Is it better to run pc without virus protection?

Just wanna get some thoughts on this issue......

I have not ran virus protection on my pc, my wifes pc, nor my two sons pc's in probably 4-5 years.

I use to run Nortons & Macafee and a few others. But I dont remember the names of them.

Problem I always found was these types of programs seems to cause my pc to run slow.......boot up slower than normal, etc. At any rate I guess slow irritates me...... LOL

I will make backups of files, that we do not wanna lose, in case we do encounter a problem.

Anyway, We have actually encountered maybe 5-6 viruses in those past 4-5 years. Has never been bad enough that I could not make a backup of data before I wipe the HDD - reformat - & do a clean install of the OS.


I just can't see the purpose, since I have never encountered a virus, that a clean install would not solve the problem to.

Are there any others here that run their computers like I do??

What do you guys think about running a computer system without protection?


What do you recommend for virus protection - adware - ect.??




Thanks In Advance

BMuLL

 

30 views and no replies?

Could someone please give their thoughts.......... Thanks

 

Thanks TimW..... sorry I posted in wrong area.

 

I'm guessing you subscribe to Comcast internet, because that's the only reason anyone should use McAfee. I had it on my computer (technically, I still have it....) and the software actually crashed the computer. It does not work anymore and once we get a new computer, I'm wiping the HDD. Oh, and Norton sucks, but not as hard. Here's what you do: uninstall both anti-virus programs and install something from MajorGeeks. That's how to keep your computer running smoothly. If you don't trust MajorGeeks (for whatever reason) I recommend CA. It works great, especially for Spyware.

 

Well, I guess you folks don't do online banking or purchasing then if you leave yourselves that open. Ya, Norton and MacFee were slowing machines back then and are better now though I don't use paid for but the free ones detailed in the sticky in the malware forums. I'd say you've been pretty lucky, and have good internet hygiene but these days a simple google search to an infected site can get you.

 

Nickompoop....... Thanks for your thoughts.... however I do not use comcast. I am actually on charter internet.

Also currently I am not running an internet virus / security app.

So far for years now I have done just fine....... But I was just wondering what others were doing and or recommended.

I would not have a problem running anti-virus apps.... if they are worth a crap and don't hog up all your computer speed.



My PC Details:
-------------------------

HP
Model: p6110y
Pentium (R) Dual-Core CPU E5300 @ 2.6GHz
6MB RAM
Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit

 

Guys I really appreciate all your ideas. I have not had any major issues in the past... and yes my wife does pay some things online.. however she always clears history, temp files, etc. and will not even do it with another web page opened up in a different browser. Things have been great soo far.

But you guys are opening my eyes with all this hacking password stuff.






What do you all think about me using the following two below to protect our computers?

Avast Anti-Virus
ZoneAlarm (firewall protection)


Thanks again

 

avast works very well as a anti virus/malware realtime app,
malwarebyes for a on demand scanner,
comodo firewall with their AV disabled.
there is always a slght trade-off when you use security app's
(surf speed,programs lag slightly to open)but as mentioned above,the newer malware & viruses are a lot more destructive than in the past,and more difficult to remove and your personal business transactions are more vulnerable than ever ,so it's a good idea to protect yourself

 

Must be really lucky, walking around the Internet all this time with a target strapped on his back.

 

hahahaha!! got some really good hiding places........ and the Camo helps too. LOL


Thanks again guys for all your help.

I guess I am gonna go with the "Avast Anti-Virus & Comodo Firewall Protection."

See how these work for me... Hopefully they won't drag my pc down too much.

 

ok guys.... I have just finished installing "Avast Anti-Virus Home Edition" and COMODO Firewall Protection."

Everything seems to be running really smooth so far.... actually I cannot tell any difference in the speed of my pc......except when initial reboot is done..... and only take just a couple seconds longer. No biggie there.

Once i get all my every programs allowed on firewall , looks like I wont even know these two programs are running.

I know I said I have not been running any type of protection for the past several years now.. But after all that you guys have been warning me about... I think I will stay with the protection now. I actually feel safer already with just having these two programs installled.... I hope these are really good pc protection apps to use.... Guess I will see.



Thanks

 

Comodo makes one of,if not THE best, free firewalls you could get.If you are running CIS( Comodo Internet Security) I hope you did NOT install the AV portion,or you will have conflicts with Avast.
Also, I would have used Avira AntiVir (free version) rather than Avast.

 

hrlow2... thanks for your comments... very well appreciated.

I only installed the Firewall portion of COMODO... since I already had the Avast Anti-Virus

So you are saying that Avira Anti-Virus is better than Avast?? If so I would rather give that one a try..... I want the best one for the job..... but also do not wanna program that drags all my pc resources.



Thanks again guys

 

Avira is probably the lightest AV ther is

Q

 

Time to run a scan now
Right click the icon in the tray. Start the Av. It will take a few seconds to scan your start ups and memory. Then select through scan and scan all the areas

Cheers..

PS: let us know how it went..

 

My WinXP computers use:
ZoneAlarm Firewall
Avira Antivirus
Spyware Blaster
Passive, but used for weekly scanning: Spybot, CCleaner and MalwareByte Anti-Malware

My Vista computer uses:
Avast antivirus
Windows Defender
Passive, but used for weekly scanning: Spybot and CCleaner

I would never even think of having an open internet connection without having at least a firewall and anti-virus installed and up and running.

My Xp laptop has 768MB RAM and a 1.7GHz CPU, and no noticable slowdown at all from running Avira. It is very light on system resources.

 

I did try the Avira AntiVir.......But I went back to Avast Anti-Virus Home Edition (FREE Version)

I liked the extra features that avast has......where I can customize email, p2p, web, messengers, etc.

I am running vist with 6 gigs of RAM and it doesn't appear to be lagging behind at all.

Thank to all of you for all of your imput / advice. That is exactly what I was looking for.

I will be installing these two on my wifes PC as well.... But I may go with the Avira AntiVir on my two sons PC's....... as they are little older and less RAM

 

My Vista computer that is running Avast has 4GB, so no, no noticeable slowdown in performance. Avira is very low on resources though. I've seen other MG members say that Comodo firewall with AV is as well.

 

just finished installing Avast & Comodo on my wifes PC today.. So far so good... I just may have found some security apps that I like.


Thanks again guys for all your help.

BMuLL

 

What we're here for.

 

I love Avast. But if you leave your computer on at night, turn your speakers down or turn off the sound in the settings. LOL, nothing like playing a game with the sound cranked up, going to bed, and waking up to your computer screaming "Virus Database has Been Updated..." :-D

 

Try waking up to when it thinks it found a virus... roflmao

Avast is a great antivirus though. One of the best, I love it.

 

thanks for the heads up guys!!