How to Use Antivirus Software on MacOS Or Linux Systems in 2024?

Antivirus software is essential for maintaining the security of your computer, even if you are using macOS or Linux systems. While these operating systems are generally more secure than Windows, they are still susceptible to malware and other threats. Here is a text guide on how to use antivirus software on macOS or Linux systems:

Research and choose an antivirus software: There are numerous antivirus software options available for macOS and Linux. Look for reputable brands and read reviews to find one that suits your needs. Some popular choices include Avast, Bitdefender, Sophos, and ClamAV.
Download and install the antivirus software: Visit the official website of your chosen antivirus software, look for the appropriate version for your operating system, and download the installation file. Once downloaded, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Update the antivirus software: After installation, launch the antivirus software and check for any available updates. Keeping your antivirus software up to date ensures that it can effectively detect and protect against the latest threats.
Configure real-time scanning: Real-time scanning is a crucial feature that continuously monitors your system for malicious files and activities. Open the antivirus software and navigate to the settings or preferences. Enable real-time scanning and choose the appropriate settings according to your preferences.
Run a full system scan: Once you have configured the settings, perform a full system scan using the antivirus software. This scan will thoroughly examine all files and directories on your computer for any signs of malware or suspicious activities.
Quarantine or remove detected threats: After the scan is complete, the antivirus software will display a list of detected threats. Quarantine or remove these threats based on the recommendations of the software. Quarantining isolates the detected files, allowing you to review and decide their fate, while removal deletes them immediately.
Schedule regular scans: To ensure continuous protection, set up regular scans using the scheduling options provided by the antivirus software. This way, you won't have to manually initiate scans every time.
Stay vigilant and practice safe browsing habits: While antivirus software is crucial, it's important to remember that it's just one layer of defense. It's equally essential to practice safe browsing habits, avoid suspicious websites or downloads, and exercise caution while opening email attachments or clicking on links.

Remember, antivirus software is designed to supplement your computer's security, but it's not foolproof. Combining it with regular software updates, secure browsing habits, and regular backups will provide a comprehensive defense against potential threats on macOS or Linux systems.

Best Antivirus Software in December 2024

Rating is 5 out of 5

McAfee Total Protection 2024 Ready | Unlimited Devices | Cybersecurity Software Includes Antivirus, Secure VPN, Password Manager, Dark Web Monitoring | Download

MCAFEE TOTAL PROTECTION IS ALL-IN-ONE PROTECTION – antivirus, security, identity, and privacy protection for all your devices for one year
SECURE VPN – Stay private and secure on public Wi-Fi with VPN that can connect automatically when you need it
PARENTAL CONTROLS - Help protect your kids from inappropriate online behavior, apps, and content, manage screen time, get location-based alerts, and guide them to build good digital habits
MONITOR UP TO 10 EMAILS ON THE DARK WEB - If your info is found we'll notify you so you can act before your info ends up in the wrong hands
CHECK THE HEALTH OF YOUR ONLINE PROTECTION – our industry-first Protection Score will identify weak spots and guide you to improve your security
PASSWORD MANAGER - Secure your accounts by generating and storing complex passwords and auto-filling your info for faster logins across devices
AWARD WINNING ANTIVIRUS - Protect all your personal devices and the info on them from the latest threats

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Norton 360 Premium, 2024 Ready, Antivirus software for 10 Devices with Auto Renewal - Includes VPN, PC Cloud Backup & Dark Web Monitoring [Download]

ONGOING PROTECTION Download instantly & install protection for up to 10 PCs, Macs, iOS or Android devices in minutes!
REAL-TIME THREAT PROTECTION Advanced security protects against existing and emerging malware threats, including ransomware and viruses, and it won’t slow down your device performance
SECURE VPN Browse anonymously and securely with a no-log VPN while using public Wi-Fi Add bank-grade encryption to help keep your information like passwords and bank details secure and private
DARK WEB MONITORING will monitor and notify you if we find your personal information on the Dark Web**
75GB SECURE PC CLOUD BACKUP store and help protect important files as a preventative measure to data loss due to hard drive failures, stolen devices and even ransomware***
PRE-PAID SUBSCRIPTION A payment method must be stored in your Norton account to activate* You won’t be charged until the prepaid term ends For new Norton subscriptions only at an introductory price
AUTO-RENEWAL Never have a service disruption since this subscription auto-renews annually If you do not wish to renew, you can cancel in your Norton account anytime

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

PROTECTS MULTIPLE DEVICES: Stay safe at home and on the go with a single license for your PCs, Macs, and Android and iOS devices.
FIGHTS EVERY THREAT: Stop worrying about viruses, phishing, ransomware and tomorrow’s most advanced cyberattacks.
STOPS ONLINE THEFT: Shop, bank and pay securely online with extra layers of protection from our Safe Money technology.
PROTECTS YOUR PRIVACY: Block webcam spying, stop browser tracking and use easy VPN encryption to hide data from hackers and ISPs.
SAFEGUARDS YOUR IDENTITY: Stop phishing, identify dangerous files and websites, and shred important personal files.

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Bitdefender Total Security 2024 – Complete Antivirus and Internet Security Suite – 5 Devices | 1 Year Subscription | PC/Mac | Activation Code by Mail

SPEED-OPTIMIZED, CROSS-PLATFORM PROTECTION: World-class antivirus security and cyber protection for Windows (Windows 7 with Service Pack 1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and Windows 11), Mac OS (Yosemite 10.10 or later), iOS (11.2 or later), and Android (5.0 or later). Organize and keep your digital life safe from hackers
SAFE ONLINE BANKING: A unique, dedicated browser secures your online transactions; Our Total Security product also includes 200MB per day of our new and improved Bitdefender VPN
ADVANCED THREAT DEFENSE: Real-Time Data Protection, Multi-Layer Malware and Ransomware Protection, Social Network Protection, Game/Movie/Work Modes, Microphone Monitor, Webcam Protection, Anti-Tracker, Phishing, Fraud, and Spam Protection, File Shredder, Parental Controls, and more
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING: Your product-specific code is printed on a card and shipped inside a protective cardboard sleeve. Simply open packaging and scratch off security ink on the card to reveal your activation code. No more bulky box or hard-to-recycle discs

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Malwarebytes | Amazon Exclusive | 18 Months, 2 Devices | PC, Mac, Android [Online Code]

Protects your identity and privacy from hackers
Prevents virus, spyware, and malware infections (PC and Mac only)
Detects and removes malware and potentially unwanted programs from a device that has already been infected
Protects your documents, financial files, and photos from ransomware
Keeps you safe from malicious and fraudulent websites (PC and Android only)

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

Protects you against all types of malware, including viruses, ransomware, rootkits, worms and spyware.
Simple reliable protection. Protects your private data from ransomware and phishing with easy-to-use internet security.
Light footprint & won't slow you down. Enjoy the full power of your computer. Play, work and browse the internet without slowdowns.

Buy It Now

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

AVG Ultimate 2022 | Antivirus+Cleaner+VPN | 10 Devices, 2 Years [PC/Mac/Mobile Download]

AVG ULTIMATE: Your all-in-one antivirus, VPN, and tuneup combo.
OUR BEST SECURITY: Enjoy our advanced, real-time security for your computers, tablets, and phones.
OUR BEST PRIVACY: Secure your privacy with powerful encryption so no one can see what you do online.
OUR BEST PERFORMANCE: Improve the performance of all your devices with our specialized tools.
OUR BEST TRACKER BLOCKER: Stop websites and advertisers from following you online.

Buy It Now

How to install antivirus software on macOS?

To install antivirus software on macOS, follow these steps:

Research and choose an antivirus software: There are several reliable antivirus software options available for macOS, such as Avast, Sophos, Norton, or Kaspersky. Review their features, pricing, and user reviews to select the one that suits your needs.
Download the antivirus software: Visit the official website of your chosen antivirus software and locate the macOS version. Click on the download button to initiate the download.
Open the installer: Once the download is complete, locate the installer file (typically in the Downloads folder) and double-click on it to open it.
Follow the installation instructions: The installation process may slightly vary depending on the antivirus software you are using. Generally, you will be prompted to review and accept the license agreement, choose the installation location, and customize any additional options.
Allow system changes: During the installation, you might be asked to grant certain permissions or allow system changes. Follow the prompts and enter your admin password, if required.
Complete the installation: Once the installation is finished, the antivirus software will typically launch automatically. If not, you can manually open the application from your Applications folder or the Launchpad.
Set up and configure the antivirus: Follow the on-screen instructions or the setup wizard that appears after installation to configure your antivirus software. This may involve creating an account, performing an initial scan, and choosing your preferred settings.
Update the antivirus definitions: After the initial setup, ensure that the antivirus software is up to date by checking for updates within the application's settings or preferences. Regular updates are crucial to maintaining protection against the latest threats.
Schedule regular scans: Configure the antivirus software to perform regular scans of your macOS to check for and eliminate any malware or viruses. Set up a schedule that works best for you.

Remember to keep the antivirus software updated and perform regular scans to ensure your device's safety from potential threats.

How to disable antivirus temporarily on Linux?

To disable the antivirus temporarily on Linux, follow these steps:

Open a terminal window.
Determine the name of your antivirus software. Common Linux antivirus programs include ClamAV, Sophos, and Bitdefender. Use the relevant command to identify the running antivirus service. For example, for ClamAV, use: sudo systemctl status clamav-daemon
Once you have identified the antivirus software, use the appropriate command to stop or disable the antivirus service. Here are the commands for some popular antivirus programs: ClamAV: sudo systemctl stop clamav-daemon Sophos: sudo /opt/sophos-av/bin/savdstop Bitdefender: sudo /etc/init.d/bitdefender-antivirus stop
Confirm that the antivirus service has been stopped by checking its status again: sudo systemctl status clamav-daemon If the service is stopped, it should display "Active: inactive (dead)" or a similar message.

Please note that disabling your antivirus temporarily increases the risk of malware infecting your system. Hence, it is recommended to disable the antivirus only when necessary and enable it again as soon as possible.

How to run a manual antivirus scan on Linux?

To run a manual antivirus scan on Linux, you can use the ClamAV antivirus software. Follow these steps:

Open a terminal window.
Update the antivirus database by running the following command: sudo freshclam This will download the latest virus definitions.
Run a scan on a specific file or directory by running the command: clamscan /path/to/file_or_directory Replace "/path/to/file_or_directory" with the actual path to the file or directory you want to scan.
Wait for the scan to complete. It will display the progress, and any infected files will be listed in the terminal.
If you want to scan your entire system, start the scan at the root directory by running: sudo clamscan -r / This will scan all files and directories recursively starting from the root directory.
You can also scan all files owned by a specific user with the following command: sudo clamscan -r --exclude-dir="^/sys|^/proc|^/run|^/dev|^/var/lib/clamav" --remove /home/username/ Replace "username" with the actual username whose files you want to scan.

Note: You might need to install ClamAV first if it's not already installed on your Linux distribution. Use the package manager for your specific distribution to install it.

How to Use Antivirus Software on MacOS Or Linux Systems?

Best Antivirus Software in December 2024

How to install antivirus software on macOS?

How to disable antivirus temporarily on Linux?

How to run a manual antivirus scan on Linux?

Related Posts: