Newbie questions about new macbook

[paulcrill]

So I get my shiny new macbook pro tomorrow. It's my first mac, and I can't wait.

I have a couple of questions, though. First, how do I sync my iphone to the fresh new install of itunes? I want to sync my music ebooks etc to keep it all on my laptop, but won't syncing to an empty itunes actually wipe my iphone playlists etc?

Secondly, do I need a firewall or av or malware program?

 

[PaulMark]

So I get my shiny new macbook pro tomorrow. It's my first mac, and I can't wait.

I have a couple of questions, though. First, how do I sync my iphone to the fresh new install of itunes? I want to sync my music ebooks etc to keep it all on my laptop, but won't syncing to an empty itunes actually wipe my iphone playlists etc?

Secondly, do I need a firewall or av or malware program?

1) Yes syncing to a an empty iTunes will wipe your iPhone. So before you sync use a program like TouchCopy http://www.wideanglesoftware.com/touchcopy/ to first rip the contents of your phone to your computer. Once everything is imported into iTunes you can sync away without losing any data.

2) I use OSX's built in firewall in combination with my routers firewall. I dont use any AV or malware software and have never had any issues in the 5 years I have owned Macs

 

[nasa]

Out of interest, has any mac user ever used a AV or anti-malware software? I've never even considered it.

 

[Serqet]

Nope. Our company use Macs and has for years and we've never used a single anti-malware program or AV. Never had a single problem

Receptionist has a PC and just recently she had over 600 viruses on it.

 

[PeterCH]

You may want a Firewall program (although Mac OSX has a firewall too). Why?
In case of programs calling home - ie spyware type behaviour in legit apps and
in case you run some torrented apps where there may be trojans.

 

[Rashaad_Sallie]

Out of interest, has any mac user ever used a AV or anti-malware software? I've never even considered it.

been using Macs from 2001 - NEVER used or considered a AV program, yet i have had dozens of virus ridden USB Flash-sticks plugged into my Macs because they cant open on Windows machines.

 

[koffiejunkie]

I use Little Snitch but more because I want to have control over which programs can phone home and when. I have the OSX firewall (incoming) enabled but I only use my laptop at home and work, where I'm behind hardware firewalls anyway. On the off chance that I use my 3G modem, the built-in firewall is more than adequate.

 

[bwana]

An anti-virus app is only worthwhile if you want to help protect PC users from themselves. Personally I'm not overly concerned with that.

 

[pjoub06]

Guys Mac only doesn't have virus' because the market share is so small (ok and the security is slightly better than windows). Apple is growing really quickly and soon enough you will all fall victim to a Mac virus.

 

[Serqet]

The market share is not as small as one might think actually. So that is inaccurate and pc users have been saying that for ages.

 

[PeterCH]

I use Little Snitch but more because I want to have control over which programs can phone home and when. I have the OSX firewall (incoming) enabled but I only use my laptop at home and work, where I'm behind hardware firewalls anyway. On the off chance that I use my 3G modem, the built-in firewall is more than adequate.

That's the one.