New Mac for the college-bound kid - what do we need to know

[JerseygirlCT]

about security?

He'll have anti-virus as part of the college's software package, but how about spyware?

I've always used pcs, so this is new to me, but I want to be sure we do things right.

(Oh, and he's LOVING this thing. And I'm jealous that he got the free touch ipod... it looks like so much fun that I wish I'd grabbed it for me!)

TIA

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. You don't need to worry about a thing

Tell him to be sure and check his software update every week or so. Top left solid apple button. Click on it and you see software update.

I have had nothing but Macs since 1993 and never once had a virus problem.

[Pierre.Suave]

2. You dont need to worry

there are absolutely ZERO virii for mac OSX.

His school should have a software disk that has what he will need for the mac.

[Adelante]

3. No worries on that score

I would recommend, if you can afford it, one of these:

http://www.alsoft.com/DiskWarrior/index.html

http://www.micromat.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=83

These tools identify problems and very often can repair them and prevent more serious problems and expensive repairs. Some people prefer one or the other, but they do essentially the same thing. Not cheap, but to me worth the money. My Mac experience improved 100% with this investment.

[crimsonblue]

4. You do not need antivirus NOR spyware..

it's a mac.. thus, it doesn't get that stuff.

he should probably get a macbook. if it's his first computer, then anything more expensive or powerful will be wasted on him.