Do I Really Need an Antivirus Program?

[husky86]

I have just about had it with all antivirus programs. They slow down my
system, they cause problems with individual programs -- for instance Adobe
Acrobat 8.1 cannot convert webpages to PDF documents when antivirus programs
are installed -- and in general they just seem to make my computing
experience much more of a headache.

I have tried Norton, AVG, Avast, McAffee, and others (free and full-paid
editions). Once I remove any of these programs from my system, it's like the
sun has come out, the rain and clouds have gone away, and everything
functions beautifully.

I know that this is an age-old question (at least in computer terms), but do
I really need an antivirus program running on my system?

Especially if I don't open any attachments from any known or unknown
senders, do I really need to have an antivirus program running in the
background? Is it really essential?

Many thanks for any and all comments!

(I'm running Windows Vista Ultimate, by the way, with Microsoft Office 2007,
and Firefox 3 as my web browser.)

 

[Kayman]

I have just about had it with all antivirus programs. They slow down my
system, they cause problems with individual programs -- for instance Adobe
Acrobat 8.1 cannot convert webpages to PDF documents when antivirus programs
are installed -- and in general they just seem to make my computing
experience much more of a headache.

A 'slow' system may not necessarily indicative of a particular software
program.
Monitor programs like Process Explorer, System Explorer or What's Running
can give you an indication what's running in the back ground of your
computer.
You could perform a scan with:
Kaspersky's AVPTool
http://downloads5.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
There's no updating involved since the scanning engine is updated
several times a day and you simply download the updated scanner whenever
you want to do a scan.

I have tried Norton, AVG, Avast, McAffee, and others (free and full-paid
editions). Once I remove any of these programs from my system, it's like the
sun has come out, the rain and clouds have gone away, and everything
functions beautifully.

A number of experts agree that the *retail* AV version of McAfee, Norton
and Trend Micro has become cumbersome and bloated for the average user.
The major criticisms are related to stability and footprint, the most
common problem being slow-downs because of the massive system resources
these applications hog. Sadly, the new version AVG has lost is lustre and
has turned in to a resource hog as well.

I know that this is an age-old question (at least in computer terms), but do
I really need an antivirus program running on my system?
Especially if I don't open any attachments from any known or unknown
senders, do I really need to have an antivirus program running in the
background? Is it really essential?

No, you don't; But this is a very controversial issue! The average user
who never heard of operating system hardening etc. should use a good
quality AV application

To keep it simple:

Why don't you try:
Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
--or--
ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus for Win XP/2000/Vista 3.0 (30 Day Trial)
http://www.eset.com/download/free_trial_download_int.php

PS: prior downloading/installing the AV apps. ensure that AVG is removed
from your system *completely*.
How to remove AVG Free Antivirus
http://askabouttech.com/how-to-remove-avg-free-antivirus/
--or--
Revo Uninstaller
http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Good luck

 

[husky86]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'm going to reinstall Avast. Out of all the ones I've tried, it was the
least problematic.

 

[husky86]

Many thanks for this very helpful info!

A 'slow' system may not necessarily indicative of a particular software
program.
Monitor programs like Process Explorer, System Explorer or What's Running
can give you an indication what's running in the back ground of your
computer.
You could perform a scan with:
Kaspersky's AVPTool
http://downloads5.kaspersky-labs.com/devbuilds/AVPTool/
There's no updating involved since the scanning engine is updated
several times a day and you simply download the updated scanner whenever
you want to do a scan.


A number of experts agree that the *retail* AV version of McAfee, Norton
and Trend Micro has become cumbersome and bloated for the average user.
The major criticisms are related to stability and footprint, the most
common problem being slow-downs because of the massive system resources
these applications hog. Sadly, the new version AVG has lost is lustre and
has turned in to a resource hog as well.


No, you don't; But this is a very controversial issue! The average user
who never heard of operating system hardening etc. should use a good
quality AV application

To keep it simple:

Why don't you try:
Avira AntiVir® Personal - FREE Antivirus
http://www.free-av.com/
--or--
ESET NOD32 3.0 Antivirus for Win XP/2000/Vista 3.0 (30 Day Trial)
http://www.eset.com/download/free_trial_download_int.php

PS: prior downloading/installing the AV apps. ensure that AVG is removed
from your system *completely*.
How to remove AVG Free Antivirus
http://askabouttech.com/how-to-remove-avg-free-antivirus/
--or--
Revo Uninstaller
http://www.revouninstaller.com/

Good luck

 

[Not Me]

Not having an antivirus is like walking cross-country barefoot in snake &
scorpion country.
You might get lucky a few times, but eventually you'll get bit.
If you're going to use the net, you need to accept the fact there are a LOT
of people out there that want to either infect your machine (just to show
they can) or steal your data (to get your money).

There are as many opinions of what the best AV is as there are AV programs,
but use SOMETHING!!
I use Avast, AVG8, Clamwin (all free) and NOD32 (paid) on various machines.
Of the Paid AVs, NOD32 is probably among the best.
I avoid Norton/Symantec and McAfee like the plague. I think Panda is
mediocre.

 

[Steve Thackery]

Everybody apart from me says "yes, you must have an antivirus program".

I say "no".

My machine has been permanently connected to the Internet, 27/7/365 for four
years without antivirus software of any kind. The most recent 18 months
have been running Vista, prior to that XP SP2.

I've left the Vista security features in their default modes, as installed.

I'm connected via a standard off-the-shelf ADSL router with NAS and the
usual firewall features.

Just to be sure, I run Kaspersky's on-line scanner twice a year (it has the
same detection capabilities as their full-blown product) and my machine
comes up clean every single time.

To be fair, I don't download files from dodgy sites, and I observe the usual
sensible precautions when online. Other than that, I use my machine just
like anyone else would.

I think the threat from viruses and malware is massively overstated. I've
got a good backup regime, so even if my machine does get infected one day,
I'll simply vapourise the disk and reinstall from scratch.

Personally I don't think that will ever happen, and it's wonderful using a
PC with no security software at all (apart from the built-in Vista stuff).

SteveT

 

[Hobbes]

Everybody apart from me says "yes, you must have an antivirus program".

I say "no".

My machine has been permanently connected to the Internet, 27/7/365 for
four years without antivirus software of any kind. The most recent 18
months have been running Vista, prior to that XP SP2.

I've left the Vista security features in their default modes, as
installed.

I'm connected via a standard off-the-shelf ADSL router with NAS and the
usual firewall features.

Just to be sure, I run Kaspersky's on-line scanner twice a year (it has
the same detection capabilities as their full-blown product) and my
machine comes up clean every single time.

To be fair, I don't download files from dodgy sites, and I observe the
usual sensible precautions when online. Other than that, I use my machine
just like anyone else would.

I think the threat from viruses and malware is massively overstated. I've
got a good backup regime, so even if my machine does get infected one day,
I'll simply vapourise the disk and reinstall from scratch.

Personally I don't think that will ever happen, and it's wonderful using a
PC with no security software at all (apart from the built-in Vista stuff).

SteveT

I've run XP for 6 months no AV .. no problems.

Vista I use Kaspersky because I have 16 months left on my subscription.

Not only massively overstated ... intentionally overstated.
You have to convince users of the "disease" they sell the cure for.

 

[John Barnett MVP]

Simple answer to your question is Yes, you do need an anti virus
application. Don't think you'll ever get a virus? Then think again because,
I can assure you, you will! Play safe and re-install the anti virus
software.

--

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows Desktop Experience

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..

 

[Kayman]

Everybody apart from me says "yes, you must have an antivirus program".

A pompous remark.

 

[ray]

Not if you switch to Linux.

 

[Steve Thackery]

Everybody apart from me says "yes, you must have an antivirus program".

A pompous remark.

You what? When I wrote my reply, every other reply to the OP said "yes", so
I was the only one who said no.

Pillock.

SteveT

 

[The poster formerly known as 'The Poster Formerly]

husky86 wrote:
<snippage>

Yes, you need one.

--
"...every non-modular OS SUCKS...Speaking for myself only."
- zachd [MSFT]

DRM and unintended consequences:
http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/security/?p=435&tag=nl.e101

 

[snooker416]

I have just about had it with all antivirus programs.  They slow down my
system, they cause problems with individual programs -- for instance Adobe
Acrobat 8.1 cannot convert webpages to PDF documents when antivirus programs
are installed -- and in general they just seem to make my computing
experience much more of a headache.

I have tried Norton, AVG, Avast, McAffee, and others (free and full-paid
editions).  Once I remove any of these programs from my system, it's like the
sun has come out, the rain and clouds have gone away, and everything
functions beautifully.

I know that this is an age-old question (at least in computer terms), butdo
I really need an antivirus program running on my system?

Especially if I don't open any attachments from any known or unknown
senders, do I really need to have an antivirus program running in the
background?  Is it really essential?

Many thanks for any and all comments!

(I'm running Windows Vista Ultimate, by the way, with Microsoft Office 2007,
and Firefox 3 as my web browser.)

I don't use one and I been doing so now over a year . You guys say you
can get a virus just from from a website , like what kind of site ?
Because I have surf and view many sites without getting a virus. If
you mean sites from porn or anything like that I can see why but
where if not ? I want to open one of these site and see if I get a
virus , Yes I am asking to be infected . So where are these sites
normal people would get just by surfing the internet at ? Thanks

 

[Ringmaster]

You guys say you
can get a virus just from a website, like what kind of site ?

Almost any kind of site, which is the point, you never know.

Because I have surf and view many sites without getting a virus.

If you don't use a Virus checker how do you know you haven't picked up
a Virus? Many, especially Trojans and worms, (not a true virus) lie in
wait and may be secretly infecting your system allowing some remote
user to hijack it and no, you would never know unless you knew how to
check.

If you mean sites from porn or anything like that I can see why but
where if not ?
Anywhere.

I want to open one of these site and see if I get a
virus , Yes I am asking to be infected . So where are these sites
normal people would get just by surfing the internet at ? Thanks

Ok, you want to volunteer. Go visit the following newsgroup:

 

[Bill Yanaire]

Almost any kind of site, which is the point, you never know.


If you don't use a Virus checker how do you know you haven't picked up
a Virus? Many, especially Trojans and worms, (not a true virus) lie in
wait and may be secretly infecting your system allowing some remote
user to hijack it and no, you would never know unless you knew how to
check.


Ok, you want to volunteer. Go visit the following newsgroup:

and what newsgroup would that be? Dr. Laura or Rush Limbaugh? Why would
anyone want to go there? Oh, Adam [Ringmaster clown] wants to go there to
insult everyone. Now I remember.

 

[Ken Blake, MVP]

I have just about had it with all antivirus programs. They slow down my
system, they cause problems with individual programs -- for instance Adobe
Acrobat 8.1 cannot convert webpages to PDF documents when antivirus programs
are installed -- and in general they just seem to make my computing
experience much more of a headache.

I have tried Norton, AVG, Avast, McAffee, and others (free and full-paid
editions). Once I remove any of these programs from my system, it's like the
sun has come out, the rain and clouds have gone away, and everything
functions beautifully.

That's not my experience at all. Yes, Norton and McAfee will slow down
your computer, but unless you have a very slow computer to begin with,
I haven't seen any noticeable slowdown from Avast or AVG.

I know that this is an age-old question (at least in computer terms), but do
I really need an antivirus program running on my system?

"Need" is a very difficult thing to evaluate. There are some people
who are extremely cautious in everything they do online, run without
an anti-virus program, and have never been infected.

On the other hand, if one day you are especially tired, had a bad day
at work, had a fight with your spouse, etc., and your guard gets let
down, you can very easily do the wrong thing and get infected.

I think of myself as very cautious person. Nevertheless I have always
used an anti-virus program (as well as several anti-spyware programs),
and wouldn't think of running without one.

Especially if I don't open any attachments from any known or unknown
senders,

Not opening attachments is good, and helps protect you.

Do you read E-mail in html? You can easily get infected that way.

Same with newsgroup messages; if you read those in E-mail, you can
easily get infected.

What web sites do you go to. Are you *always* sure that every site you
get to is safe?

do I really need to have an antivirus program running in the
background? Is it really essential?

It's your choice, of course. Nobody can tell you what to do, but I
think running without one is foolhardy.

 

[snooker416]

Almost any kind of site, which is the point, you never know.


If you don't use a Virus checker how do you know you haven't picked up
a Virus? Many, especially Trojans and worms, (not a true virus) lie in
wait and may be secretly infecting your system allowing some remote
user to hijack it and no, you would never know unless you knew how to
check.


Ok, you want to volunteer. Go visit the following newsgroup:

Because my computer has never gave me one problem . All my data is
there . All my programs work good . I have no problems at all . If I
had a virus wouldn't I notice something odd ?

 

[Kayman]

You what? When I wrote my reply, every other reply to the OP said "yes", so
I was the only one who said no.

No, you were not!

 

[xfile]

Hi,

I too would suggest to have one though it cannot replace any of the already
suggested good safe computing practices.

I tend to see it also as one of the last line of defense for whatever reason
one got infected, it could help to quickly resolve and/or minimize the
damages, similar to the passive defense systems in a car (e.g. seat belt,
air bag).

Career criminals spend days and nights to come up with new viruses, and most
of us don't have the time, resources, skills, and knowledge to catch up with
them, so why not let security experts deal with them?

My two cents.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have just about had it with all antivirus programs.

You've actually tried all of the many dozens of antivrus products
available? I'm impressed. How many years did it take?

They slow down my
system,

Some do, yes.

... they cause problems with individual programs

Again, a very few can do so, yes.

... -- for instance Adobe
Acrobat 8.1 cannot convert webpages to PDF documents when antivirus programs
are installed

That is completely untrue.

... -- and in general they just seem to make my computing
experience much more of a headache.

That's true of any software that one doesn't learn to configure and use
properly.

I have tried Norton, AVG, Avast, McAffee, and others (free and full-paid
editions). Once I remove any of these programs from my system, it's like the
sun has come out, the rain and clouds have gone away, and everything
functions beautifully.

I know that this is an age-old question (at least in computer terms), but do
I really need an antivirus program running on my system?

Not as long as you never, ever connect to the Internet, another network
of any kind, or have any way of inserting removable media (CDs, DVDs,
thumb drives, floppy disks, etc), no. Otherwise, yes.

Especially if I don't open any attachments from any known or unknown
senders, do I really need to have an antivirus program running in the
background? Is it really essential?

Attachments are just one of many infection vectors.


There are several essential components to computer security: a
knowledgeable and pro-active user, a properly configured firewall,
reliable and up-to-date antivirus software, and the prompt repair (via
patches, hotfixes, or service packs) of any known vulnerabilities.

The weakest link in this "equation" is, of course, the computer
user. No software manufacturer can -- nor should they be expected
to -- protect the computer user from him/herself. All too many people
have bought into the various PC/software manufacturers marketing
claims of easy computing. They believe that their computer should be
no harder to use than a toaster oven; they have neither the
inclination or desire to learn how to safely use their computer. All
too few people keep their antivirus software current, install patches
in a timely manner, or stop to really think about that cutesy link
they're about to click.

Firewalls and anti-virus applications, which should always be used
and should always be running, are important components of "safe hex,"
but they cannot, and should not be expected to, protect the computer
user from him/herself. Ultimately, it is incumbent upon each and
every computer user to learn how to secure his/her own computer.

To learn more about practicing "safe hex," start with these links:

Protect Your PC
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/default.asp

Home Computer Security
http://www.cert.org/homeusers/HomeComputerSecurity/

List of Antivirus Software Vendors
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;49500

Home PC Firewall Guide
http://www.firewallguide.com/

Scumware.com
http://www.scumware.com/


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot