[dbhassi]

I am always wary of "free". I want a good imac security software and hate to not at least try the free but do not want the free to turn into another annoying malware

[Advertisements]

Free doesn't always mean bad. I know that there are a lot of good free programs out there. Not being an avid mac user I will try and do my best to find a couple of av programs to help you. I just did a search for "free av software for mac", in the first few results were two very trusted companies that also offer paid software, they are Avast Free Mac Security, and AVG AntiVirus for Mac. Have a look at those options and see if any of them will work for you. 

[wmorri]

Free doesn't always mean bad. I know that there are a lot of good free programs out there. Not being an avid mac user I will try and do my best to find a couple of av programs to help you. I just did a search for "free av software for mac", in the first few results were two very trusted companies that also offer paid software, they are Avast Free Mac Security, and AVG AntiVirus for Mac. Have a look at those options and see if any of them will work for you. 

[iEscape]

Be careful with Avast.

http://www.thesafema...-in-the-middle/

 

[aido]

Most of free products are bundled with ads. It's not only Avast, there are so many other products and companies got lot of money to bring PUPs to the Users.

 

Read here...

 

http://blog.emsisoft...ustry-gone-mad/

 

and here..

 

http://securitygarde...h-unwanted.html

 

So what should I do to prevent me from additional unwanted bundled applications? - Nothing. It's not only the problem that the advertisement Industry choose technics how to tricky Users, but also

Commercial products with hight reputation using the opportunity to make money with his free products.

 

To get Information about the products that you want to install is one  way that can help yourself from this bundled software. Open your eyes on surfing and go away from Software-Portals like download.com and others. 

 

Read in forums like here how users made experiences with different products can help you to choose the right choice.

 

 

 

[Caliburn]

Thing is, you probably won't need a Mac antivirus anyway unless you download some really obsure stuff, but it's always good to have one as a fallback I guess.

[newman87]

I just wanted to add, the strategy of many "free" anti virus applications is that once you get infected, they usually will upsell you to gain support access and help with the removal process. So, I think it's just one of those things that really offers them a good advertising  strategy. (considering an infected user will most likely use their support services for removal and for any future security needs.)