Do I need Anti-Virus if
1) Windows firewall is on
2) I browse questionable sites. open email attachments only in user mode ?
3) I use firefox with adblock plus and flashblock; and thinking of moving to scriptblock
Also, do third party firewalls provide more security than the windows firewall ?
This is for XP
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wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso
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jackluo923 Notebook Virtuoso
Nobody says you need antivirus. It's only recommended that you have antiviruses. The chances of you getting any viruses in those "questionable" sites are highier. Don't click any ads and you should be fine 99.99% of the time.
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if you are using the third party firewall. no need to installed the antivirus.
anti virus only helps to the high level virus which comes from the internet through the downloaded files.
do not click on the pop ups. -
geez.. randdy, firewall and antivirus have totally different purposes, and both are important. you can read something about that for example in wikipedia. antivirus helps against *all* types of viruses, not only "high level", and viruses do not only "come from internet through the downloaded files"... - it's nice of you that you try to help, but this advising is rather confusing.
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You could also take a different approach with the program DropMyRights which enables you, while being in admin mode, to run a certain program (any internet facing app.) with reduced privileges/rights.
An AV can still be usefull to scan email attachments. While any nasties might not have the ability to perform malicious actions, they will still reside unscanned on your HDD.
I use FF with AdBlockPlus and NoScript myself, I think it's an excellent layer of defense.
3rd party firewalls can provide more security imho but primarily because of the extra functionality as in added HIPS (Comodo/OnlineArmor).
Cheers. -
wearetheborg Notebook Virtuoso
What is HIPS ?
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Some are 'raw', where you will have to allow every single application/action, some are more user friendly, using whitelists that will allow/trust standard Windows OS components already.
As an example, I like OnlineArmor (free version) myself, a FW with integrated HIPS, they also have extensive helpfiles link.
Comodo also offers a strong FW with integrated HIPS combination (and optional AV).
Cheers.
Do I need Anti-Virus if I browse in user mode ?
Discussion in 'Security and Anti-Virus Software' started by wearetheborg, Mar 30, 2009.