Do I need an antivirus on my PC....?

[boyboyds]

A friend of mine asked me to help her to install a free antivirus because her promotional Norton had expired about 4 months ago.
I uninstalled Norton and then tried to install MSE, but it failed with "file error" message.
I read somewhere that I should have rebooted it before installing MSE, but too late now.

Anyway, I installed AVG 2013 Free.
And to my surprise when I ran a scan it did not find a single problem.

I installed SuperAntiSpyware and it found a few tracking cookies.

I installed MalwareBytes and it found nothing.

How can one browse the Web for 4 months without antivirus and have a clean PC....?

Thanks,
BBDS

 

[fireberd]

Not hard if you avoid clicking on links in e-mails (even from those you know) and avoid the "bad" sites. I have MSE and Malwarebytes but I still do not click on links in e-mails, or even open SPAM (I have Mailwasher Pro that I can filter spam before it gets to my PC).

 

[Petey7]

It all depends on what you do. I've gone months, and even over year before, without a single infection being detected. It sounds like she must be smart about her internet surfing habits. I don't recommend using AVG through. I haven't found to be very reliable since version 7 or so. Uninstall it, restart, and install MSE. Leave MBAM on there. Make sure you use the Norton and AVG removal tools to make sure everything was removed.

 

[M1GU31]

Yes it is best you have some sort of protection on your machine. I highly recommend Comodo internet security. There free version comes with a anti virus and a firewall. Works great and has stopped infections and cleaned my pc in the past.
Free Internet Security - Download Internet Security Software Suit

 

[ICIT2LOL]

With MIG on this one and this might be handy too Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

 

[marsmimar]

If you haven't already done so, I would suggest you use the official Norton Removal Tool. Many times anti-virus programs leave behind remnants that can prevent a clean install of a new AV program or keep a new program from running properly. I would also recommend that you run the removal tools for any other AV programs you may have installed on the computer.

This is a list of uninstaller tools. Read the "info" section first before running the actual removal tool(s). There may be specific steps you have to take. If in doubbt you could also visit the AV manufacturers' websites for their latest removal instructions.

Security Software | SingularLabs

 

[Alejandro85]

Maybe you don't "need" it, but if you're using Windows most likely you'll WANT it anyway. I would not really suggest anyone to run on the wild without one, though it's possible and even safe if you're careful, but some protection is not so hard to get and not that intrusive once configured. Even MSE will be better than nothing, but I would suggest Avast instead. The free versions of most antiviruses will do well too.

 

[Creer]

A friend of mine asked me to help her to install a free antivirus because her promotional Norton had expired about 4 months ago.
I uninstalled Norton and then tried to install MSE, but it failed with "file error" message.
I read somewhere that I should have rebooted it before installing MSE, but too late now.

Anyway, I installed AVG 2013 Free.
And to my surprise when I ran a scan it did not find a single problem.

I installed SuperAntiSpyware and it found a few tracking cookies.

I installed MalwareBytes and it found nothing.

How can one browse the Web for 4 months without antivirus and have a clean PC....?

Thanks,
BBDS

It is possible.

I haven't used AV (in realtime) for about 6 years now.
You need to understand what threats are, how you can be infected (usb, drive-by-download infection, etc) and use few layers of protection.

AV are outdated these days you shouldn't trust in only AV.
Here is some reading, I've posted it some time ago: AV myths & facts
sorry for language quality but it's automated google translated article.

HTH

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Thats all well and good Creer for those who do understand the threats but I can put money on there being thousands who don't and I think having at least something on the machine is better than nothing at all.

I have lost count of the fixes I ave done just lately where the friend or neighbours have been playing around on the net and whose machines are totaled with all sorts of malware. Some of the machines have had to be completely wiped and the OS reinstalled because they are in such a mess.

I ma not disagreeing with you on what you are saying re what you do on the net I have said for a long time now that the user has to take some responsibility for their actions but there are always going to be those who don't and end up in all sorts of trouble.

For the sake of installing some at very least primitive AV I for one don't see it as a big deal.

 

[Richardc269]

I wouldn't use AVG anymore. They turned to one of those crap AV's that just "scans your files & makes it look like it's doing something & doesn't find anything" type programs. Norton does the same thing. McAffy does it, too.

I've also gone a few months without getting viruses & such.

 

[Layback Bear]

It is very foolish not to use anti virus programs. Even the great websites one visits can be infected and they don't even know it. Therefor you won't know it. Because there are great FREE anti virus programs like MSE why would anybody take the chance?

 

[maxie]

Prevention is better than cure

 

[robinb9]

Prevention is better than misery

 

[rybosix]

2nd That

It is very foolish not to use anti virus programs. Even the great websites one visits can be infected and they don't even know it. Therefor you won't know it. Because there are great FREE anti virus programs like MSE why would anybody take the chance?

I would 2nd that. I used Mac for years and even bought Nortons once cause someone said it helps to remove those malicous things from Universe, even if that do not have detremental effect on your specific computer Mac computer.

Finances have forced me to become PC user, but even before that, I helped my wife put in place MS defender Essentials couple of years ago.

I put in place right away on my new used Toshiba along with free Avast. Also use free Avast on wifes Mac, tho it won't scan the Mail.

So just inloaded Malwaebytes and just waiting to;

1) find out if Malwarbytes will play well with MSE defender, and free Avasti,

2) follow instructions to install if to see if it plays well.

Meanwhile, created FHNT(?) format on #3 partition of external HD I use for Mac cloning.

Inloaded Macricum also, but still unclear of what it showing me, so slow to try cloining( my preference ) or imaging. Some years ago, I heard that cloning is the best security we can do, at least on a Mac, so hope to get to that Macrium clone process today, with out erasing my other partitions of a clone Mac.

rsix

 

[ICIT2LOL]

It is very foolish not to use anti virus programs. Even the great websites one visits can be infected and they don't even know it. Therefor you won't know it. Because there are great FREE anti virus programs like MSE why would anybody take the chance?

I would 2nd that. I used Mac for years and even bought Nortons once cause someone said it helps to remove those malicous things from Universe, even if that do not have detremental effect on your specific computer Mac computer.

Finances have forced me to become PC user, but even before that, I helped my wife put in place MS defender Essentials couple of years ago.

I put in place right away on my new used Toshiba along with free Avast. Also use free Avast on wifes Mac, tho it won't scan the Mail.

So just inloaded Malwaebytes and just waiting to;

1) find out if Malwarbytes will play well with MSE defender, and free Avasti,

2) follow instructions to install if to see if it plays well.

Meanwhile, created FHNT(?) format on #3 partition of external HD I use for Mac cloning.

Inloaded Macricum also, but still unclear of what it showing me, so slow to try cloining( my preference ) or imaging. Some years ago, I heard that cloning is the best security we can do, at least on a Mac, so hope to get to that Macrium clone process today, with out erasing my other partitions of a clone Mac.

rsix

Ok rybosix well mate if you mean Malwarebytes MSE and Avast (I am suspecting the Avasti is a typo) then you are going to have problems at some stage of the game because as a general rule you should never have more than two main antivirus programs on the machine at the same time.

By main programs I mean - Avast and MSE as they are more than likely to conflict. The Malwarebytes is ok as it is usually used as a on call scanner.

The choice is yours but you need to pick one or the other. There will probably be a few that will disagree with me but in my experience conflict is what will happen.

If you are stuck for choice this is what I posted a few days ago Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

 

[Andreas W]

Personally I don't use AV becasue I deem that I don't need them but I do recommend others I know to use AV that are not that into computers, the only program that I use is Malwarebytes, if I install MSE I only get BSOD after a while, I used AVG for years without it ever finding a single virus so got rid of it. For my surfing I use ad block plus and others to stop websites to load certain items and that seems to working since malwarebytes never find anything either. But this is just me.

 

[rybosix]

3 = Conflict

Ok rybosix well mate if you mean Malwarebytes MSE and Avast (I am suspecting the Avasti is a typo) By main programs I mean... - Avast and MSE as they are more than likely to conflict. The Malwarebytes is ok as it is usually used as a on call scanner.
There will probably be a few that will disagree with me but in my experience conflict is what will happen.
If you are stuck for choice this is what I posted a few days ago Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

I did get Avast correct twice before teh error in third use of it. 2 out three is......whatever

Glad you were able to grasp what anti-virus program i was talking about tho.

I forget where I read and/or hear that-- maybe in this forum and elsewhere? ---MSE Defender and Avast worked ok together, and if there is a problem, I'm not yet aware of it on my Toshiba A135.

A dude in this thread or another confirms what you say, that using Malwarebytes should not be a problem in conjunction with one or the other AV I'm using. So I will be installing it here sometime.

I just finished trying to clone my PC onto the third partition that has my mini clone on 1st partition. Erased my clone of mini.....I had some vaque memory that it cant be done or more difficult than I want to deal with. I dunno.

Thanks for suggestions, tho probably go with what I have plus MWBytes

Rsix

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Personally I don't use AV becasue I deem that I don't need them but I do recommend others I know to use AV that are not that into computers, the only program that I use is Malwarebytes, if I install MSE I only get BSOD after a while, I used AVG for years without it ever finding a single virus so got rid of it. For my surfing I use ad block plus and others to stop websites to load certain items and that seems to working since malwarebytes never find anything either. But this is just me.

Hum would interesting to see if SuperAntiSpyWare or the ADWCleaner came up with anything Andreas.

But for the record what you are saying is right and as I said earlier lot depends on what you do and where you go

But if you have never tried them or even feel inclined to give them a go
SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!
AdwCleaner Download < from bleeping computer

 

[whs]

Anyway, I installed AVG 2013 Free.
And to my surprise when I ran a scan it did not find a single problem.

That does not surprise me. AVG never finds anything. Use a decent AV program and a good scanner, and you will find things.

 

[ICIT2LOL]

Ok rybosix well mate if you mean Malwarebytes MSE and Avast (I am suspecting the Avasti is a typo) By main programs I mean... - Avast and MSE as they are more than likely to conflict. The Malwarebytes is ok as it is usually used as a on call scanner.
There will probably be a few that will disagree with me but in my experience conflict is what will happen.
If you are stuck for choice this is what I posted a few days ago Probably the Best Free Security List in the World

I did get Avast correct twice before teh error in third use of it. 2 out three is......whatever

Glad you were able to grasp what anti-virus program i was talking about tho.

I forget where I read and/or hear that-- maybe in this forum and elsewhere? ---MSE Defender and Avast worked ok together, and if there is a problem, I'm not yet aware of it on my Toshiba A135.

A dude in this thread or another confirms what you say, that using Malwarebytes should not be a problem in conjunction with one or the other AV I'm using. So I will be installing it here sometime.

I just finished trying to clone my PC onto the third partition that has my mini clone on 1st partition. Erased my clone of mini.....I had some vaque memory that it cant be done or more difficult than I want to deal with. I dunno.

Thanks for suggestions, tho probably go with what I have plus MWBytes

Rsix

Yep if you mean Avast and Malwarebytes that's good and a couple of other on call scanners you might like to try in the future
AdwCleaner Download < from bleeping computer
SUPERAntiSpyware | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware!

Oh and little plus if you need to work n the Toshiba for any reason -
Taking apart Toshiba laptops and notebooks. DIY guides. Disassembly instructions. < then go to disassembly guides if you ever get stuck - post back