14 DAY TRIAL // This week, security vendor Avira Software released Update 2 of the Avira Free Mac Security for Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion) and OS X 10.9 (Mavericks).
Security-wary customers using OS X have a new update to download and install on their computers.
Avira Free Mac Security 2.0.2.393 is a new version of the free antivirus app from Avira Software which brings the much-coveted ability to turn real-time protection ON and OFF.
Simply download Avira Free Mac Security 2, launch the app, tap the Avira menubar icon, and there you’ll find the option to “Disable Real-Time Protection.”
If it’s already turned off, then you’ll find an option that says “Enable Real-Time Protection.” The ON/OFF switch can also be found in the app’s right-click menu from the Dock icon.
Avira Software says, “In order to protect your security better, it is required to have administrative rights in order to deactivate the real time protection. Once you do that, the umbrella will be displayed as closed in all places.”
Naturally, the security company would rather not dispense this advice for fear of giving users the wrong idea. After all, this new ability pretty much cripples the app’s main purpose. Which is why they include this very thoughtful note for their customers: “Of course, we don’t recommend to do this!”
Only turn off real-time protection when you’re absolutely certain you won’t be visiting any potentially malicious web sites, or if you don’t plan on downloading uncertified stuff from the web.
Avira Free Mac Security 2.0 also includes a number of bug fixes, as well as some speed and usability improvements, For example, “Quick System scan” is faster now, according to the developers.
As of now, Avira Free Mac Security 2.0 is no longer compatible with OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) and OS X 10.7 (Lion).