One of the big names in PC security, McAfee, also offers an antivirus package for Mac: the aptly named McAfee VirusScan for Mac.
Based on the name alone, this software should appeal to enterprise users who are looking for a reliable, comprehensive security package, but does it live up to the McAfee reputation (or its price tag, for that matter)?
The Basics
McAfee VirusScan works on Mac OS X Tiger (version 10.4.6 and up), Leopard (10.5 and up), and Snow Leopard (10.6). It comes with a somewhat higher price tag than other antivirus programs. McAfee doesnít sell individual licenses of its Mac security software, for whatever reason; you have to get at least three licenses, which will cost you $109.65 US. Youíll need an Intel or PowerPC-based machine with at least 512 MB of RAM, and smooth operation will, of course, require at least this much power and a relatively clean slate in terms of processes running simultaneously.
The Pros
Compared to free Mac antivirus packages such as iAntiVirus from PC Tools and ClamXav, McAfee VirusScan has quite a bit more substance to it, as you might expect. It protects against threats to your Mac, and will also keep files that are harmful to Windows and Linux-based computers away as well. This sort of comprehensive protection is a must for Macs running in a network situation alongside Windows or Linux computers, as it will ensure that the Mac doesnít act as a back door through which viruses can make their way to the other formats.
At the very least, most users demand that their antivirus software is easy to use and effective in defending against threats. Simply put, McAfee VirusScan succeeds in these respects. Itís easy to manage and update definitions, and the automatic scanning and updating functions work well without demanding too much of your systemís attention, provided that your Mac is able to handle it. VirusScan doesnít appear to have any problems with false positives, either, which can otherwise be a major annoyance.
VirusScan’s strength in networking environments is bolstered with the use of McAfeeís ePolicy Orchestrator utility, which is an easy and effective enough way to manage and control your security settings across multiple machines. Its basic user interface is also mercifully easy to use and is delivered in a form which should be familiar enough to regular Mac users.
The Cons
One of the most common complaints about VirusScan is McAfeeís somewhat notorious customer service. While the software itself is relatively fool proof, in the event that any sort of unforeseen problem arises, you may find that you have trouble getting any useful assistance from McAfee, which is inexcusable.
McAfee’s license policy in this case means that VirusScan isn’t an option for individual users, and even for businesses, it’s a little more expensive than some other antivirus options available for Mac. At the same time, its basic antivirus performance isn’t so much better than the other options that the elevated price tag is justified on that basis alone.
The Verdict
VirusScan is definitely a suitable choice for businesses running networks that include multiple operating systems. This is largely thanks to VirusScan’s simple yet powerful management tools. If you don’t fit into these criteria, though, you might get everything you need out of a free Mac antivirus program like ClamXav.
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