I do not have an anti-virus installed on my computer, as well as my computer at work. Sometimes I find it not necessary, coz even you have an anti-virus installed on your computer, it can still be infected by virus. There's still viruses that cannot be detected and cleaned by anti-virus. What important to do is to back up your files regularly. And learn how to reformat your computer. If my computer is already too much infected by virus, what I do is to reformat it and it will go back to a new and refresh computer. So I can use my computer without an anti-virus installed on it. cool
[question posted by markmoney]
responses and comments:
I use AVG anti virus. Yeah, I agree that there are some viruses that can't be detected. But I still use the program to feel secure somewhat. Sometimes it's effective for not so harmful viruses. I guess, we should just be wary with the sites or links that we're clicking to avoid viruses :) [pierrella]
I certainly do! I bought a two-years subscription from a major company. My sister bought the plan that came with her DSL, and she had problems. She was advised to get rid of this and go with a major company as well. [DeenaD]
I have Norton internet security :) It tells me what sites have viruses in google search results. Although , it wont detect all viruses , it will make sure I dont fall prey to the viruses that are known. Would u rather be completely vulnerable to all attacks or protected from some ? I'd hate to have to reformat every time my computer gets too infected; especially if the infection could of been avoided by anti virus software. Get virus protection :> [Omfgbbqsauce]
Most of the viruses now cannot be cleaned by an anti-virus. So with or without anti-virus, our computer will still be infected. That's the reason why I didn't install an anti-virus at all. I can back-up and reformat it any time that the virus is already severe. But before it became severe, it takes many months. Well, it still depends on the user if he will use an anti-virus or not. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
Hello markmoney, That's what my husband thinks too happy I have an updated anti virus installed on computer at work but at home, both my computers don't have any anti virus. I seldom download games or go to 'suspicious' sites and I think it is quite safe for me lol Whenever I encounter problem with my computer, I have my husband to depend on happy [gr8life]
Yes, since you are careful and you don't often download or visit suspicious sites, your computer will be safe. Anti-virus is not really necessary, even you have one, it can still be attacked by virus. And as long as you have someone who knows how to troubleshoot computer, there's nothing to worry, and antivirus is not necessary. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
Yes i have installed an antivirus on my computer.. I think it is must now in these days.. to atleast having an antivirus on computer.. I used ESET NOD32 Antivirus in that time.. and i satisfied with that.. i used it's free version.. and it is only for 30 days.. but after 30 days you can again install this software..having a nice day and keep mylotting always..happy [anurag3786]
Nod32 is an excellent program and I've used it too. [kprofgames]
It's certainly up to the individual, but unless you're using a Mac, I think anyone without some kind of AV is a sitting duck. Computers can be infected by more sophisticated methods than just visiting a website or opening an e-mail attachment. And if your computer is infected and it can be without you knowing it, you risk infecting others, too. Viruses can profligate by invisibly attaching themselves to e-mail which will be released automatically when the message is opened by the recipient, no attachment needed. Botnets will use your address book to send out hundreds of infected messages with your name. I use Acronis to 'take an image' of my computer to an external HD, so to restore my computer would take 10 minutes, but many people do not know how to properly back up a computer or they just don't bother. Doing a clean install every time a computer gets unusable because of infection is not a viable option. Besides, if you are already infected, and you are backing up your files, then you are backing up infected files. So what good is that going to do, if you end up re-installing the same malware? Just curious, do you keep current with Windows updates and security patches? [LaDeBoheme]
Yes, viruses can easily be transferred from one computer to another. Whether you have or doesn't have an anti-virus installed, your computer can still be infected. Your way of backing up your computer is a good way, taking the image of your computer is best done after freshly installed of Operating System. This is also an alternative for reformatting, because all you have to do is insert the CD and wait for several minutes and your computer will go back to a fresh and virus-free computer. Well, it really depends on the person if he like to install or not to install an anti-virus, as long as he knows what he is doing and he should be responsible for it. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
yes I do have an anti-virus installed in my laptop. It's McAfee Antivirus. I agree that not all viruses can be detected by an antivirus no matter how strong it is, however, I feel much more secure when I have it installed. It helps prevent some common viruses that can be acquired in the internet, and I also need it because of the plug-and-play usbs that some people plug in my laptop. But if I feel that my pc is slowing down and suspect it has a virus undetected ny my antivirus, I also do backup my files and reformat it. :) [onlyprincess]
Yes, it's not bad to install an anti-virus coz there are viruses that it can really clean. If it works well, then that's good. It depends on the user. Regarding usb's or better called flash drives, and even CDs, it is more advisable to turn off auto play. By that, you can prevent spreading the virus. I already disabled the autoplay function of flashdrives and CDs. It can really help. If your computer is already acting strange and giving you hassle, then it's time to back up your files and reformat your computer. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
I definitely agree that no anti-virus can protect your computer from all sorts of viruses. However, i still install an anti-virus coz i think its better to be protected from some viruses rather than not being protected at all coz its tiresome to keep on reformatting the computer. Happy myLotting! [pinklady227]
Yes, anti-virus may help, but sometimes it will just slow down your computer. It depends on the user's preference actually, as long as he knows what he is doing. Yes, reformatting often is really tiresome, I only do it when my PC has already a severe virus. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
I do install anti-virus on my computer. Yeah! sometimes instead of having anti-virus still computer infected by virus i think the anti-virus you install from internet is not so powerful to detect the virus. So, you do one thing first you format your computer and then install a good anti-virus then i hope u will not face this problem again... [siliguri]
Yes, that's the best time to install an anti-virus, after installing an OS. Each anti-virus has it's own strengths and weaknesses so we better choose the best one. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
I do have an anti virus installed in my computer, i use AVG and symantec coz not all viruses can be detected in AVG so my symantec does the rest. I havent reformatted my computer in a long time coz of my anti viruses, just have to update them so that they can detect the newer versions of viruses. [Mike4me]
It's good that it works well with you. Those two anti-viruses are good. But it can somewhat slow your computer down. But as long as you are comfortable with it, then stick with it. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
I use eset smart security because it doesn't use up your system resources. It's fast and silent. You can also easily update it with all the free username and passwords available on the net. [nocturn98]
If that so, then that's a good one. Keep it as long it can help prevents viruses. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
in my computer antivirus does work properly and dont face any virus because my antivirus is working really good....... i m using nod32 all u need to do is update ur antivirus daily.... or u dont need to do that in nod32 it update itself if net is connected.... i had no problem since i have installed nod 32...... i m using my same window for 4 months.... and is still working fine [kooltiger]
Yes, I have heard that NOD32 is good. Maybe I can also give it a try. It's good for you that you haven't encountered a problem on your computer. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
Hi mark, u are well said n yes, there r some viruses which r undetectable by some anti viruses but yet, i m using bitdeffender to get secured for somewhile. [shibham]
Actually I'm just trying a computer without anti-virus. Yes, it's also good to have one so that it can somehow protect your computer. Hope your computer keep secured for a long time. Thank you for your response. Happy myLotting! cool [markmoney]
I have an anti virus on my computer. Its avira. I find it great and effective. But I do agree with you that there is no such thing as a perfect anti virus. But at least I have some protection for my computer rather than nothing at all. I am not good with stuffs like reformatting and other technical things. But I will surely try and learn as I continue using. happy [jpso138]
Yes, of course. I have quick heal antivirus loaded both on my office computer and home computer. Even then we've recently had a very nasty attack in our office which spread more thru the LAN so we all were kind of taken aback as we thought that we had enough protection but now it looks like nothings good enough for the latest viruses hitting the computers. However, antivirus does work against most common viruses infection the hard disk so I guess you should go in for one…isn't it too much of a hassle to format your hard disk again and again! [sudiptacallingu]
I installed Kaspersky anti-virus for both my laptop and computer. My laptop got some viruses attack twice when i am using the free anti-virus. Since i am not good in troubleshooting my computer and laptop, i decide to purchased Kapersky anti-virus. So far, so good, i didn't got any virus attack during these recent months. In future, i planned to learn some basic of troubleshooting from my technician, since he willing to give some basic knowledge about it. I think it's important to have some basic knowledge of computer troubleshooting. [myfb2009]
Your computer only gets affected if you have crappy anti virus installed. The best investment in my opinions is NOD32. You're talking about formatting but the most menace viruses can also screw your computer up hard-ware wise. The investment is then higher than it would have been if you bought 2 Licenses of nod32. [diamania]
I do have one. You are correct anti-viruses cannot detect all of the viruses that are out but it still detects most of them. So for me, it would still be better to have one active so that we can avoid being hassled by all these viruses out there that ruins our time using the computer. [sublime03]
Although some viruses are not detected by antivirus,most of viruses are detectable.Everyone reformats the computer when the computer is infected by viruses that are not detected by antivirus.But if you have antivirus you reformatting count will be less. [assadi]
i guess anti virus is a necessity program with computers so i have also installed one with my laptop. in the office, i also have one. [neildc]
anti-virus can protect you from some virus,but not all. if you didn't install it,some virus could steal your database example detail of bank,but you don't know the circumstances [limitSskyeBoys]
i use avira anti-virus,what you telling is correct but the virus affects the system even if you are installed with a anti-virus but the thing is if you have no anti-virus installed to your system the damage will be much more.it will be a huge damage.if you are not using internet and the peripheral devices which are virus free there is no use of anti-virus but incase of using net its a must. [thunderbala]
well anti virus just slows down your computer so its better not to have one.. just install it ...search wur whole PC and den delete it d very next moment....well keep a watch in ur task manager of any weird activity or something slowing down ur computer else its peace... that way comp is running :) [reneezoso]
Thats a computer issue, not an antivirus issue. Most antivirus programs are not that taxxing on a system. I run Avira and can play online games while downloading music, movies, etc... Its the same as trying to run Windows 7 on an older computer and saying its lagging the computer. Anyhting is going to slow down an older system. If you have a modern system you should have no problems running an anti program. [Niltusk]
I have an anti-virus software on my computer. I think it's necessary to install it because yy computer breakdown several times just because I forgot to update the sofeware and my datas disappeared finally.It's really disaster for me.Yeah, I think I should learn from you to back up my files regularly and arrange my files sometimes. [Sophie2010]
I have an anti-virus installed and a anti-spyware. The anti-virus that I'm using is Avira Antivir and the anti-spybot that I am using is Ad-Aware. I think what made such applications great is that they are free and can be downloaded legally from the internet. It's not a guarantee that all viruses can be detected by a single anti-virus or spywares and malwares can be detected by a single anti-spyware and anti-malware. One advice is to install different anti-virus applications in one computer but be sure not to enable all of them at the same time. Anti-virus applications operate during the boot up process and during the time the computer is running and it could really affect the performance of the computer. Different anti-virus programs should be activated one at a time, same is through with anti-spywares and anti-malwares. Having different anti-virus applications increases the chances of detecting more viruses and other harmful applications/files in the computer but still, it's not a 100% guarantee that all malicious programs will be detected. Reformatting a computer should be a last recourse and should not be thought as the primary means of cleaning a computer. Prevention is better than cure so install a very reliable anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-malware in your computer and also activate the firewall. [boybato]
I have a Mac. I really don't need an antivirus for it because I never get any viruses. I do have a Windows boot up and I do have anti-virus for that. I have to for my job or it won't allow me to log in without it. [illfavors]
Yes, I have an anti virus program on my computer. It is best to have one so you don't get any of those weird computer viruses popping up on your computer and causing problems for you. I sometimes have to do a complete virus check every once in a while too. [nijolechu]
i am sorry sir,but i totally disagree with u..i have an antivirus..its quick heal. u shud use a registered version instead of downloading it because antivirus is updated regularly and hence avoid many new viruses. and dont u think that taking backup regularly and keep formatting is a headache.atleast it is for me.i also wanted to save some bucks by not buying antivirus but after few months i got irritated with virus problems and i buyed one.so now im really happy using it. hey,if u use internet a lot then u should definitely buy it n dont forget to keep firewall off always. take care [libr16]
even i was thinking like you earlier but when i started receiving problems from firewall then things have been different..i had to format my pc because of that.. to solve that i called computer engineer many times and hence told me not to use firewall.i switch that off then and now things came back to normal [libr16]
I have AVG on mine and its the free one. I've tried most of the ones you have to pay for and have been dis satisfied with all those. I think if you aren't going to have one you need to have a good fire wall just in case. [tommyj]
hell yeah i have one. i always get the new ones whenever there for free after rebates. takes a few weeks to get the rebates but its for free! but i dont really need it. as long as you no how to identify whether a file will contain a virus, then your good. i dont let anyone use my computer because people are dumb and download programs that blatantly contain them. [lostboiii911]
I have Avast! Antivirus. The free version. I wont pay for one. It lets me know when a virus, trojen, or other stuff like that has been downloaded to my computer and then deletes all the bad files. Sometimes I even find out while the harmful stuff is being downloaded and it lets me abort the connection and doesn't download it. I know it can't catch everything, but it has caught a lot of stuff. I'm not very computer smart, so without it I wouldn't notice that somethings wrong with my computer until it's too late and then I wouldn't know what to do about it. [Weirdology]
i use nod 32 and i m satisfied with... i have to insert different usbs and in my pc... and i also use my own usb in public computers so bringing it home and inserting it in my computer without an antivirus is always a risk.. [kooltiger]
I have several anti virus and other spyware and malware scanners on my computer. Its very rare for one to have multiple computers without anti viruses and scanners. With the increase in technology and the things spread through the internet I would be so scared something would creep into my computer. You are taking a big risk without an antivirus program installed. I look at the future or what could happen. Its so easy to install an antivirus program than pay hundreds to get it fixed. [Ricki911]
yes to run your system smoothly you need to install antivirus.But my system is very slow if i install antivirus in my system it will be dead slow but i dont use antivirus and it is working fine.If i get more problems i format my system. [Haribol]
Naaaaaahhhhh I don't. A majority of the software I use is from the writers of the programs which means the likelihood of getting a virii is very slim. Additionally I'm in the position to know how to get rid of unwanted registries so for most part I'm not in any great need for a AVG program. However the number 1 reason I don't install AVG software is because they ALL have the tendancy to slow down my computer with completely unneccessary scanning. [Jimeous]
I didn't have it on my old computer. I took it off to run something or other (Can't even remember what). Nothing bad ever happened. I have MacAfee on this computer which is brand new. Every time I turned it own, I got a reminder to download the anti-virus softwear so I finally did. I've noticed that really paranoid people are super careful about having anti-virus software. I have a friend who is one of those conspiracy nuts and he's fanatical about anti-virus software. He never seems content that he has enough. [irisheyes]
If you pretty much know how to setup the PC from the ground up and know how to back up data then it's easy for you to fix you're computer on your own. We practically do the same thing . To answer your question, we do not have antivirus installed in our PC because we are careful in accessing websites. We mainly browse facebook, do searches, and play games online. We download files from a site that is 100% safe through a torrent program. If we happen to pick up a virus or a spyware we just, reformat or clean out the hard drive. [yuna15]
No, I don't have an anti-virus installed in computer. There are computer virus that are not yet defined and can not be cleaned by these anti-viruses. Installing anti-virus affects the performance of your computer during start-up or loading of pc applications. We just have to be more careful in opening suspicious files or going to internet sites. [jake_quatro04]
Hi rachael! Yes, you're right that by having anti-virus installed on your pc, your computer is well protected. But your pc is not fully protected because as I have said, there are new computer viruses that are not defined in your anti-virus and cannot be cleaned if the anti-virus software installed in your pc is not updated. You still have to download updates being released in the internet. Protecting our computer, especially the important files, is still up to us. We should be careful in downloading and opening malicious/suspicious file and the inernet sites that we go to. [jake_quatro04]
I have Avira and it is always updated every time I'm online, and indeed in this update my computer slows down. I did not do the format on my computer, I usually backup files and save the registry if I add a new icon or shortcut. If infected with the virus I check the size of suspicious files and look at registry Windows if there had been change. [May2k8]
Ofcourse you can quickly format your computer to get rid of viruses. But nowadays viruses are spreading very fast. New viruses are being created everyday. So you defintitely need an anti-virus program. The benefit of it will be that if your computer gets infected by a virus, it will immediately be cleaned by the antivirus program. You will not have chance of loosing your data. Some viruses can even infect hardware and crash your windows. In the case you will loose your data. It is highly recommended you use antivirus program and also an anti-spyware program besides it. [user_786]
As you have said, new viruses are created everyday. Even though you have anti-virus installed but if it is not updated, your anti-virus can't clean or delete these new viruses being deployed through the web. That's why anti-virus software companies are uploading software updates in the internet to give added protection to your computers everytime there are new viruses detected. [jake_quatro04]
Oh good for you because you are an internet savy. What about those people who don not know how to reformat their computer? hehehe Like me, I only know how to type,email,chat, search, but when it comes to reformat and even to clean up the virus using the virus scanner I don't even know how to do that. I always depend to my husband to fix what ever my computer needs.sad [Bebs08]
The first thing after reformatting my computer is to install the anti-virus software to protect my computer. It is quite easy for the computer to be infected by virus without anti-virus. Frequent reformatting does great harm to the computer. So it is better that you install the anti-virus. [chenxiaoyue_713]
The first thing after reformatting my computer is to install the anti-virus software to protect my computer. It is quite easy for the computer to be infected by virus without anti-virus. Frequent reformatting does great harm to the computer. So it is better that you install the anti-virus. [chenxiaoyue_713]
The first thing after reformatting my computer is to install the anti-virus software to protect my computer. It is quite easy for the computer to be infected by virus without anti-virus. Frequent reformatting does great harm to the computer. So it is better that you install the anti-virus. [chenxiaoyue_713]
The first thing after reformatting my computer is to install the anti-virus software to protect my computer. It is quite easy for the computer to be infected by virus without anti-virus. Frequent reformatting does great harm to the computer. So it is better that you install the anti-virus. [chenxiaoyue_713]
hi mark... i am using quick heal antivirus from last 2 year and this year i purchased quick heal new version 2010, it works really very good, firstly it try to repair the file if file is not in condition of repair then delete automatically but 95% it repairs the file. and with it i m using DEEPFREEZ this wonderful software works like antivirus. it block drive i used my system very roughly. like memory card, phone my pendrive & my friend Pen Drive, portable hard disk many more without scan because i have no fear of virus due to deep freez, after doing all work when i restart system deep freez delete all virus, and make my system as usual before refresh and newly formated. so think u have to try this deep freez. its really very good [hotsatya]
i certainly do have anti-virus installed in it. even there's still will be a virus, at least it will takes time to come. i heard that you need to but the product to have a full protection. [QAMARULL85]
yes i have anti-virus instlled on my pc!!Normally security softwares are good even if on free edition to protect your pc from many threats!!Ok in some cases they can't be so good but normally if you upload often your anti-virus you will be protected as well!!as regards diifferent softwares i like avg,nod,kaspersky!!i tried avira it seemed to me a good anti-virus but i still prefer avg as regards free edition!! [tonyllenium]