Hi,

Today I had a discussion with a couple of co-workers regarding virus protection and firewalls for home computers. They both said that you only need virus protection if you don't download from the web and you don't need a firewall if you are not on the internet very often. So, neither of them have VP or a firewall.

I have both of these on my home computer and I would appreciate your thoughts on this subject.

Thanks,
rlight

Downloading is where most of the risk is. Tho' you can infect your PC with malware just by visiting certain sites.. Perhaps if you only and (never stray) go to truly secure sites you may get away without an Antivirus program ... But ....
A firewall is a must. You not only need security while your browsing ,but also from some one browsing your PC.
from BleepingComputer.com link L@@K

Both of your co-workers are accidents waiting to happen.
If your connected to the internet for any length of time, for whatever reason, you run the risk of becoming infected.
It only takes seconds.

To add to the comments above, several experiments have been done that allow unprotected computers access to the internet. In almost every case (and this experiement does not include active use of the internet) these computers become infected within two days.
Regards,
John

Hi rlight. Your coworkers are IDIOTS. Disregard anything they may tell you about computers as they obviously know nothing.

Cheers

Where do you work??? What coworkers are they?????
Cos I cant believe they said that!!!!!!
I mean its an accident ready to happen as mentioned above!!!!
Of course your system doesnt need to be buffed up if u dont download loads or use the net regarly but still.....
it only takes a little to get infected so the very basics are required in my opinion



MathsDude

Hello rlight,

Well everything everyone has said here is correct,so go with them, DO NOT listen to your co-workers!

It is because of opinions and self-belief similar to that of your co-workers, that malware and virus' exist so easily today. If people only took 5mins of there time to read what is VITAL software to running and keeping there PC's safe, then we would be on a massive step to preventing malware from even knowing we are here.

Ignorance is bliss.............until you find out your bank details have been wiped along with your account money, you have to pay a queens ransome to get your PC fixed , the hackers stolen all of your personal details such as pictures and video,address and friends and family details. They take over your PC by making it a Zombie to help in there crimes, whilst downloading porn and popups on to your desktop.They....................well i think you get the idea, and anyone, not just your co-workers, should take note.
I cant even begin to start just what can be done by hackers.

There best friends in helping with there crimes,are those who believe that an anti-virus is all you need,and you never know, they may just show there appreciation by taking every last penny your account holds.

Stay safe,and browse happy!

Graveangel

Hay there rlight
You can tell tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber this for me
"Flies dance operas to your wisdom"
keep what you got and keep your av updated.
you should look into other anti-malware as well.

Thanks to all of you for your imput. I have no intention of going without virus protection or a firewall. I have tried to follow BleepingComputers guidelines for keeping my PC safe. I wanted your imput to help me educate my coworkers or anyone else that believes that no protection is necessary.

Currently on my PC I use AVG Free Edition for virus protection and ZoneAlarm for a firewall, I used to have Mcafee. What do you think about this? Is AVG and ZoneAlarm enough protection or do I need more.

Thanks again
rlight

Hello,
Even if your not online at all, having a firewall is necessary. People can hack in and steal personal information from your machine. And antivirus programs are a necessity too since hackers can put viruses in your PC.

--Jesse

It is a start but just to give you an idea, I have over a dozen programs for security.
AV, Firewall, Winpatrol, Spybot (strongly recommend), Spyware blaster, Spyware Guard, ProcessGUard,Spysweeper, Windows Defender,And window washer(or CCleaner on close) and thats not counting the ones that aren't always running:AdwareSE, Ewido

So, trickydick,

Two questions. First, I use Spybot and Ad-Aware. AdAware regularly detects spyware, Spybot even with the newest updates never detects any spyware. Why would this be?

Secondly, all the protection that you have on your computer, do have to buy it or is free? Or both?

rlight

Using 1 Antivirus and 1 firewall is correct. But you definately should run several FREE Spyware programs in conjunction. There is a BC list HERE
Scroll down to the Spyware Removal section and install those. Don't forget to read the section in the link provided called,Simple steps to keep your computer secure

That's why you need several programs they don't find all by themselves ,some find things others do not.
The progs in the link above contains excellent free progs.

BOOPME,

So, I've downloaded SpywareBlaster and Winpatrol (I already use AdAware and Spybot). Dp I need more of these?? Also, do I need more than one Virus Protection program and more than one Firewall??

Thanks for all your help
rlight

Hi rlight. Glad you're keeping your PC safe.

While you can run as much antispyware as you think you need, you can only run one AntiVirus and one Firewall at any given time, or they will fight between themselves and possibly limit your protection.

Follow the advice given above and you will be as safe as you can be.

Cheers

Rowal is right about the one firewall. I have two ( keiro and the firewall provided with bitdefender) but i only ever run one of them at the time. I havent seen ccleaner mentioned.Maybe its in one of the threads but thats a gd freewqare program

Hi rlight,as mentioned 1 and1 on the firewall and virus protection.
One other excellent ,free anti spyware is Ewido

http://www.ewido.net/en/

Best of luck

So, I downloaded Ewido onto my computer and ran a scan. It turned up 30 medium risk spyware.

It also detected a malicious item 'Backdoor.Ncx.a'. I quarintined all of these and then deleted them.

What is Backdoor.Ncx.a? Is there any reason to be concerned with this being on my computer for who knows how long?

rlight

[font=Arial Narrow][size=3]If your computer is just sitting all by its lonesome, you are ok but lonely dogs howl. Here's some stuff I lapped up off www.asyset.com
Anti-virus Software
Anti-virus protection is of primary importance, regardless of which computer you're using. All users should invest in this "first line of defense" for all inbound & outbound information.
Use a quality anti-virus program that includes constant updates. Leave it running at all times. Most times, this malware is hiding in trial software, special offers & even your own service provider.
Firewalls
Firewalls are like installing a lock on your door. When someone knocks, you can choose to let them in or not. For trusted friends, you can provide them with a key to use, even when there is no one home. In computer terms, they are for blocking and permitting communications traffic.
A firewall acts on your behalf in between your internal network or PC and an external network, such as the internet. They can be software or hardware based or both- acting as a gateway between systems.
A virtual private network (VPN) can come with your firewall to connect many locations together confidentially, using public communications lines like DSL, cable or telephone dial-up.
Firewall Use
You should leave one firewall up at all times. A comprehensive firewall that suits your needs is vital. Two or more will slow your traffic down. Most protect your system(s) from outside intrusions, not necessary from what is going on inside your own computer or local network. Using a CD/DVD or floppy disk of unknown origin and unscanned is dangerous.
Despite the tv ads, apples can get fleas too. pup