Testing to see if virus protectors are really necessary.
2007-01-19 04:43:07 · 15 answers · asked by Lou B 4 in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
I don't use antivirus and never have. I find that everytime I install it, it doesn't find anything anyway. It's for wimps. As long as you aren't downloading everything you can find, and aren't opening attachments from stupid emails, and aren't using stupid browsers like IE, and keeping XP updated, you won't get viruses.
2007-01-19 04:50:30 · answer #1 · answered by merlinn31 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The problem is, if you don't have it and need it, you have problems. It's possible that there is a virus on your system and you don't know it. It's possible... I can't really give you an answer as to whether you do or not because you don't have protection. If you use IE a lot, it's possible. If you use another browser like Firefox or Opera, it is still possible but your chances of getting infected have just dropped by about 85%.
The real problem is spyware... while viruses are far more malicious, getting infected with a virus is becoming harder. Opening email attachments from unknown senders is a sure fire way to get infected with a virus.
I'd have to say yes, if you are using a Windows XP computer that is connected to the internet, you need virus protection, not optional. Spyware protection too.
There are a number of free virus solutions out there... I'll list them and you can use any search engine to find them.
In order of preference:
Active Virus Shield (by AOL powered by Kaspersky)
Safety and Security Center (AOL email required, now free), powered by McAfee
AVG Free Edition
Avast Home Edition
Anti-Vir
That being said you also need a good third party firewall, the only free suite to provide a firewall, virus protection and spyware protection is the Safety and Security Center. If you want an all-in-one solution (for free) then that is the way to go.
If you are looking for a paid solution then you simply won't beat the new and improved Zone Alarm Security Suite 7 which won an Editors' Choice award at Cnet, http://reviews.cnet.com/ZoneAlarm_Internet_Security_Suite_7/4505-3667_7-32309439.html?tag=cnetfd.mt
2007-01-19 12:53:05 · answer #2 · answered by conradj213 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of Mac users don't use virus protection which is going to be very bad should more viruses be written for the Mac.
Now all sorts of spyware comes through, too, so I'd advise a virus protector. An awful lot of folks I know have had viruses and these aren't people who download a lot or open unknown email.
2007-01-19 12:48:32 · answer #3 · answered by princessmikey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Virus protectors ARE necessary. If you are low on resources (RAM, Processor etc. try NOD32 or AVG - they are good and don't expect you pay them a lot of attention - Also AVG is free at www.grisoft.com)
I closed my antivirus for 3 hours and started to play Warcraft III, after 3 hours, i reopened it and
*surprise* a new virus in my boot section
2007-01-19 12:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by p4duwow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My comment: After working in Various area, I have supported ( in the academic areas, Universities and colleges) 100s of people. The people with the most Horrendous virus and related issues, had one thing in common, NO ANTIVIRUS; Antivirus software is vital, and extremely necessary; if you wish to test this fact, I would suggest you have no secure data, no personal info, and no secure network connections... Hackers just Love people with no Antivirus or Gateway protection
2007-01-19 12:48:58 · answer #5 · answered by Mictlan_KISS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Many people using Linux never get into trouble caused by virus, without any anti-virus programs.
Why? Because most viruses run on Windows, won't run on Linux nor other OS. However, if it exists, its easy to prevent and destroy virus (designed for Linux) from infecting Linux.
2007-01-19 12:47:05 · answer #6 · answered by Alex 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be connected to the Internet and not have anti-virus is stupid.
These "problems" aren't just visable, hackers are invisable and without a virus prection, theny could use a virus to obtain detail and spend YOUR money on online sites.
2007-01-19 12:49:15 · answer #7 · answered by Chεεrs [uk] 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely they are needed , even for Mac and Linux users who believe that they are immune to Viruses.
If u use Windows just try uninstalling it for a week or so and surf the web as usual and see what develops . Maybe nothing , but Im sure that u will have problems soon without it.
2007-01-19 12:48:42 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, there are many people like me who wudnt like to leave their computers on the mercy of an anti-virus.
I like to be in control, and anti-virus takes away that control from you, and therefore eff ups your system against your wish.
To me , more damage had been done by anti-virus softwares than viruses itself. So i simply stopped using anti-virus.
My computer stays online for over 16 hours a day and it only has XP's firewall enabled. Thats all it has other than common sense of the user ;-P
2007-01-19 12:48:47 · answer #9 · answered by surjeett 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are some but eventually they will have trouble. Why do you not want to run an anti virus?
If it is the cost you can legally get a good one free.
Download AVG anti Virus free here –
http://www.get-antivirus.com/avg-antivirus
2007-01-19 12:46:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
On another computer, I use Linux, which doesn't have any virus scanner or protector. It always work fine.
2007-01-19 12:51:36 · answer #11 · answered by the DtTvB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋