Question

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Do you run anti-virus software?

Along with regular usage of internet,is it possible to use windows without any antivirus s/w.

Answer 1

The most-efficient replacement to an anti-virus is to use a windows account without administrative privileges on a daily basis. Most malware can't and won't work properly if they have a restricted access to system files and the registry.

I've been using Windows for years with no anti-virus software and I haven't been harmed. Theses are the rules I recommend :

• Use a limited user account on Windows daily
• Use a separate administrative account for software installs and maintenance
• If you don't want to use a separate account, try tools like DropMyRights or suDown
• Keep your OS up-to-date
• Keep your browser up-to-date
• Keep your browser plugins up-to-date (flash is regularly a malware vector due to security holes)
• Restrict Javascript and ads on your browser with tools like NoScript and AdBLock
• Act responsibly : avoid dubious sites, executable attachments and other common malware sources

Edit: these rules have been written with Windows XP in mind. The very purpose of the UAC is to prevent users from have administrative privileges when it's not necessary.

Answer 2

When I was using my Windows machine, I never used and antivirus or spyware protection software. As long as you are smart and do not download crazy files from untrusted sources, you should be fine. I was and I never had a virus.

Answer 3

Antivirus software is highly recommended, unless you are really careful and know what you are doing. Then again, if you do know what you are doing, you probably knew this already...

Furhter information available at other threads:

• Do you run anti-virus software?
• Why do I need an antivirus?
• Free antivirus solutions for Windows

Answer 4

It is a bad idea to go ahead without an anti-virus. I would recommend all of the above actions of not opening shady looking files, not visiting malware sites etc. but you can never know where a bad software might come from. Google for Sony rootkit.

In my opinion, always have an anti-virus program, regardless of whether you are on Windows, Linux or a Mac.

Answer 5

I don't use anti virus software and so far had no problems. I do however run my account as a non admin. I use suDown when I need to run anything as admin. I also use firewall.

Answer 6

Even a firewall is not required if you're operating behind a router (that acts as a firewall).
But don't use IE for surfing. Use rather Firefox/Opera/Chrome, or you take too large a risk.

Answer 7

Definitely. If you have a head on your shoulders, and don't do absolutely stupid things. I don't have antivirus software and haven't reinstalled windows well over a year on my home PC (since I've bought it).

Not doing stupid things includes:

• Don't download and install software from suspicious sources
• Don't click on suspicious advertisements or links
• Don't read spam email
• and etcetera.

All of that of course involves common sense. If you just can't resist clicking on that banner with a hottie saying "single girls in your area" or something alike, then you won't last long without an antivirus :)

On the other hand, NAT or decent firewall (or both) are highly recommended. It will protect you from most of the other threats.

Test: Ooooooh, SHINY link! Click it!

Answer 8

Is this not the same? http://superuser.com/questions/561/do-you-run-anti-virus-software

Answer 9

It's a bad idea to use Windows without anti-virus software. Why not just go with something free, like AVG? I think Kaspersky is free too. Semi-decent protection is better than none at all.

Answer 10

in a word, yes.

whether this this a bad idea or not recommended is not the question, now is it?

of course you will do that at your own risk and virtualization might be a good idea :)