Do you use an Antivirus Program?

cozumel · May 13, 2007, 02:12 PM

I was browsing through HardForum and it appears that a significant number of their members, for whatever reason, don't have any antivirus software installed.

So now I'm curious.

Please feel free to vote in this poll.

Edit: Wasn't sure to whether to post in the software forum but thought that more people visit off-topic. Please move this poll if you feel it is appropriate. Thanks

Zelig · May 13, 2007, 02:19 PM

I don't use one, I'm careful in my computer use, keep everything up to date, and have never inadvertantly installed a virus on any of my computers.

However, I'd say they're necessary for the majority of computer users.

Not sure what I should vote for, as neither of the "No" options really matches my opinion.

Sandok · May 13, 2007, 02:20 PM

Kaspersky ftw!

jp306 · May 13, 2007, 02:22 PM

I voted yes, but I wouldn't pay for it. There are some good free Antivirus Programs out there like Avast(That's what I use) and AVG.

Falstaff · May 13, 2007, 02:25 PM

I think someone would be a real doofweener if they chose not to use AV.
just my two cents really.

EcPercy · May 13, 2007, 02:28 PM

Been running AVG for awhile now.

I could get SAV from work free, but I see no reason to use it since SAV seems to think it needs to disable Windows Defender (in Vista) in order to run.

cozumel · May 13, 2007, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zelig

I don't use one, I'm careful in my computer use, keep everything up to date, and have never inadvertantly installed a virus on any of my computers.

However, I'd say they're necessary for the majority of computer users.

Not sure what I should vote for, as neither of the "No" options really matches my opinion.

Wouldn't that be the "No, I don't need one" option.

BTW, how do you know you haven't got any viruses?

cozumel · May 13, 2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jp306

I voted yes, but I wouldn't pay for it. There are some good free Antivirus Programs out there like Avast(That's what I use) and AVG.

Agreed. That's what I hate about these goddam polls. There's no going back to edit the options.

**Vikingod** · May 13, 2007, 02:35 PM

I use avast and have for years. I wouldn't run my system without AV, no reason to not have it installed.

Zelig · May 13, 2007, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumel

Wouldn't that be the "No, I don't need one" option.

BTW, how do you know you haven't got any viruses?

Yes, it would be the "No, I don't need one" option, except I don't see any option with that wording in the poll. I don't think they're not needed or a waste of money in general, I just don't need one personally.

A virus wouldn't be doing much if I did have any, everything runs as it shoulds, I know what all my running processes are, I monitor all my network activity, I'm networked to computers with AV programs in my house with which I share large amounts of files.

BlueMak · May 13, 2007, 03:59 PM

Zelig you are just asking for trouble. No reason whatsoever to not use at least a free anti virus.

Randomletters · May 13, 2007, 04:03 PM

Heres a good reason blue.

Im currently using linux as my main operating system and while yes there are linux based virus' its no where near as risky as keeping a windows based pc antivirus free. While on a windows box I rely on a free AV

Hurock · May 13, 2007, 04:12 PM

Yes, proud user of NOD32!

Da_Jewish_Fonzy · May 13, 2007, 04:16 PM

cozumel · May 13, 2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randomletters

Im currently using linux as my main operating system and while yes there are linux based virus' its no where near as risky as keeping a windows based pc antivirus free. While on a windows box I rely on a free AV

Thats another option I should have had. I dual boot with XP or Linux and probably use each os on 50/50 basis. I don't have any AV protection on Linux as the risk is minimal. I use NOD32 for XP.

***Zardon*** · May 13, 2007, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cozumel

I was browsing through HardForum and it appears that a significant number of their members, for whatever reason, don't have any antivirus software installed.

Its a social thing, like running linux. it is perseved as being extremely cool. If you don't use an antivirus client you are "able" to deal with anything thrown at you, manually, whether it is email viruses, malcious scripts on websites or trojans. You are also able to double your frame rate because you have one less running process and another 50k of available memory.

I have a friend, who dual boots windows and a linux distro and told me for years he never needed an antivirus client on windows, he is a self proclaimed "guru". which is great, until 5 years later he lost most of the files on his hard drives due to a rogue virus he mistakenly opened. Of course he blamed his sister.

I found it quite hilarious.

Tipstaff · May 13, 2007, 06:20 PM

I use Symantec Anti-Virus 10 Corporate Edition on all my personal machines, and I usually install BitDefender 8 Free Edition or AVG Free on all the machines I sell unless a client has purchased one. Along with that I usually install XoftSpy, Spybot S&D, and SpywareBlaster with the last 2 on clients machines too (since they're free).

However, on the other 4 machines at work I run different AV on each, such as Kaspersky Internet Security, Trend Micros PC-cillin Internet Security, which are the best 2 I have ever used, and McAfee Internet Security and Panda Platinum, which are the cheapest OEM software you can buy, and the ones people buy the most. The main reason is that I sell those AV software, and I need to know how they run for when a client calls if they ever have an issue with it. Although, I usually shy people away from Panda these days though due to their incompetence. They once had a great AV software, but now, they suck. They have the worst customer service out of all AV suppliers, and have consistent issues with their registration/cdkey system where their 1 year subscriptions end in 90 days (and they are unwilling to resolve the issue with you). If you buy it once from them your fine for the year. Renew it, or buy a new version, your screwed.

**Grace** · May 13, 2007, 06:23 PM

I don't care that much about AV and Anti-Spyware software, but I always keep AVG installed. It's free and it doesn't consume a lot of resources. There is no reason at all why not to install it.

mainman · May 13, 2007, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

Its a social thing, like running linux. it is perseved as being extremely cool. If you don't use an antivirus client you are "able" to deal with anything thrown at you, manually, whether it is email viruses, malcious scripts on websites or trojans. You are also able to double your frame rate because you have one less running process and another 50k of available memory.

I have a friend, who dual boots windows and a linux distro and told me for years he never needed an antivirus client on windows, he is a self proclaimed "guru". which is great, until 5 years later he lost most of the files on his hard drives due to a rogue virus he mistakenly opened. Of course he blamed his sister.

I found it quite hilarious.

That is sooo f'in true and hilarious....

GutterPunk · May 13, 2007, 06:40 PM

No, its not needed and is a waste of money

Haven't used one forever and still don't. I reformat enough it doesn't matter.

***Zardon*** · May 13, 2007, 06:48 PM

well im not sure how free clients are a waste of money, but then again you are very cool gutterpunk so I guess its fitting with your image

u = greatest dude

mainman · May 13, 2007, 06:50 PM

hey..it's the 1337 thing to do..lol