can i get a virus on my PC even if i've got anti-virus installed?

Question

kool! thanks guys... makes me feel sooo much better! :P

Answer 1

Absolutely. Your anti-virus only has info on certain viruses. New ones can completely bypass your anti-virus program. That is why it is so important to get updates regularly. Even with the most recent update, however, your anti-virus program may not recognize a certain virus.

Answer 2

NO anti-virus should ever be relied upon to give 100% protection. None of them do. Most only detect about 85 to 95% of all KNOWN viruses. When a brand new virus is released , NO signature-based anti-virus will detect it for several hours up to several days. And dozens of new viruses and other malware are created each and every day.

The best computer security is that which resides between the keyboard and the chair!

To avoid problems with viruses and other malwares:

Keep your Windows fully patched and all your software and updated by going to Windows Updates at least once a month, or set up your comp for automatic updates.

Don't use Limewire or any other P2P file sharing programs. Much of the "stuff" you can steal with it are filled with viruses, spyware, trojans and worms.

Never open any e-mail if you don't know the sender. Spam e-mail is a major virus infection vector.

Never click a link in an offline instant message, they often take you to an infected website.

Use a firewall and NEVER disable it even for a minute. Without a firewall, your computer can become infected within minutes. A firewall is your friend; it is there to protect you from hackers and malware. Learn how to configure it properly instead of disabling it, if a game or a program won't work.

Update both your anti-virus and anti-spyware every day. New malware comes out every hour of every day. An un-updated anti-malware program cannot catch the new threats.
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Here is a little online security tool called The Secunia Software Inspector, that scans a computer for un-secure, un-updated and un-patched apps that may be installed on your computer.

The Secunia Software Inspector checks for possibly vulnerable programs like Adobe, Winamp, Java etc. and notifies if critical security updates are needed. Takes about 30 seconds and the results might suprise you!

Will work using IE, Opera or Firefox.

Pretty cool and free of course at:
http://secunia.com/software_inspector

Following the above hints will stop all most of your virus and malware problems, you may not even need any sort of an anti-virus program.

Answer 3

Yes But Your Anti-Virus Should Be Able To Detect it And Remove It Before It Can DO Real Harm.

Answer 4

anyone can make a virus at anytime anywhere.
antivirus software only protects against major and common viruses

although lately the better anti-virus software programs have been getting much better at updating these libraries giving you much wider protection you will always be vulnerable to a new virus or an alteration of an old one until you update your virus definitions provided by your software company.

the availibility of these defenitions come from enough people having been infected and victimized for the company to notice and develop a "cure" for just that specific virus.
and then for you to download and instal this to your computer.

hope this helps.

Answer 5

Yes, you can. That is why it is always recommended to keep your virus definitions up to date. In addition, you should probably run scans at least once a week using at least 2 different apps. Some anti-virus programs will not pick up everything, so it is good to have 2 that are strong in different areas. That goes for adware and spyware as well.

Answer 6

Anti-virus alone does not adequately protect your system these days. Especially if it it not updated regularly.

Your OS needs to be patched regularly, a firewall is necessary. There are virus/trojan/spyware that can turn off your antivirus.

And watch those emails and IM.

Answer 7

Yes.

The purpose of your anti-virus program is to remove them from your PC. Click on the HELP TAB to learn more.

Answer 8

it depends on how great of an antivirus program you have, you can get these but the antivirus should block trojans and viruses at bay.if it doesn't then it is a weak one.

Answer 9

yes