Should I put anti virus on my new Apple pro Mac?

[HappydaysArehere]

I always thought you didn't need to buy anti virus for a Mac. I even remember someone saying that it could interfere with the security on a Mac. However, I have read at the end of a Yosemite manual that you should do so as Mac viruses are out there. The author then gives Norton's web address. Has anyone any knowledge of the rights or wrongs on this? Would be grateful for your thoughts on this.

I have installed the free avast security for mac on mine and from time to time, there is a pop-up message on my screen alerting me an attack from XYZ has been stopped. Mainly from spam email and "educational" websites when my son does his high school research for homework.

Thank you Aussie, I have only had mine a few days and still trying to find my way around it. I am going for a one to one lesson on Wednesday. At the moment dead nervous I will do something wrong! What unnerved me was that last week I thought I would look at the emoji I have on my I Pad, not the one on the keyboard, the one that has an icon on the screen. It gives the option to do actions (dog wagging tail etc). All was well for a couple of mins but when I looked at the Christmas choices the screen was completely covered with an advert which refused to go away. I tried several times and it was obvious that I was not going to be allowed to continue. This wasn't like the usual annoying pop ups which you delete with the x. I then deleted the icon from my screen and checked the emoji on the keyboard which is fine. However, I had synced my I Pad with my lovely, ridiculously expensive, new computer. So hope I haven't done anything I shouldn't. Was it difficult to install? I always used to use a disc which I purchased for Norton or Bullguard for my PC. Of course, I haven't got a disc drive now! Thank you for answering.

So easy to install, don't worry. You can take my word on this. Even my father did it without my assistance.

Whatever the Apple worshippers will tell you, it takes a while to get used to a Mac. The worst part is going from being very good at using a pc to be completely lost for the most basic task, like searching for a key. The big things are very easy and intuitive, changing your habits is not.
Your mac computer is not a giant ipad. So don't expect it to behave the same way.

If you have an Ipad, film or record on one of the voice apps what he is telling you during your lesson, so you can go back to it and listen if you don't remember something.

You have made an excellent choice, think upgrading from a bicycle to a motorbike, they look same-ish but won't work the same way. Once you'll have learned, you will really enjoy it.

Thank you again Aussie. I am ploughing away and enjoying the challenge. I really enjoyed the first one to one lesson. I learnt several new things and am just beginning to get the hang of how it works. The recording is a good idea. I was making short notes as reminders and going through them when I got home.
You are so right about the comparison between a bike and a motor bike! What a machine! It is so fast and so full of surprises. I love it. Thank you for your encouragement. It is very kind of you.

Ps to the above. You are so right about looking for a key. Spent ages looking for delete, @ and the exclamation mark!

Macs do a great job at protecting themselves and if you really only do normal browsing and not really exposing yourself to risky places then it wouldn't really be necessary.But if you frequently go to unknown sites or simply exchange a lot of files with people then adding that extra layer of security wouldn't hurt. If you're particularly concerned about malware, or malicious software, then you may want to install antivirus software.

www.antivirusmacapp.com/antivirus-for-mac.html