Norton Anti-Virus Auto-Protect

[DBF]

I read somewhere that Norton's Auto-Protect feature really isn't necessary
to keep running, and I would like opinions on this matter.
About me and my computer use:
I am the only person who ever uses this computer.
I have all of my internet security up and running, including firewalls
and email scanning.
I never open attachments to emails, even from people I know, unless I
have scanned them for viruses.
I never download files from sources I don't know.
So I wonder if having the Auto-Protect feature on is really worth it for me.
(I want to emphasize that I am not talking about active internet security or
firewalls; I would not be crazy enough to drop those for a second!)
I would love to hear other people's opinions.
Thanks,
Dave

 

[Ron Chamberlin]

Dave,
Auto Protect means it's always on. Suppose you load a floppy, CD, or USB
memory stick with data; or load a.zip file that is p/w protected, click a
link to a hot web site, or follow a link in an IM profile and get wasted.
I for one won't remember to check every one of those files or sites when I
go there/open them.
The only time I ever turn mine off is to install trusted source programs.

Ron Chamberlin
MS-MVP

 

[Guest]

I think you should have it running while connected to the internet. There is internet worms out there that can infect your system. Unprotected Windows XP systems can be infected with out touching anything on your computer if proper patches arn't applied.