is it possible to protect you PC from every kind of virus?

Question

is it possible to do it without any upgrading in the future?if yes, how? if no, then why not?

Answer 1

Viruses are not the biggest problem any more, trojans (spyware) and rootkits are. You just need to learn about these different types of programs and how to stay one step ahead.
You can protect your pc from most problems and stop them getting on in the first place; and you can remove most things if they get on.
Keep your work backed up off the pc and as a last resort reformat the hard drive and do a clean install.
What will keep your pc secure is your behaviour. If you open unknown e-mails and attatchments, or let visitors use the Administrator account and put a program on from a floppy or cd, you'll get a problem. If you're careful then you won't.
Here's a list of security software;

The Windows firewall doesn't stop malware on your pc from dialling out. Either of these firewalls are free for personal use and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic. You choose which programs are allowed to access the internet. They are both fairly easy to use and updated regularly.
http://www.zonelabs.com Zone Alarm firewall
http://www.kerio.com Kerio firewall

Shields Up security site, check your firewall works
https://www.grc.com

http://www.mozilla.com/ Firefox web browser
http://www.opera.com/ Opera web browser
Instal both these web browsers, turn off javascript on one and use that browser for vising unknown websites. They don't support Active X so thats one less way for problems to get on your pc.

Winpatrol is a handy utility that tracks cookies on your pc and stops unwanted changes to your startup folder.
http://www.winpatrol.com

Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com

http://www.siteadvisor.com -Site Advisor warns about malware on sites you are about to visit.

http://www.avast.com - Avast Antivirus

http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/ - Trend Micro online virus guide
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ - Trend Micro PCillin online scan

http://www.ewido.net - Ewido anti trojan

Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.lavasoft.com

Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware
http://www.safer-networking.org

http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - The Spyware Warrior site identifies fake anti spyware programs.

http://www.bitdefender.com -BitDefender can be used as a second, on demand anti virus.

http://www.ccleaner.com Cr*pcleaner Registry cleaner and privacy tool

You can also download Microsofts free Windows Defender from the official Microsoft site, and the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Remember to update and run all of you anti malware programs at least once a week.

Answer 2

It is never possible to protect your PC from EVERY kind of virus as new ones are being invented every single day. The time it takes for a new virus to be released and the companies to update there scanners, to protect against it, is the time that it could infect your computer. However this is somewhat unlikely. The best thing to do is ensure you keep yous scanner up to date.

Answer 3

It is not possible to be completely secure from viruses/spyware/hacking. Aside from disconnecting from the Internet and not loading any software on your machine you need to run a decent Antivirus program that incorporates regular updates. There are some good free ones around such as Avast and AVG. Be aware though that only one Antivirus program should be run on your machine, to prevent conflicts.
Also, to prevent Spyware installing on your machine you should install at least 2 or more Anti-spyware programs such as AdAware, Spyware Doctor, Spybot etc. Antispyware programs generally don't conflict with one another, but they can eat up memory resources. Microsoft also provide anti spyware software in the form of Windows Defender which comes with Service Pack 2. Some Spyware programs are particularly ‘dangerous’, as they can log your keystrokes (when typing a password for example) and send this to a waiting recipient who can then gain access to your personal stuff. Finally, you need a Firewall to prevent hackers from gaining access to your system from outside. Windows XP comes with its own firewall and works pretty well. Zonealarm provides an excellent free firewall, which I feel is superior to the Windows version.
The following link provides a means of testing your PC for hacking vulnerabilities by checking if your machine appears ‘invisible’ on the Internet or not

https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

There is no such thing as perfect security. The approach used in the profession is one of ‘layers’. The more layers i.e. Anti-virus, AntiSpyware and good Firewall protection all help prevent the outside world from getting in. Think of it this way. There are two identical cars, both have electronic anti-theft devices, but the 2nd car also has a steering lock. Although this steering lock is no obstacle to a talented thief, he will most likely opt for the other car as he then only has to deal with the one anti theft device instead of two. Hope this helps


(Later)
Ahh Sarah C, good answer, you beat me to it!!

Answer 4

Yes, if you have av virus, and update regularly, incidentaly it is free, but wat for it....it is sponsered by the wonderful mafia microsoft!! \Use spybot search and destroy, also registry cleaner, run about once a month. One sure way to not get a virus is tonot open e.mails from things you do not recognise, or are not sure of,. spam em. In fact there are only two ways to get a virus, usualy through e.mails esp. attatchments, and ususually through the people who try to help you not get one. i.e scam, and capitalist tactics. I have had more bother with micosoft upgrades, than anything else hate microsoft. Just be careful what you open, and if you mess about with downloading music, then you a wide open to all kinds. The internet is for research, banking, information, flights, e.mail mates ets. Not music. get a good stereo...no not mess with stuff you do not uderstand, my motto.

Answer 5

It will NEVER be possible to protect a computer that is connected to the internet from all future viruses. as long as there are still people stupid enough to disable Virus checkers to run something they receive via e-mail or to think that they have won a lottery they never entered or are a long lost relative of someone with millions of dollars in a vault in Nigeria then there will be people willing and able to write a virus that no one has come up with yet.

Answer 6

No,you must always upgrade new security from microsoft or whatever system you use, also upgrade anti-virus, firewalls. Failing that then do not connect to the internet at all. New risk come out all the time,only way to beat it is upgrade all security. If you ignore this advice do so at your peril.

Answer 7

Sorry to not be of any real help but I have to agree with Ian F and say you'll never fully be able to protect your PC from Viruses because new ones are being created every day. The only way that you'll be truly safe from Viruses is to buy yourself a AppleMac. They might be pricey but they're worth it and they don't get Viruses because Viruses are written specifically for computers with Windows which counts Macs out because they're written in a different language.

Answer 8

Sadly not as, even with regular updates, there will be new/undiscovered virus out there that will defeat even the best protection (there is even a 'common rumour' that the companies making money from selling the virus protection and updates employ a 'secret army' of virus writers to help keep them in business (cynical I know but one hell of a good business ploy you have to agree!).

PS > I suppose, if you never connected to the internet, never inserted a floppy-disk, memory-stick or similar your PC might just remain 100% virus free but then it sure would limit would you could do with/on it (play games I suppose!).

Answer 9

the best way to protect yourself from all viruses is to use a program that will check for updates on a regular basis
one of the best programs for this is f-secure(http://www.f-secure.com/download-purchase/list.shtml),which looks for updates every 2 to 3 hours
fsecure have won many awards for being the fastest to detect new viruses"in the wild",and in my experience are one of(if not) the best anti-virus scanner on the market
the best free option for regular updates is avast 4.7 anti-virus(free) and can be downloaded from http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html
this is a very good free scanner and has 6 on demand scanners including a p2p(file sharing) scanner for all the limewire freaks out there
unfortunately there will never be a 100% up to date scanner ,as virus writers are allways creating new strains of viruses and malware to infect the network
the best way to defeat these parasites is to make sure that you(and all your freinds and family) have up to date anti virus and anti spyware software installed and a good firewall,as viruses rely on users to spread the infection ,so if the viruses can be stopped before they start this will keep the network clear of viruses
good luck

Answer 10

Unless you simply switch it off and never use it then, no. Fortunately, most viruses are not targeted on the common home user and the ones that are are so glaringly obvious that you would be a fool and a cretin for falling for them ( eg. "you are a million pound winner, click here to claim your prize" if anyone ever clicks this then im sorry but they deserve everything they get.