I currently run my computer without any type of Anti-virus or Firewall program. The reason why i do this is because I am on dial-up and also a online gamer. Both a Firewall and AV cause many problems for me in these games from high latency, to disconnections from the game server. I have tried all different kinds of AV and Firewall programs, even the Windows XP based Firewall and it's always the same result. I have them configured the way the games want them to be configured, but it makes no difference.
I have been this way for 3 years now, and I scan for malware/spyware once a week using 3 different programs as well as using Bitdefender's online virus scanner and Avast! AV. I have never had an infection and all I get are harmless tracking cookies. My wife and I are safe in our browsing habits and don't open strange e-mails.
So am I crazy or not?
2006-09-07 01:20:56 · 13 answers · asked by nanookadenord 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
Just a few more details. The games that I play are MMORPGs like World of Warcraft, EQ, EQII, Horizons and the like. My wife and I aren't click happy.
As far as just disabling a Firewall, all that does is make things worse it seems as the Firewall then locks things down even tighter. Don't even get me started on the bloatware known as Norton or McAfee. Their footprint is way to large for my tastes.
2006-09-07 01:44:41 · update #1
Yes, you are crazy cuz ur computer just got hacked right now!!! not gonna tell you who ;)
2006-09-07 01:22:43 · answer #1 · answered by F2ni BOY 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Firewalls is needed more by people who have an "always on" internet connection, such as dsl or cable.
As for Anti-virus programs, some programs do have an option for you to temporarily disable them for any amount of time, such as 15 mins or 5 hours. Norton Anti-Virus is 1 of them.
Anyways, if all you do is play games, than you should be relatively safe, but as soon as you browse a web site, you're at risk. Sure, the web site you intially visit may be completely trustworthy and safe, but that web site will have a link to another web site, and that web site will have a link to another web site, and as you're clicking and browsing through different site, you're like having sex without a condom.
Speaking of sex, you definately wanna stay away from porn & warez sites until you get an anti-virus program, since those are the most common sites will try to sneak virus & spyware on your computer.
2006-09-07 08:35:13 · answer #2 · answered by UtopianImp 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No. u r not. though it is generally a very dangerous practice to work wihtout an antivirus and firewall, yet if u have been able to manage till now, chances are that u shall have no problem in future either. just make sure that u check for viruses, malwares and spywares regularly.And, keep updating ur avast virus database.
2006-09-07 08:27:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
are the game using java applet? If the game using java applet it not may cause an infection of the virus on your computer. Did you update your antivirus if not may be virus scanner is need to be update. You are not crazy my friend. The dial up connection is less harm than the T1 or dsl connection
2006-09-07 08:34:19 · answer #4 · answered by Apolonio C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No you are not crazy. A firewall is not necessary for a dial-up connection and with a little common sense you can avoid computer viruses.
The writers of anti-virus software trade on people's ignorance and fear.
2006-09-07 08:28:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not at all. I've never used a firewall or AV in the 10 years I've been an avid gamer.
The only virus I've gotten that I'm aware of was that Windows one that restarted my computer. (And that was because of a weakness in windows, not me)
Anything I've gotten that I don't know about is obviously not a big enough deal to worry about, since it hasn't surfaced yet.
2006-09-07 08:23:27 · answer #6 · answered by Seraphim 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Na, IF ure not usingf ur net for keeping classified top secret documents .its not a problem
even i surf the net without a fire wall but have AV installed i disable it and then run
2006-09-07 08:32:12 · answer #7 · answered by evil_abby 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then my guess is you aren't using IE at all. From what you have said, you are not crazy. But, it only takes one virus, just remember that.
2006-09-07 08:23:39 · answer #8 · answered by conradj213 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One can never be too careful with the internet. Mant IT people will make viruses just because they can. Get protected.
2006-09-07 08:27:23 · answer #9 · answered by doggiebike 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My firewall is reporting a SYN FLOOD from your account.
You are owned.
2006-09-07 08:25:12 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋