Spyware 101 on macs answers/help please ?

New to macs(own mac book leopard) and was wondering about spyware and downloading ?
How safe is it for a mac user to download music etc from these file sharing programmes like torrent?
Will spyware affect a mac ? reading email ,access personal information etc?
Thanks for your help

The Mac share of the market is around 5%, compared to around 90% for Windows, hence Macs aren’t targeted so much. They are not immune to malware, see:

http://www.sophos.com/pressoffice/news/articles/2006/02/macosxleap.html

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/26/more_mac_malware/

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/01/21/stealthier_mac_attacks/

Generally, you’ll be pretty safe but using an ‘anti-virus’ program would be a good idea.

Mac Vs PC – 2 – Spyware

iBoss Home Web Filtering Wireless N Router $49.95 The iBoss combines the best in Internet Parental Controls with a powerful built-in Wireless Firewall Router to bring you the ultimate in home network protection for your family. The iBoss allows you to share your Internet connection safely at home with all of your wired and wireless computers while providing powerful Internet filtering technology that puts you in control of your Children’s activit…

Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 – 3 Users $16.75 Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012 is the backbone of your PC s security system delivering real-time protection from the latest malware and viruses. It works behind-the-scenes with intelligent scanning and small frequent updates while proactively protecting you from known and emerging Inter threats. Enjoy essential protection that won t slow you down with Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2012.Key Features: Real-time p…