Due to a member asking about running a pc without an anti-virus, I have decided to do a test case that proves this is very much plausible and can be done without too much of a risk.
My argument is, if you practice safe computing techniques, you can all put away your anti-virus and surf safely.
The Case
My initial thoughts on this case, was to do this over the time of a month, giving an online virus scan report at the end of each week, to show that my computer is safe and sound.
I was also thinking of visiting sites that you guys might visit everyday, as part of my surfing habit.
Any other ideas are welcomed.
Safe Computing Practices
Here is a list of some safe computing practices that I do everyday to avoid being infected with a virus.
- Have a good firewall.
- If using an email client don't open emails with attachments. Use a free online email provider that will scan your attachments for viruses for you.
- Disable autorun.
- Download files from sites that you trust. Downloading cracks, visiting porn sites are risky without an anti-virus.
- Don't click on links in your messenger if you don't know the site it is taking you to. Also confirm with your friend if they sent the link to you before you visit the site.
- Use the free online virus scan sites to scan a file or your computer for viruses if you suspect a file is infected or a virus is on your pc.
I use Jotti's Malware scan to scan individual files: http://virusscan.jotti.org
Virus Total is also a good online virus scanner. http://www.virustotal.com/
I use Trend Micro's Housecall to scan my entire computer for viruses if I suspect I have one: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/- DON'T use IE as your main browser.
- Stay up-to-date with Windows Update.
Viruses enter your pc in the following ways:
- Through email attachments
- Through links sent to you via messenger
- Through activex when using IE
- Through files you download
- Through usb devices you plug into your computer
- Through other networked computers
If you guard yourself through each of these entries, you CAN use your computer safely.
My Current System
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
Firewall: Comodo
Network
At home: Connected to a network of 4 windows computers which are running Zonealarm free and Avast Anti-virus.
At school: Connected to school network when at school.
My Previous System
OS: Windows XP Professional with SP3
Firewall: Zonealarm Professional
Network: Connected to a network of 4 windows computers which are running Zonealarm free and AVG free.
I'll post my scan results at the end of each week.
Topic is open for discussion.