Do I need anti-virus software? - Comments Page 1

I have had the same results with viruses. I have never had one just by doing what you suggest. I never open attachments from unknown sources and I always send a reply to any mail from unknowns asking who they are. Most of the time the 'reply to' address is a phony.

I'm glad I stumbled across your commentary. I've been preaching the same thing to my company for 6 years with excellent succes. I was beginning to doubt my own advice after reading a recent article in PC Magezine that basically said that without a virus scanner you are going to be infected by a virus the second you connect your PC to the internet.

Use common sense, caution and Windows Updates and your PC will be virus free without having to add amazingly intrusive and buggy anti-virus software (aka Norton).

Just came across this website. I too have/had antivirus software on our computer. Then all of a sudden our computer was getting real sluggish. It took nearly 30 minutes to an hour just to browse one website and then I had trouble upgrading virus definitions so I bought and tried to install a later version which didn't do so well because it wouldn't do anything(by the way, it was a Norton product as well as the first AV program). Now with no AV program, I'm done in less than 5 or so minutes instead of 30.

I beg to disagree to what Wayne posted that having an Anti Virus Installed, computers are getting sluggish and took about 30 minutes to an hour just to browse one website. it might be your computer or some programs inside the system can cause that problems and not the Anti Virus Software Installed. I too have/had Norton Anti Virus on my PC and i've never had any problem with the so called virus from the internet. As long as your Anti Virus is updated, no Virus can attact you system without your knowledge.

Thank you, thank you, for being there and doing what you do! I look forward to your newsletter every week and have gained much knowledge from it. Your software and comparisons have saved me money and have given me alternatives to lousy customer service like Norton’s. I have had more aggravation with their product then I like to think about and non-responsive customer service. I will never buy another Norton’s product again! I have finally given up and going to try the Shield anti virus. When I need something computer related my first stop is your web site!

Thanks for your note. I got a McAfee licence from work and it slowed down my laptop and my home PC until they were virtually unusable. Symantec was a bit better, but I had to pay for it. I'm now anti-virus free for over 18 months, and no virus problems so far. I am concerned, because e-mail viruses are not the only sort of malware out there, so I use a FREE firewall (ZoneAlarm) and run a couple of FREE anti-spyware programs regularly(Ad-Aware and Spybot S&D). Works so far.

Great column. I have to agree with Joe. I use Comodo (Free firewall) and three FREE anti-malware programs (Defender, Adaware, and SpybotS&D). No problems so far and my pc runs so much fatser.

yeh i have comodo adaware spybot s'n'd and also security task manager and i never have had any problems (all fre btw)

MY PC IS TOO SLOW . BUT NO VIRUSES ARE AFFECTED IN IT . PLEASE ADVISE ME HOW I RECOVER IT.

EDITOR'S NOTE: See http://askbobrankin.com/make_windows_xp_run_faster.html

I have been without anti virus /internet security software for 14 months and will continue without it. I have a 4 year old and 11 year old sons who use the computer for gaming, homework etc and my wife does the usual social networking sites and home shopping. To all those who say AV software doesn't slow down your machine, try browsing without it for a comparison.