Anyone else think "virus protection" is a load of BS?

youtube!

Over the years I have come to this conclusion, the more protection you have installed on your PC the more viruses you attract, why pay good money for something that annoys the hell out of me by constantly updating and asking me to restart just about every day,when infact they are utterly pointless.

I can honestly say that I have absolutely zero nada nothing in the way of virus protection on my PC for over 6 months now and it is by far the fastest most responsive and best performing computer I have ever used, I know there is free software but even that gives me a royal pain in the ass, I am wondering should I move this thread into the conspiracy forum because quite honestly I think the whole thing is a massive con! I have no fear of yer viruses ,I am strong and clean,bring em on....

Yellowblackbird

You'll get a perfectly good firewall and anti virus sw for free.
What's the problem.

Tails142

Depends really on what you are doing with the PC - if you are downloading any pirated software, movies etc you would be risking it without proper virus protection, a lot of stuff has hidden payloads. Many modern computer virusses are designed so you never realise you have them and are used to control your computer for use in botnets for distributed denial of service attacks, email spamming etc. Or have trojans that sit undetected waiting to steal your credit card details, online game account info, paypal/ebay details etc.

The days of a virus flashing a skull and crossbones across your screen are long gone.

AnonoBoy

No wonder STIs are on the rise with attitudes like yours rising amongst the young.

Procasinator

Assuming Windows, I personally recommend people just install Security Essentials. It's free.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download

I doubt much malware targets particular anti-virus packages directly, unless exploiting a flaw that the package itself introduces.

Scareware exists, however, which imitates anti-virus software. If you see a package talking about you have X number of viruses, but need to pay to upgrade the software and remove them, then you have Scareware on your computer. That is most definitely a con.

uch

No

cgarrad

W8 has Security Essentials built in.

Norton/McAfee are an unbelievable scam that operate on fear and ignorance.

CardBordWindow

OP, send me on your email address and I'll send you a cool file!

smash

youtube! wrote: »

I can honestly say that I have absolutely zero nada nothing in the way of virus protection on my PC for over 6 months now and it is by far the fastest most responsive and best performing computer I have ever used

You obviously never look at porn.

admiralofthefleet

cgarrad wrote: »

W8 has Security Essentials built in.

Norton/McAfee are an unbelievable scam that operate on fear and ignorance.

got a new laptop last week with windows 8, its the dogs

all i use is avira anti-vir, malwarebytes and spyware blaster

Dravokivich

Barely even bother with anti virus software on PCs/Laptops I own. It's all down to how you use'em.

ejmaztec

smash wrote: »

You obviously never look at porn.

He's probably had some illegal porn downloaded without his knowledge by some joker, who will no doubt have tipped off the Guards. The knock on the door will come soon, just after his online bank accounts have been emptied.

CreepingDeath

Dravokivich wrote: »

Barely even bother with anti virus software on PCs/Laptops I own. It's all down to how you use'em.

That depends, do you have any Adobe products installed, or the Java plugin enabled in your browser ?

There's a current Java exploit out there, meaning that a Java applet can break out of it's security sandbox and perform a lot of stuff you really don't want a random website on the net to do.
If someone where to hack into the boards servers and inject that into every page served, then a lot of people who thought they were being clever and safe on the net, would be infected.

I use the FireFox "NoScript" plugin, which disabled JavaScript and Java by default, and you have to enable it per site, on the websites you trust.
It really stops a lot of stuff.

Plus I dumped Microsoft Security Essentials for AVG Free version recently.

Logical_Bear

most virus/malware is installed due to user ignorance.Only had 2 virus's in years and it was due to me using hacked software i'd downloaded of the interwebz,neither of which i'd scanned before I installed

Windows OS encourages open source software which can be malicious.You'll always here apple fan bois saying they dont need anti virus and this is pretty much true.1)because apple gets the say so on what software gets released and secondly it has a tiny tiny share of the market so isnt targeted by virus malware

EDIT: and dont ever pay for the software either plenty of free ones out their that dont hog resources!

ringadingding

Kaspersky pure for me

Mcafee and norton seemed to spam the shïte out of my laptop

ConfusedLepton

Yellowblackbird wrote: »

You'll get a perfectly good firewall and anti virus sw for free.
What's the problem.

I'll give you a rock that you can tie around your waist and drag around with you all day. Don't worry, I won't charge you for it!

As long as you know the difference between mypicture.jpg.exe and mypicture.jpg and you keep up to date with browser versions, your chances of getting anything is very low. And as for people that aren't very computer literate, they'll probably just end up clicking 'yes' to all warnings anyway. If you're not computer savvy enough to know if you're about to run something malicious, then you're probably not computer savvy enough to determine whether the warning is legitimate or not.

youtube!

I guess I just use this PC for surfing basic stuff youtube .boards, free sport streams , no porn and no downloading movies yes you are correct!

But I deliberately removed any virus protection, (norton specifically) over 6 months ago now and everything is really fast and responsive.

My missus has every type of program known to man on her PC and it takes ages to do the simplest tasks on it but she will not remove them and pays over 100 euro a yr for the pleasure, I think she is mad,she thinks I am:D

CreepingDeath

Logical_Bear wrote: »

Only had 2 virus's in years and it was due to me using hacked software i'd downloaded of the interwebz,neither of which i'd scanned before I installed

If in doubt, I use VirusTotal to scan a file before running it.
It's a website which runs a file you upload through a LOAD of different virus scanners and gives you a nice report at the end of it.

Recommended.

Indubitable

MSE and Malware bytes would suit most people's needs when used together. They run fairly efficiently as well. Use Eset NOD32 myself and rarely have any problems. The likes of Norton and McAfee are crap and slow down your machine.

andrewdeerpark

Keep all MS patches up to date (OS hardening), update JAVA (or better still do not use it at all), keep flash player and reader current and MS security essentials is perfect.

You want to buy an anti virus then Kaspersky ANTI-VIRUS (not pure or Internet Security) or Norton ANTI-VIRUS is also fine, keep away from internet security and 360 (slow).

AVG is gone to the dogs, Avast free is ok.

I have seen them all beaten in different users PC's / laptops.

sock puppet

ringadingding wrote: »

Kaspersky pure for me

Mcafee and norton seemed to spam the shïte out of my laptop

Plus McAfee charge murderously high prices.

giant_midget

I use Avast. I also run Malwarebytes now and again and i also use C-Cleaner. Never have any issues, only an idiot would pay for "virus protection" i.e Norton

General Zod

ConfusedLepton wrote: »

I'll give you a rock that you can tie around your waist and drag around with you all day. Don't worry, I won't charge you for it!

As long as you know the difference between mypicture.jpg.exe and mypicture.jpg and you keep up to date with browser versions, your chances of getting anything is very low. And as for people that aren't very computer literate, they'll probably just end up clicking 'yes' to all warnings anyway. If you're not computer savvy enough to know if you're about to run something malicious, then you're probably not computer savvy enough to determine whether the warning is legitimate or not.

Yes, because this will protect you from Zero Day exploits.

MSE is getting a rough time of it at the moment but it's only one update from being back to it's previous effectiveness. AVG Free or Kaspersy pro (if you insist on paying for AV) will keep you covered in the mean time.

Use some Virus protection, because you're only one adware exploit on your favourite website away from being riddled.

0ph0rce0

load of ****e

had it once and all it did was slow the **** out of my computer, tried another same thing.

Got rid and never had a virus.

SCAM

Yellowblackbird

ConfusedLepton wrote: »

As long as you know the difference between mypicture.jpg.exe and mypicture.jpg and you keep up to date with browser versions, your chances of getting anything is very low. And as for people that aren't very computer literate, they'll probably just end up clicking 'yes' to all warnings anyway. If you're not computer savvy enough to know if you're about to run something malicious, then you're probably not computer savvy enough to determine whether the warning is legitimate or not.

I wish I was as clever as you. I'd love to be a tech expert. Luckily I seem to always guess right what stuff to let through.

seven_eleven

People are stupid...I'm not even going to give my advice if this is the kind of ignorance going around.

syklops

CreepingDeath wrote: »

If in doubt, I use VirusTotal to scan a file before running it.
It's a website which runs a file you upload through a LOAD of different virus scanners and gives you a nice report at the end of it.

Recommended.

Would you be interested in buying a cloud-based, community driven malware analysis system?

Edit: God bless Linux.

ringadingding

seven_eleven wrote: »

People are stupid...I'm not even going to give my advice if this is the kind of ignorance going around.

Oh please rescue us neo

0ph0rce0

seven_eleven wrote: »

People are stupid...I'm not even going to give my advice if this is the kind of ignorance going around.

NEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDDDDD

ScumLord

You can never be too careful, I have 6 anti viruses and the bastards keep getting in, the PCs as slow as ****. I started wearing a condom every time I go on the internet just to be on the safe side.

CreepingDeath

ScumLord wrote: »

I started wearing a condom every time I go on the internet just to be on the safe side.

A washable/wipe-down keyboard would probably be cheaper for you.

666irishguy

I think virus protection is great if you are downloading files from websites you know feck all about. I had AVG for about two months and it was very slow. It blocked my video card from initiating certain things and was a pain in the hole all round. I have recently decided to try Norton and so I went into Tesco to price it and found a 2012 version for something like 50 quid and a 2011 version for about 17 or 18. This has confused the hell out of me. Could I just buy the 2011 one and update it to current or is there a difference?

ejmaztec

sock puppet wrote: »

Plus McAfee charge murderously high prices.

I don't belize that for a moment.

The Road Runner

I would say the ones you have to pay for would be creating virus to make it seem like people are getting value for money. There is plenty of free ones which are as good i reckon

Logical_Bear

andrewdeerpark wrote: »

update JAVA (or better still do not use it at all)

eh what? sure why dont you go the whole hog and only run windows in safe mode:pac:
EDIT:forgot to mention the recent security flaw in java is only in the jdk and not in the versions installed or running on servers,laptops pcs etc

Hank Scorpio

MalwareByte's Anti-Malware is the best free scanner out there

Logical_Bear

ScumLord wrote: »

You can never be too careful, I have 6 anti viruses and the bastards keep getting in, the PCs as slow as ****. I started wearing a condom every time I go on the internet just to be on the safe side.

and you probably still get fukked:pac:

TheUsual

Virus Protection is absolutely necessary, but paying for them is not.

I stopped paying Norton about 3 years ago when my free 12 months deal was up.
Did a bit of reading about security and discovered that Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) is all you need to keep the bad stuff out - and a much faster PC.
It's from Microsoft so it's safe, and it's free and it updates itself every day or two on the internet.

I also use Spybot (Search and Destroy) for the last 6 years and it does catch stuff left behind by browsing websites. Nothing too serious but it's free and it keeps my PC clean.

TheUsual

^^^^^^^

just got the jokes above about McAfee who setup the ****ty virus company "allegedly" murdered his neighbour in Belize after going on a bit of a bender.

*just for the non-nerds out there reading this who have a life and don't like already know this for 6 months already*

sfwcork

I use to work in that business

Most are super at marketing to make it sound worse than it is

Irish Guitarist

I have Norton Antivirus 2012 that I got in a bundle with a laptop and a laptop bag. It's still in the box in the shrink wrap. I'd prefer to have no antivirus at all than to put up with that piece of crap slowing down my computer.

I downloaded Ubuntu Linux last year. It took me a while to get the hang of but it's a lot less frustrating than constant Windows and antivirus updates and having to restart my computer every five minutes. I hardly ever use Windows now.

seven_eleven

Uninstall all that useless scam software, Norton, Mcaffe, Bulguard, etc. Dont keep them all installed, it will only mess things up.

Download one of these for free.

Microsoft Security Essentials
Avast
or AVG

I personally prefer security essentials.

Optional downloads on top of your main antivirus

Spybot Search and Destroy
Malwarebytes

For your browser.

Noscript
and Adblock just for good meaasure :pac:

Its not the anti virus that will slow down your pc, its the hundreds of viruses you get from visiting dodgey porn sites, while your crapppy 30 day norton trial is out of date. I guarantee everyone here who said they dont have anti virus has an infested computer.

Its not nerdy, its simple and if you cant figure that out well then I give up. Alls you have to do is google it.

Havent had a virus in forever

anncoates

Use Avast, spyware blaster and NoScript.

Run malwareytes now and again.

ch750536

Much like life anti virus is like carrying a bouncer around with you.

If you only ever go from here to the shops in your 1982 ford, carrying no more than €10 on you then you'll not be putting yourself in danger.

If you insist on hanging around with dodgy types, look before you leap & want to live fast, die young then without someone forcing you to be sensible you will die young most likely.

Anti-virus software is for numpties who don't know how to behave on the interweb. Unfortunately they generally really do need it. My FIL had a keylogger. I wiped the box rather than take any risks.

hatrickpatrick

I've never bothered with permanent virus protection. Just set up a firewall and occasionally run a once off virus removal tool like Trend Micro house call, to get rid of any spyware that slips through the net. No point in having a background process eating up resources when you can manually run something once a week or two instead.

Shane-KornSpace

AVG Free works fine for me.

Was using my sisters' laptop over the xmas and was downloading some software. Turned out she didn't have an antivirus installed and it ended up getting that new "Computer Locked" virus. It basically tells you that it is a notice from An Garda Siochana and you must pay €100 to have your computer unlocked. It was a bastard. I could have fixed it but I was already home in Offaly by the time I got a call off my not-so-tech-savy sister. She ended up getting her drive formatted.

xLexie

Thought this was about aids

danniemcq

the weird thing is a quick scan gives the exact same result as deep scan. Deep scan was only added cause people complained that the normal scan was to quick and couldn't search everything.

read about it recently i'll try and dig up the link

ok maybe it was a dream... can't find anything online

smellsfunny

How do people know if they have a virus if they don't have antivirus installed?

You'll be wondering in a month why your credit card is maxed out. So easy to pick up a virus if looking at dodgy sites,downloading or open a wrong email.

batistuta9

Logical_Bear wrote: »

EDIT:forgot to mention the recent security flaw in java is only in the jdk and not in the versions installed or running on servers,laptops pcs etc

Not quite right, the flaws in the JDK and is implemented through the JRE - which nearly everyone has on their computers

Logical_Bear

batistuta9 wrote: »

Not quite right, the flaws in the JDK and is implemented through the JRE - which nearly everyone has on their computers

was under the impression it was the fact the jdk gave you access to the java api which was the security alert and the fact most people dont have the jdk installed had them in the clear.

having said that I could of read the article arse ways:pac:

EDIT: read it arse ways !