[madasaflake]

I am thinking of treating myself to an ipad soon and just have a couple of probably daft question. First, if I get one with 3g (and I understand what that is) and choose in the first instance not to use the 3g option by not subscribing to a data plan would I still be able to use it with the wifi option to access the net? Does the ipad need security software as the PC and laptop does? Thanks.

[anniebrion]

Originally Posted by madasaflake

I am thinking of treating myself to an ipad soon and just have a couple of probably daft question. First, if I get one with 3g (and I understand what that is) and choose in the first instance not to use the 3g option by not subscribing to a data plan would I still be able to use it with the wifi option to access the net? Does the ipad need security software as the PC and laptop does? Thanks.

I only have a WiFi iPad3 64GB so cannot answer the first question.

You don't need security software ie Antivirus, Firewall, Anti-Malware etc...

[gemma-the-husky]

yes - you can use wifi if available

[madasaflake]

Thanks to both of you.

[Dickimuss]

I you are like me you will find very few situations where you need a connection and are not near a suitable wifi source. If you are, and have suitable phone/data plan you can very easily tether the iPad to that. Unless you have specific opportunity to get a device on some special deal it is probably not worth paying extra for the 3G iPad 'just in case'. Especially as you will need a separate data plan to get the most out of it.

That's my 10 pence worth anyway.

[madasaflake]

Originally Posted by Dickimuss

I you are like me you will find very few situations where you need a connection and are not near a suitable wifi source. If you are, and have suitable phone/data plan you can very easily tether the iPad to that. Unless you have specific opportunity to get a device on some special deal it is probably not worth paying extra for the 3G iPad 'just in case'. Especially as you will need a separate data plan to get the most out of it.

That's my 10 pence worth anyway.

Excellent advice - thanks. You are probably right - I was hoping there may be some special deals coming up to Xmas so if there were I could go for a 3g one, but if not I will stick to the wifi one. Just curious about the security question I asked - does it come with its own - why don't you need the same sort as a PC does?

[Rodney McKay]

Originally Posted by madasaflake

Excellent advice - thanks. You are probably right - I was hoping there may be some special deals coming up to Xmas so if there were I could go for a 3g one, but if not I will stick to the wifi one. Just curious about the security question I asked - does it come with its own - why don't you need the same sort as a PC does?

I'm not aware that the iPad is vulnerable to a virus, certainly if you only install software from the app store.

However, a lot of data theft goes on with things like fake sites, emails with dodgy links in it that take you to sites pretending to be your bank etc.

You just need to be careful about any site you visit that it's genuine and not a scam.

[Lysandar]

Why doesn't an iPad need security apps or whatever?
Thanks

[Gormond]

Originally Posted by Lysandar

Why doesn't an iPad need security apps or whatever?
Thanks

The iPad can only download software from Apples App Store which has been checked by Apple for viruses and so forth.

If Apple happen to make a mistake and a virus slips through then Apple has the ability to remotely remove it from all effected devices.

Because of this walled garden there is no need for an anti virus app.

I assume the same can be said with Android devices if you dont disable the security setting to allow you do get apps from third party's as Google can also remotely remove viruses you may have downloaded from the Play store.

[Lysandar]

Originally Posted by Gormond

The iPad can only download software from Apples App Store which has been checked by Apple for viruses and so forth.

If Apple happen to make a mistake and a virus slips through then Apple has the ability to remotely remove it from all effected devices.

Because of this walled garden there is no need for an anti virus app.

I assume the same can be said with Android devices if you dont disable the security setting to allow you do get apps from third party's as Google can also remotely remove viruses you may have downloaded from the Play store.

Thanks, Gormond
..and no need for defragging either.

[Gormond]

Originally Posted by Lysandar

Thanks, Gormond
..and no need for defragging either.

Yeah that would just reduce the life of any type of flash storage.