Comments for Do you really need anti-virus software?

Comment from Ivan Tadej on 2007-10-31

2007-10-31T16:54:36Z

Yeah Leo, I totally agree with you on this one. In my opinion, the anti-virus program is not at all such a necessity in case of knowledgeable computer users. In fact, I would even recommend against it because of the stress (i.e. file-system level monitoring of files opening/closing/etc.) that it puts on a user's system. But yeah, a good firewall (like for instance XP SP2's, don't ask me why!!) is a completely different matter ...

And as I wrote in my post in the "Anti-virus necessary?": http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/.../m/116001624831 thread on forumu on Ars Technica website:

"Well, IMO the problem in our cases (of computer savvy users) can be that we disable the "real-time" protection (I most certainly recommend this, at least for example during software installations, applying various updates etc.), and so we can be infected then when protection is off.

For instance, I use Avast! anti-virus program, and I enable its "on-access" protection only when I am connected to the Internet, and even then only the "Web Shield" component. As I mentioned many times already, I mostly visit the same set of sites every day, then I practice the "common sense" thing in surfing the web etc. etc., so I haven't got any problem (with a few exceptions, which were all my experimenting's/stupidity's fault) with viruses or any other form of malware for years!!"

P.S., I also touched this issue/subject in great details in this entry: http://tadej.sopca.com/2007/10/05/o-uporabineuporabi-anti-virusnih-programov/ on my slovenian blog; although it's in slovenian language you might understand some parts of it.

________

best regards,
Ivan Tadej, Slovenia
http://tadej-ivan.50webs.com/

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from john cowton on 2007-10-30

2007-10-30T12:16:11Z

i have always used 1 anti-virus and 1 firewall ( apart from windows)afterall when you leave home you lock your doors dont you.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from YP on 2007-10-26

2007-10-27T03:41:15Z

Dear Leo, just like you, I have never lost a single bit because of viruses for 20 years, but I do always have an anti-virus software running.

However, I think I am not that agreeable that we can be safe without anti-virus software. This may be true in the olden days where nothing get executed without you explicitly do so. Nowadays worms can get into our system (especially for Ms. Windows) and get executed. Even we ensure our systems are properly patched and firewall running, the risk is still there.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from JClark on 2007-10-23

2007-10-23T11:58:50Z

I was advised by one of my brother-in-laws that works on computers daily. He told me that "N" and "M" do not check there own execution files when searching for virus's. He pointed me towards AVAST anti-virus. Have never had a problem with it and it has caught virus trying to sneak in a couple of times now. I won't run without AV or spybot. Even though I have been around awhile, there is always the chance that I will stumble into something that would be bad. Thanks for all the advice you give out, I find it very informative.

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Comment from B.Scotson on 2007-10-22

2007-10-22T19:04:47Z

How do you rate free antivirus? I was advised by a geek to stop Norton and use AVG (www.grisoft.com)

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Comment from Tony on 2007-10-20

2007-10-21T02:41:36Z

I have an old cheap underpowered laptop in the kitchen on a wireless connection. I look at the weather and read the news on from Washington Post, yahoo, MSNBC and the like in the early morning. I put AV on it and it was so slow and it took 5-10 minutes to boot up. My coffee was made before it booted up. I took off the AV and it runs fine. It has been a year now and I haven't had any problems, but I don't visit any odd web sites.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from Doug Woodall on 2007-10-20

2007-10-20T13:52:10Z

Hi,
Unless you're really good with computer security, you need AntiVirus, AntiSpyware, and a reliable Firewall. The casual user will not be able to stop their system from becoming vulnerable.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from jose A. silva on 2007-10-20

2007-10-20T13:40:42Z

Hi, by any chance do you have any info in spanish.i would like to know.thank for all the info you give us .

Att: jose.

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Comment from Julian on 2007-10-19

2007-10-19T20:53:21Z

I agree 100% Leo. I am one of those that knows and my AV has not had to work for over 2 years. I keep it around as it is not intrusive and requires minimal attention (unlike some AV's starting with an "N".)

A good Firewall is essential. A bad one is better than standing in the middle of the road, but get a good one (research, research, research).

Thanks for all the pearls Leo. Makes us know-it's feel we are not as stupid as the commoners think.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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Comment from Gavin on 2007-10-14

2007-10-14T21:48:43Z

This might have only a slight relation to the title but read this bit and then delete if u must :( -------->I have sent you a e-mail at [removed] if you could reply to that, that would be great,in relation to this does port forwarding open up a route past ur firewall and anti-virus and how do you do it.I have done everything I have a ip address ive set up the ports UDP and TCP or whatever they are cant remember for a netopia 2247 to use on utorrent but it wont work im runnig windows xp pro sp 2.

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A comment on: Do you really need anti-virus software?

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