Anti-virus requirments for Parallels Desktop 6????

T

Toddsta

Bit poster
I installed Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac onto my Macbook Pro.

I then installed Windows 7 Pro 64 bit as a virtual machine through Parallels software.

During the install, I selected 'Like a Mac' as the Windows OS integration type.

So..... do I NEED to install both a Mac AND a Windows Antivirus on my machine??? Or just a Windows anti-virus??? Keeping in mind that I selected 'Like a Mac' for the Windows OS integration type.

Also - why does Parallels include a Trial version of the Kaspersky Anti-Virus for Mac software?? Is this because the Mac side must now be protected because of the Parallels install? Is it necessary for the Mac to be covered with anti-virus protection now too???

I am confused!! Thanks for you help.... I don't see where Parallels even discusses anti-virus concerns or offers recommendations.
 
Hmm. Yes and no. It's up to you to decide if you should have Mac based A/V software installed. As you know many Mac users religiously believe that Mac A/V software is not required. It is true there are not many Mac Viruses out there. But some A/V software like Intego VirusBarrier 6 now does internet security as well. There's always the chance that you could bring in viruses from the wild and pass these viruses to Windows users. Now that you have Windows installed you should probably think about A/V. But it's really up to you. Installing Kapersky is one solution. Intego is another. Many people do not like Norton.
 
Thanks, but I guess I was wondering if.... since I am running Mac Snow Leopard AND a Windows 7 virtual machine at the same time - both open as it were - does this somehow open me up to virus through the Mac side?

Wondering why Parallels would include a Mac anti-virus trial software???
 
May I just repeat the question because I didn't understand so far all the details.

I myself now installed Parallels Desktop 7 and I installed Win 7 Professional in a minimal configuration, i.e. without Internet explorer, without mail, without media player. The background is that I need the virtual Windows machine just offline for one single program which is Adobe Photoshop ( I cannot afford a new mac license because it is too expensive).

I installed the virtual machine "like a Mac", so there really should be no uncontrolled internet access from within Windows. Still I don't understand if I then really need antivirus software. And if I should have it, then I would say that it should be installed in the Mac OS X Lion but not in the virtual Windows machine, correct ??

Best, Stephan
 
Antivirus

Yes you need antivirus software for your system. Make sure you buy an advanced software like Immunet or Kaspersky which provides complete security against all virus threats.
 
Interesting posts. I'm new to Parallel, but long time Mac user. Just installed Parallel 8 and Windows 7 (Home/64 bit).
Not Windows is asking for an Anti Virus protection to be installed. I've heard of severe slow downs of Windows OS because of the Anti Virus software (running in background). I guess this would also happen to my Virtual Machine? Should my Windows get infected, why can't I simply uninstall Parallel, then make a new installation?
 
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