Although many Mac users now recognize the need for security software to combat the increasing threat of viruses and malware that specifically target the Mac platform, many are unsure as to just how seriously the threat should be taken.
Specifically, some question the need for commercial antivirus software like McAfee VirusScan, and instead opt for a free option, iAntiVirus being one of the most popular of these. Is this decision really justified?
The Basics
PC Tools iAntiVirus, as indicated, is free, although commercial users will have to pay a relatively affordable $29.95 US per year. iAntiVirus works with Intel processors and Mac OS X version 10.5 and up.
McAfee VirusScan retails for $109.65 per a minimum of 3 licenses. It runs on Intel or PowerPC-based machines running Mac OS X version 10.4.6 and higher.
Protection
The biggest and most important difference between these two pieces of software is the variety of threats from which they will protect your Mac. McAfee is a comprehensive security package comparable to Norton’s Mac offering or Intego VirusBarrier. It protects against viruses as well as all other known types of malware, including spyware. Most importantly, McAfee scans for and deals with files that are harmful to either the Mac or Windows platforms.
The protection offered by iAntiVirus is not as extensive. iAntiVirus deals only with viruses that are specific to the Mac platform. While this may seem to be adequate, it’s worth noting that, if you work in a mixed network environment, iAntiVirus will leave the overall network very vulnerable, as Windows-specific viruses and malware can still find their way onto a Mac. They won’t do any harm to the Mac system per se, but they can then be passed to any Windows machines on the network.
Performance
McAfee’s Mac antivirus program is just as efficient and unobtrusive as its Windows offerings. It won’t slow down your computer while it operates in the background, even with all functions working automatically. iAntiVirus, on the other hand, while not as slow or resource-heavy as other free Mac antivirus software like ClamXav, is somewhat slower than McAfee, which is a disappointment considering that iAntiVirus isn’t looking for as many different types of threats.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is one area in which iAntiVirus can stand up to McAfee. That’s to say that both programs are very user-friendly, and neither should be too difficult to figure out. For network users, McAfee includes the ePolicy Orchestrator utility, which makes it easy to oversee security operations and data over a network.
Conclusion
In virtually every meaningful way, McAfee is superior to iAntiVirus. This is probably exactly what you’d expect – McAfee is, after all, a commercial program. For network users in particular, there should be no doubt that McAfee is a much better option.
Related posts:
- VirusBarrier vs. iAntiVirus: Which is Better? Mac Security Comparison
- iAntiVirus vs. Norton Internet Security: Mac Antivirus Software Comparison
- iAntiVirus vs. MacScan: Mac Security Software Comparison
- McAfee VirusScan for Mac: Antivirus Software Review
- iAntiVirus Review: Free Mac Antivirus Software
