It's time to toss out your antivirus software

[dbarrow]

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Ou/index.php?p=234

*pertains to Vista
*he makes sense
*read!

[jcampi]

The article actually makes a lot of sense. I agree with the premise. I can see future programs just scanning the transfer of a file from the FTP site or when they are downloaded. The antivirus shouldn't have to run and bog down the PC if this security method is used.

[RAK]

I've often wondered how many users on this sight, besides myself, do not use a Real-time AV. I do keep an On-Demand handy(currently using Clamwin), and also run online scans. I have some doubts about the author's opinion on firewalls, but since he seems to know a lot more about this stuff than me, I think it's worth considering. I like the concept of a Gateway solution for keeping bugs off the Desktop. This takes the drag on perrformance off of the machine. I had experience cleaning several friend's computers where the scenario was ,A; they felt the computer was running slow and they turned off their protection, or, B; they had an antivirus running and an executable program disabled it. One was so screwed that I had to uninstall the AV in Safe-Mode before I could get the machine to run.( I'll avoid naming names; Let's leave that to the virus-war thread).:)
Thanks for the article, Doug I'm Bookmarkin Tech Republic. I see it's primarily an IT publication, but looks like it has some useful info even dabblers like myself can use, such as this one:
10 flagrant grammar mistakes that make you look stupid:ranger:

http://techrepublic.com.com/5100-10881-6075621.html#

[dbarrow]

I agree with the whole concept of Vista security however, as numerous articles mention, how many users will simply turn it off as it will undoubtedly aggrevate the average user to no end.
The one article, by an experienced user reviewing Vista beta, reached that level and seriously doubts it will fly with the general public. Solves many problems if it does.

As for the gateway, you can buy routers with the firewall and gateway function in them now. They are unfortunately designed for the large server corporate sector and prices are over $1000.
Maybe there will be a move by the Netgears and Lynksys home user level to incorporate gateway scanning in future products.

Back to the AV wars ...
Nod32 does gateway scan HTTP, email, and internet ports but not everything accessed by the web.

Hard to say whether Vista will increase competition of third party AV makers to increase gateway protection or drive them out of business... It appears it will cause some kind of shift in thinking one way or the other.

[Terry Hanushek]

I moved the posts about grammar mistakes to its own thread in the Basement forum to give them added visibility.

Grammar Mistakes (and Corrections)
http://www.kickenhardware.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2563

Terry

[Seth]

I've often wondered how many users on this sight, besides myself, do not use a Real-time AV. I do keep an On-Demand handy(currently using Clamwin), and also run online scans.

Count me in as one of those users (and the number is growing).

I ditched antivirus software on all three of my computers about four years ago. Every couple of weeks I'll run an online scan with either BitDefender, Trend, or Ewido. For kicks I'll occasionally see what HijackThis has to say. About once every six months, I might pick up some minor malware that's easily removed.

Bottom line, since ditching onboard antivirus, all of my computers are now clean, stable, fast, and error free.

[jcampi]

I can almost see the day when the operating system will track changes in the system and simply delete possible viruses from the computer.

[mommalina]

:welcome:, Seth. Glad to have you aboard!

AV wars are sometimes furiously fought here, but it's usually about which AV scanner is the best. Whether not to use one at all--as you maintain is best for you--could trigger another robust discussion! One of my sons refuses to use an AV scanner and never has a problem--but he's a brain. I'm not and would not chance it.

We invite you to discuss this and other topics during our KH Computer Help Desk Paltalk chatroom each Wednesday night, from 9 pm until whenever. Here's how to get there:

www.paltalk.com *
Chatrooms
Rooms
Computers & Technology
Computer Help & Advice
KH Computer Help Desk

* you need to download Paltalk messenger 8.3 software first if you don't already have Paltalk on your system.

In the chatroom you can find or give one-on-one, hands-on help for computer problems, teach or learn about new developments in computers and software. Computer subjects get first priority. If there is a lull, then humor, finance, and whatever can be discussed intermittently. We try not to talk about politics or religion .... there's enough disagreement about antivirus scanners. LOL

For more information about the KH Computer Help Desk Paltalk Chatroom, see: http://www.kickenhardware.net/forum/calendar.php?do=getinfo&e=1&day=2006-5-3&c=1

Hope you'll visit us there, too, Seth. Again, welcome to our forum. :cheer2:

Lina

[Seth]

Thank you for the warm welcome Lina :) (Hmmm, smilies aren't working).

I was a well regarded senior member at Cyber Tech Help, but deserted due to a major disagreement with a couple of the mods. Rich M invited me here.

I currently own a computer repair business that has been getting very busy lately...but hope to duck in once and a while to contribute.

Thanks again!

[Pi rules]

Welcome, Seth! :welcome:

I was a well regarded senior member at Cyber Tech Help... You certainly are. :)

...but deserted due to a major disagreement with a couple of the mods. That's too bad; it's a huge loss.

Edit:

(on topic) - I still don't think that all computers are ready for this. Other people go on my computer and get malware on it (maybe I'll restrict or remove internet access), and with no AV software to block things in real-time, it could infect my PC.

[Seth]

I still don't think that all computers are ready for this. Other people go on my computer and get malware on it (maybe I'll restrict or remove internet access), and with no AV software to block things in real-time, it could infect my PC.

Hi Pi (Still no smilies).

The funny thing is, in my house I've got three computers on a broadband connection. One for my 12 year old, one for my girlfriend, and of course mine. None have AV installed (we just do online scans). We are constantly using E-mail, P2P, Torrents, etc, and haven't picked up much of anything in over three years. The added bonus is we have no typical ill effects of running onboard antivirus.

To be completely honest (and stick my neck out), for the last six months I've been experimenting with my customers XP SP2 systems. I place an icon for CCleaner, Ewido malware scan, and Trend malware scan on the bottom right of the screen. I instruct them to run each program every couple of weeks. I've kept in contact with them regarding what Ewido and Trend find, but they have nothing of significance to report. A key note here is that I inform them about downloadable internet programs that may contain malware, and what to look for in the service agreement. Keep in mind though, if a user is uninformed and click happy, no security software will prevent the malware from being installed. Also note, a lot of malware files are stored in IE's temp files, and CCleaner will remove them.

BTW-If antivirus software prevented malware, it wouldn't need to constantly scan your computer.

[mylanta]

Oh now Seth you and I have had this one before on ***. And there are programs that will prevent spyware from coming in and same way with Antivirus programs. Sure many of them drag the systems down, so don't use those. I use Nod32 and am never aware it is here, and the same is tru of Bit Defender.
An experienced user can get away with it, but I am hard pressed to believe average user could ever, I clean average user machines all day log that are compeletely trashed from spyware and virsu, that there is no way to resurrect either.

[dbarrow]

The "user" is the most dangerous vulnerability and exploit in the machine! No matter what software you put in place or measures to block intrusion, it's the user who does not practice "Safe Computing" who circumvents all the security.

Scanning should never be necessary!
With the proper guards at the gate and a little "Safe Computing", nothing should ever get in that needs to be gotten out. Cleaning and repairing damage "after the fact" is an exercise in futility in most cases.

[mylanta]

Good point DB. Other than an occasional online scan to check up, I cannot remember the last time I did a system scan with Nod32 or Pest Patrol...it's just too boring. And the thought of leaving "crud" on system for several weeks and then removing, makes me feel "violated" anyway!