, log into your account. Then, use these handy URLs (until they change them or figure out a way to block them, to try to force more upgrades.)

To add or edit users on your account, simply go to:
https://secure.logmein.com/UsersManage.aspx

To edit the groups your computer reside in (useful for allow those users you created above access to groups of computers at once):
https://secure.logmein.com/pcgroup_edit.asp

Part of the LogMeIn Central upgrade is that it allows you to create "deployment links." These are URLs that you can distribute to whomever, and with a simple click, it'll download the LogMeIn client software, install, and add that computer to your account. Right now, you can use LogMeIn Central for FREE as part of a FREE trial. I encourage you to go and create as many deployments links as you want, now. You can set the links to last forever, and my guess is, they'll continue to work, even after your LogMeIn Central trial expires. Then you can keep the URLs handy. I've created different links for all of my groups I created above. So, a specific link will install and add to my "home" computers, "clients" or "office", or whatever groups you desire.

You can try one of my links, if you'd like to add your computer to my account: https://secure.logmein.com/i?l=en&c=2q10sw812t8c8sny0u5jaq6f4bx30bwze9mwlq03

Now, as these links are meant to get around paying for LogMeIn Central, as part of their free trial period, you can more easily do this stuff in LogMeIn Central, and still pay nothing.

Kudos to LogMeIn for making a great product, and giving it away absolutely FREE for so long. And, I'm enjoying many of the new features found in this latest 4.x.x version. Also, the check box in the installer to keep the machine from going to sleep when LogMeIn is running is ingenious. However, I think it unfortunate that LogMeIn has chosen to take away features of a free product after they'd already given them to us for so long. I understand the concepts of trial and trialware, but these features were included with a FREE version, and we were never told that they would expire, or be going away, as with features that were clearly part of a trial we may or may not have taken part in.

The final word? I don't expect LogMeIn to let these loopholes fly for long (and posts like this one may lead to their sooner demise). However, since I'm an avid LogMeIn proponent and user, I'll be kicking the tires, and attempting to use the product for my needs, and to get around restrictions as long as I can. And you can bet I'll post them here, as I find out about them or discover them. Also, I fear that this may be the beginning of the end for LogMeIn FREE. Even though subscription information for my computers shows my FREE subscriptions not up for renewal until March 15, 2020, I'm not confident that the rules won't change again, and that this FREEbie will not just go the way of the dodo.


GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 1 of 5
Offer Type: FREE (with gotchas)
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Ads for paid Pro versions
Restrictions: No obvious links to key configuration parts.
Offer Expiration: None/unknown

FREE Computer Remote Control

It's not possible for me to get very far on this blog without mentioning one of the best FREE products I know of. LogMeIn FREE.

Have you even been at a store or a friend's house, and wanted to get something off of your computer at home, or look something up? Or maybe you're an advanced user and realize your computer at home isn't behaving as it should, and you need it to be performing some task for you while you're out! Or, maybe you're the tech guru for your circle of friends and family, and you need access to their computers from time to time.

This is where LogMeIn comes in. Create a FREE account on the Web site, and then install the client software on your PCs or Macs.

Now, merely log into the Web site, and within a few clicks, you can be working on your home computer, no matter where you are! All you need is Web browser, and good internet access.

Control your remote computer, as if you were sitting in front of it. And it's secure, safe, and totally easy to use.

Also, if you need to force your remote machine to restart, options that are just as effective as pushing the "reset" or power button on the front of your machine are available.

And, it's free for as many computers as you like! 1, or 100, it's all good. Organize your machines into groups, or invite other people to use your machines.

Upgrades are available that give you remote sound, file sharing, and printing capabilities. But, I find that I don't need those options 99% of the time, so the product is perfect for me in its FREE version.

LogMeIn FREE is one of my very favorite freebies!

(NOTE: GuyOnTheAir does not condone the use of software like this for spying on others, or their computer use, and frankly, doesn't think this product is much good for that purpose anyway. Unless you really know what you're doing, LogMeIn is far from stealth...)


GuyOnTheAir's FREE Stuff Rating: 5 of 5
Offer Type: FREE
Cost: FREE
Supported by: Ads for upgrades to more features
Restrictions: No sound, printing, or remote file sharing support.
Offer Expiration: None