Two free security programs for Mac users

Here are two free applications that will help protect your Mac from malware, viruses and trojans.

1. Sophos Anti-Virus Home Edition

Official description:

"Stops all threats, even those designed for Windows. Not only is your computer safe, files you send to other computers are safe from threats too. Thanks to Live Anti-Virus, you have a direct line to SophosLabs for the latest threat intelligence.

You might not want to immediately delete any bad files our scans find. No problem. You have the flexibility to quarantine questionable files and check them again later, or you can have them immediately removed from your computer. The choice is yours.

We've put the entire force of our business-strength threat expertise behind Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac. That means you're using the same product that protects organizations like Conair, the Paideia School and Miami Dade Public Schools.

We keep our antivirus light and easy. Once installed, it'll work quietly in the background with your choice of scanning on-access, on-demand or on a schedule. And of course, it will alert you when it finds something nasty."

2. ClamX AV

Official description:

"ClamXav is a free virus scanner for Mac OS X. It uses the very popular ClamAV open source antivirus engine as a back end and has the ability to detect both Windows and Mac threats.

ClamXav can be setup up as passive or active: scan only the files you tell it to or your entire hard drive, whichever you prefer; you can also choose to activate Sentry to monitor your hard drive and scan new files as they arrive.

Clean, simple-to-use interface
Clearly lists infected files
Free virus definitions (usually updated daily)
Save your favourite scan locations for easy access
Customise the toolbar - or hide it entirely
Send selected files to quarantine or trash with one click
Specify files to exclude using plain text* or by using drag & drop from the Finder
Specify schedules to update virus definitions and perform scans
Use ClamXav Sentry to monitor your hard drive and scan new files as they arrive†
Use the bundled ClamAV engine or bring your own installation†
Compatible with Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6 and 10.7 Lion"