How to protect my computer from viruses?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods to protect computers from viruses, including recognition of viruses, antivirus software recommendations, and operating system choices. Participants explore various strategies and tools for virus protection, including both software solutions and alternative operating systems.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks advice on recognizing viruses to avoid them effectively.
  • Another participant recommends installing AVAST free home version, citing its daily updates and criticizing other antivirus programs like McAfee and Symantec for being ineffective.
  • It is noted that AVAST, AVG, and Avira are popular free antivirus programs, and having a firewall is also suggested.
  • A participant shares their positive experience with using Fedora (Linux) as an operating system, arguing that it eliminates the need for antivirus software and enhances performance.
  • Some participants suggest that rather than switching operating systems, one could simply download a free virus scanner.
  • Concerns are raised about resource-heavy antivirus software and the challenges of dealing with rootkit infections, suggesting that traditional antivirus solutions may not be effective against them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the effectiveness of antivirus software versus using alternative operating systems like Linux. There is no consensus on the best approach to virus protection, as some advocate for antivirus programs while others promote switching to Linux.

Contextual Notes

Participants' claims about antivirus software effectiveness and operating system preferences are based on personal experiences and opinions, which may not apply universally. The discussion does not resolve the effectiveness of various antivirus solutions or the necessity of switching operating systems.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking advice on computer virus protection, those considering different antivirus software options, or users contemplating a switch to Linux for enhanced security.

tofayel521
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Hi,
Would anybody tell me that how can I recognize the viruses so that I may give up clearly?

Regards,
 
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Download AVAST free home version and install it. The virus definitions are updated at least once a day. I have gotten MacAfee and Symantic as "free" add-ons with the past couple of of computers that I bought. They are both useless, IMO. When a company tries to do too much (in addition to their core business), how can you expect them to keep up with current threats that pop up daily?

I gave AGV a try for a bit, but settled on AVAST. YMMV.
 
AVAST, AVG, and Avira are the 3 most popular free anti-virus programs. In addition you should have a firewall.
 
I just bought a new computer and installed fedora (linux) on it. Absolutely love it. Fast, stable, and no need to buy or download antiviral software that kills the performance of your comp by eating up vast amounts of resources while it is scanning all of the time. If you really, really need windows, you can run it in the background through fedora. I've been windows free for almost a month now and have no qualms about it. Plus all the programs are free. It's really not that hard to be windows free these days. Online support is much better for linux than it used to be back in the old days.
 
Last edited:
Or rather than change your OS you can download a free scanner.
 
MikeyW said:
Or rather than change your OS you can download a free scanner.

Or, like I said you can run windows in the background if you need it without needing AV software that eats up huge amounts of resources. And god help you if you get one of those rootkit infections that are increasingly going around. AV software almost never gets rid of it.
 

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