Are Anti-Viruses A Total Waste Of Time?

I have always been an advocate of not only using anti viruses but paid for anti viruses. For many years i have spent my hard earned cash paying for an AV so I don't get any nasty software on my computer that will cause my machine to not work correctly or steal my money.

As of today I have decided to remove my paid for Kaspersky before the subscription is up and not even replace it with a free one such as MS security Essentials. The reason I have decided to take this action, is because the only piece of software that has caused me any real problems with my computer performance, or cost me money is my AV.

I have had periods before where I have used a free AV such as MS Essentials, and I have found no difference what so ever in the rate at which I get or don't get infected. I have also noticed that the only software that ever has any affect on performance is the AV. I have therefore come to realize that the AV itself is the virus that is either costing me money, slowing my machine down or doing both.

What are your opinions on the matter, do you share my opinion that ALL AV's are a waste of time, resources and money?

I assume you want honest opinions?

Using a network connected Windows PC today without any AV protection is in my opinion just plain stupid. It's like driving on these German no speed limit Autobahns 200 kmph without wearing a seatbelt with worn out tires on a rainy day; you trust your driving skills and believe nothing will happen but the building elements of a catastrophe are there.

I agree with you on one point. I really do not see no excuse to pay for an AV suite. The free alternatives today like my favorite MSE are certainly enough for normal computer and online usage.

Kari

BomberAF said:

Kari said:

I assume you want honest opinions?

Using a network connected Windows PC today without any AV protection is in my opinion just plain stupid. It's like driving on these German no speed limit Autobahns 200 kmph without wearing a seatbelt with worn out tires on a rainy day; you trust your driving skills and believe nothing will happen but the building elements of a catastrophe are there.

I agree with you on one point. I really do not see no excuse to pay for an AV suite. The free alternatives today like my favorite MSE are certainly enough for normal computer and online usage.

Kari

The only network I am on is my home network.

You are connected to the "mother of all networks", the Internet through your home network.

If you completely stop using Internet and never again insert an external drive or stick or CD/DVD with data (documents, music, video etc.) from your friends or colleagues or whoever, you are good to go without AV.