how long before an unprotected pc gets infected?

[macgig]

its got xp on it, but im wondering how long would it take before this gets infected? to test this, what must I do? do I just leave the PC on or must I do some web surfing? its connected to the web and I've installed no AV protection. I have nothing better to do today so I'm experimenting.

 

[Mellon Head]

I'm told that one trip to an adult website will likely do it, but pretty much any Google search on a popular topic will net you something.

 

[macgig]

ok trying a google search now. firewall turned off. not sure if that matters or not. here goes.

 

[macgig]

using IE 8. no virus yet. but im trying! lol....

 

[The Howling Wolves]

And your doing this for what reason?

 

[macgig]

lynda.com had a security video, the guy in the video said that by the time you go get a cup of coffee and get back, your pc will be infected. so far i'm not seeing it. the guy mentions the SANS institute, they did this and perhaps still do? see how long it takes to infect an unprotected pc. seems to be harder to infect than what he said in the video.

 

[macgig]

video was dated 2005. if that matters.

 

[macgig]

PC survival time 'down to 20 minutes' | ZDNet

 

[scr]

Are you using a router?

 

[macgig]

yes I have a router and I think it has a firewall built in. that could be why nothing has happened yet?

 

[scr]

Is the XP computer on a LAN with other computers? You may get way more then you asked for.

OnEdit: How do you know it's not infected yet if you are not running detection?

 

[macgig]

on the same router as my mac. because of that I have not proceeded. lol

 

[macgig]

id probably disconnect the mac before turning of the firewall in the router. not sure I feel like all that to be honest. too much like work. lol

 

[scr]

Good choice. I suggest you run a scan on all computers connected to the LAN.

 

[NoelDP]

Most routers have an inbuilt NAT server - which is effectively a firewall.
If you want to put a naked PC on the internet, see if your router has a DMZ option - and place the test subject in that.
I'd be surprised if it lasted more than 10 minutes without the Windows firewall active before something infected it - but you may not notice until the first or second reboot.

 

[Britton30]

You may need to disable Windows Security Center too, if it XP SP3. I was installing the same once about6 years ago, as soon as I installed the LAN driver, WSC said it had detected a Win32Pariet, or something like that. So in my case 6 seconds.

 

[badger906]

I dont run a virus scanner on any of my pcs occasionally ill install one, or check the drives with a computer not connected to the net with a scanner, but i never get anything, other than the odd bit of adware.

If they invented a virus scanner that didnt constantly want attention like a baby.. always wanting updating, always telling you things ect id happily install one.. that and one that doesnt hog resources. My method, format regularly

 

[ShamrockRig]

This is an odd thread, never seen someone wanting to get infected before, but each to their own lol, have fun!

 

[3D Jed]

Back in the day we had real virus's -like SpySheriff

Want to destroy your computer? - YouTube

 

[NoelDP]

...and McAfee ... and Norton Utilities not to mention Blaster, and other real worms.