anti-virus essential ?

[soulfood]

hi, is it essential to install anti-virus software before doing any web browsing? thanks

 

[James7679]

You don't have to, but, why would you want to? Download M.S.E. and you'll be fine.

 

[M1GU31]

My suggestion would be yes it is much better to have some type of protection when searching the web then haveing no type of security. Now if you rather not use one then it's up to you but be warned that a infection can occur with out your acknowledgement. I would suggest to have either have avast! | Download Free Antivirus Software or Internet Security free version or Microsoft security essentials at least Microsoft Security Essentials - Free Antivirus for Windows

I prefer AVAST from the two but both work well and i've used both before on my machines and they do block attacks and remove infections. Also good to have a malware remover with you just in case it gets past your anti virus like Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware, anti-virus and spyware removal download and SUPERAntiSpyware.com | Remove Malware | Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware! just get the free versions as they are enough to get rid of infections.

 

[JMH]

hi, is it essential to install anti-virus software before doing any web browsing? thanks

YES INDEED!
It's too late after "the stable door is shut & the horse has bolted"
Education / knowledge is the best way to learn to avoid the nasties....
Prevention preferable to cure.

People need to understand that to protect themselves from the evils of the internet their basic protection should include

*Anti Virus Program [ MSE is popular & is used by many people here]
*Anti Malware Program
*Firewall
*Router / firewall

FYI > Router security

It is important they update programs & scan regularly.

 

[inouno]

hi, is it essential to install anti-virus software before doing any web browsing? thanks

It is crucial to have Antivirus. ( I use Avast 7 free edition ) set it at antivirus only.

It is even more important to use a Firewall. ( I use Comodo ) set it at stand alone.

Malwarebytes anti malware, is an important tool. (free)

CCleaner will free up your system of crap. (free)

If you install and use these tools, you will be able to browse the Web with confidence and security.

 

[chris1neji]

Anti Virus security is essential to have a better and a safer browsing experience.Keep in mind browsing is not the only way for the computer to be infected either. Many other ways, even offline. You can end up saving money if your computer is protected and safe. PC repair shops these days are not cheap.

I suggest Microsoft Security Essentials.
Anti-Malware, Virus, Spyware Protection | Microsoft Security Essentials
It's free, non intrusive, lightweight and simple.

I advise you to please use MSE. Your hardware is more than enough to handle it. Not all viruses work the same. My friend had a strong belief that a virus would only get into the system if one download and install it! He believe only naive people got it. Viruses will execute and try to hook themselves into the system before or without you knowing until it's too late.

 

[Sardonicus]

If cost is an issue, there are some powerful AV programs for free.

 

[soulfood]

is kaspersky (which u pay for) better than Microsoft Security Essentials (which is free) ?

 

[JMH]

is kaspersky better than Microsoft Security Essentials?

Strictly from a BSOD point of view Microsoft Security Essentials is FAR better.
Lots of people use it here & speak highly of it.

Give it a try...

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[wanchoo]

It is not at all essential.

However it is better and safer that an anti-virus software with up-to-date virus definition is on and keeps working in the background all the time.

You are on Windows XP Platform therefore I think that MSE may not work. Please try Avast Free, which is very popular over here.

hi, is it essential to install anti-virus software before doing any web browsing? thanks

 

[JMH]

Good catch wanchoo re Windows XP Platform being used.

soulfood are you changing to Win 7?

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

MSE has a version for XPhttp://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=5201

I eXPired a long time ago

 

[soulfood]

yes i am changing to windows 7 very soon. but being careful about it, get everything just right, so i don't screw things up

 

[wanchoo]

I suggest that you create an image of the C Drive (System Volume) as soon as you have upgraded to Windows 7. After that install the various other programs keeping the doubtful ones towards the end. Before starting to install the first doubtful program take another image. Then install the first doubtful program and run it for a some time and if you think that you want to keep it proceed with the second and so on.

If you find that a program is not to your liking then restore the second image, install the once doubtful programs that have been approved by you and take another image and keep proceeding further in this manner.

This way you shall never screw things up with your computer. Finally MSE is a very good and safe program although personally I use Avast Free A-V, Comodo Firewall and malwarebytes to keep my system protected.

Good luck.

yes i am changing to windows 7 very soon. but being careful about it, get everything just right, so i don't screw things up

 

[inouno]

is kaspersky (which u pay for) better than Microsoft Security Essentials (which is free) ?

Kaspersky is a brilliant and funny guy.

Anti virus programs are not neccessarily better because they are paid versions.
Quite to the contrary, the ethic is often better. For example..this forum is all free advice.

My advice remains same:
Avast, Comodo, Malwarebytes, and Ccleaner.

All free, and when used together, makes a very powerful protection system.

 

[sreedhav]

Dear soulfood,
Now it is quite obvious to you that an AV is essential. The one very important thing to keep in mind is manual daily updates, if it is a free AV, other than the native MSE.

It is my personal belief that 'real-time monitoring" (available with MSE) helps in what is a "stop at the gate" concept. The free AVs do not have it and the paid ones do!
regards,
sree

 

[inouno]

Dear soulfood,
Now it is quite obvious to you that an AV is essential. The one very important thing to keep in mind is manual daily updates, if it is a free AV, other than the native MSE.

It is my personal belief that 'real-time monitoring" (available with MSE) helps in what is a "stop at the gate" concept. The free AVs do not have it and the paid ones do!
regards,
sree

yeah they do.

 

[M1GU31]

Dear soulfood,
Now it is quite obvious to you that an AV is essential. The one very important thing to keep in mind is manual daily updates, if it is a free AV, other than the native MSE.

It is my personal belief that 'real-time monitoring" (available with MSE) helps in what is a "stop at the gate" concept. The free AVs do not have it and the paid ones do!
regards,
sree

avira and avast have real time monitoring and scanning ........ I seen both stop intruders before entering my systems using the free versions.

 

[inouno]

Dear soulfood,
Now it is quite obvious to you that an AV is essential. The one very important thing to keep in mind is manual daily updates, if it is a free AV, other than the native MSE.

It is my personal belief that 'real-time monitoring" (available with MSE) helps in what is a "stop at the gate" concept. The free AVs do not have it and the paid ones do!
regards,
sree

avira and avast have real time monitoring and scanning ........ I seen both stop intruders before entering my systems using the free versions.

Yeah, you're right.
Free versions are just a cut down version of the paid.

Dumbed down, if you wish.

Still work real good but !

 

[sreedhav]

Dear soulfood,
Now it is quite obvious to you that an AV is essential. The one very important thing to keep in mind is manual daily updates, if it is a free AV, other than the native MSE.

It is my personal belief that 'real-time monitoring" (available with MSE) helps in what is a "stop at the gate" concept. The free AVs do not have it and the paid ones do!
regards,
sree

avira and avast have real time monitoring and scanning ........ I seen both stop intruders before entering my systems using the free versions.

I stand corrected!
Regards,
sree