(Guide) How to safely use Windows without Anti-virus security

Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by micman, Oct 10, 2010.

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  1. Bearclaw

    Bearclaw Steaming

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    I think it's common sense that's the most important thing of all.

    I haven't used Anti-virus in 2 years and don't do any virtualization or any special gimmicks, and haven't had a virus.
     
    Bearclaw, Aug 2, 2011
    #31
  2. Hungry Man

    Hungry Man Notebook Virtuoso

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    Common sense is much more restricting than any software on my computer.
     
    Hungry Man, Aug 2, 2011
    #32
  3. Deks

    Deks Notebook Prophet

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    Not necessarily.
    One can easily set up an admin account in Windows so you could browse the net without an AV.
    Common sense in it's basic form is hardly restricting.
     
    Deks, Aug 3, 2011
    #33
  4. Hungry Man

    Hungry Man Notebook Virtuoso

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    A user account is, by default, restricted. Common sense dictates that you won't go to a site if you suspect it's malicious. Common sense in and of itself forces you to second guess actions.

    That's no fun.

    I'll take a nice light security setup and no common sense.
     
    Hungry Man, Aug 3, 2011
    #34
  5. ikovac

    ikovac Cooler and faster... NBR Reviewer

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    Good stuff in guide - general knowledge that many can benefit from.

    And yes - most users should still use AV. It usually protects them from themselves. :)
     
    ikovac, Aug 8, 2011
    #35
  6. Matt is Pro

    Matt is Pro I'm a PC, so?

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    I agree. Well said.
     
    Matt is Pro, Aug 9, 2011
    #36
  7. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    ^QFT

    Very useful guide.
    Well done.
     
    Steven, Aug 10, 2011
    #37
  8. ILoveMoogles

    ILoveMoogles Notebook Evangelist

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    After having some issues with trying other anti-viruses and issues with compatibility I have decided to go without an anti-virus.

    One reason for also eliminating an anti-virus is that I do use common computer sense. I don't go to questionable sites and I use ABP and NoScript wisely (it was common sense for me as to which domains are ad domains and which ones aren't) to prevent contraction of viruses.

    I do run other programs such as SuperAntiSpyware and Windows Firewall (and I would not connect to the internet directly without being behind a router).

    Also I haven't had a virus in at least 7 years. (I am a moderately heavy internet user. I frequent youtube and various other websites for 5 hours average per day, usually around 10 hours.) [Yes I do other things also and I have a job.]

    Now, would I recommend my friends to go the same route? Absolutely not. Most people don't really think about what they are doing in terms of internet useage until they have already clicked on links and so forth. Some do have questionable habits and do have a need for an Anti-Virus.
     
    ILoveMoogles, Aug 11, 2011
    #38
  9. Steven

    Steven God Amongst Mere Mortals

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    ^I'd recommend you consider an extension such as Web of Trust.
     
    Steven, Aug 11, 2011
    #39
  10. micman

    micman Notebook Evangelist

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    +1
    this is one of the extensions mentioned in the cnet article under my browser extensions part of the guide. It works in all 5 major browsers. Highly recommend.

    just added info:
    Tracking protection lists for IE9: http://ie.microsoft.com/testdrive/Browser/TrackingProtectionLists/
    and updated info on sandboxie to better reflect info on the website (thanks Baserk)
     
    micman, Aug 11, 2011
    #40
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