XP (Parallels) on my Mac
 

I've had Parallels on my Intel Mac for about 6 months now and my Kaspersky Internet Security software is about to expire. I don't use Windows much at all, maybe 10 minutes a month to get on the FedEx "green screen." I'm trying to decide if it's worth paying to update the Kaspersky software, or just let it go.

Could some of you Windows (or Parallels users) guys give me your opinions on the value of updating the internet security software.

Thanks,
MG2

Also, I saw on the PFC website that McAfee anti virus software can be downloaded. Is that a good (free) alternative?

I use Avast. It's free.

I combine that with windows defender for spyware.

You don't need Windows to get onto the green screen. I have IE 6.0 installed on my Mac to get on the green screen, and it works just fine! Search this forum, someone posted how to do it a month or so ago!

Here you go...
http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/426013-post23.html

I am a PC guy who also uses Avast.

I made the switch to the free McAfee from the FedEx website for a month and it made my laptop crawl. I do not know what that program was doing in the background, but I removed it and things were back to normal.

Do you have to update Avast very often and how is windows defender? I am so sick of windows products so I don't even go near my PC anymore. Unfortunately, I'll have to wait a year or so before I update my laptops to Mac but I do love my new Apple. Never going back to the darkside.

Let me put it this way ... On a computer running Windows it is cheaper to buy an antivirus then it is to remove a virus.

Shy away from McAfee, it is garbage!

Why would any company give you free software? In my opinion they give you free software because it is not good enough for them to be able to sell it.

The main difference between paid software and free software ... is that the vast majority of free software is reactive ... not proactive.

You don't need an antivirus for UNIX based systems (ie. MAC OSX)

Thanks guys (gals) for all of your input. I've downloaded Avast into XP and I think it will do what I need it to do. Thanks again.

MG2

I use the "free" McAffee download from the FedEx website. Why is it free? Despite what you read here, FedEx has millions of dollars invested in their IT network system and they don't want a virus from YOUR computer when you log on. So ... they buy a site license and encourage us to use it. Seems like a pretty good idea to me.

AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista

My brother in-law is an IT guy and uses AVG on his paralleled Mac. I'm doing the same and it works great and doesn't slow down my system. If you are running Windows on a Mac anti-virus is highly recommended. Also make sure and have cloned back-up. That way if you do have an issue with the version you are running you can throw it in the trash and install the clone. I detest Windows but if you have to use it, running it on a Mac is the way to go. I run TradeStation which is very processor and memory intensive and it works better than a PC.