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Pet hate -- Anti-Virus Software
Hi everyone
I really have a PET HATE against pretty well ALL anti virus software (for Home networks).
First of all it rarely does what "it says on the tin" - and causes more aggravation with "False Positive" indications.
Next is slows the computer down usually hideously
Then if you need to uninstall it it is usually a pain and even if it does uninstall it often leaves rubbish all over your registry.
Finally the whole concept is WRONG. The software a) reads data from a VERY HACKABLE database for a start. b) then compares such things as lengths of files for various windows component files -- this is usually what triggers the false positives.
Finally any self respecting hacker would attack the AV software itself --can you imagine the AV program reporting that IT itself is responsible for a virus
Remember also
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
(Who guards the guards)
If you use the following rules then you should never get a Virus (and I've been using computers for over 35 years).
1) Use the ROUTERS's internal Logs and hardware firewall and Port blocking -- much much better than Software.
2) Don't open ANY email attachment unless you know who sent it.
3) If you download any music / games / films etc via torrents CHECK THE SOURCE. Torrents aren't actually as horrible as their reputation makes out and you soon can recognize the good ones and the fakes.
3) NEVER EVER EVER download these programs that offer to scan your computer to find drivers etc etc. At best these programs will usually refer you to some PAID FOR site even if the fee is small, or be full of ad / spy / nagware, and at worst will contain other "nasties"
Most viruses are actually distributed via corporate networks via email. A normal user taking proper precautions shouldn't have ANY virus problems .
Before installing anything know exactly what its doing and take backups before so you can restore the whole image in the event the software doesn't work.
I haven't done serious programming for many years but it's Hacking 101 can EASILY infect any AV software and this is something that AV software isn't built for -- it detects threats from "without" but not from "within".
This advice is for HOME networks -- on a corporate network other considerations apply.
Cheers
Just finishing now to watch Liverpool in the Champions League tonight.
jimbo
Last edited by johngalt; 11 Mar 2009 at 00:19.