15 replies to this topic

[marko]

I can admit to having contracted a virus a few years ago which basically had me stumped, can't remember the exact details of it if I'm honest, but I remember getting to the point where I thought enough is enough, I'd spent most of the day trying to clean the damn thing off my computer using all manner of virus blasting techniques but I just wasn't convinced that I'd got rid for good so I re-formatted the entire computer and re-installed the operating system. I'd have to say yes, that virus beat me back then and I've still no idea where it came from.

Now, I normally reformat my laptop on a regular basis as routine and I've shifted a lot of the stuff I used to do locally to keeping it online, like my mail for example, I no longer download and keep my mail on my computer, it's all through web consoles now. All my program data, etc, is backed up daily like my firefox settings, FTP programs and so on therefore it's only a matter of re-installing these apps and restoring the data and I'm back up and running again!!.

Have you ever had a virus grip your computer to the point you've gave up and re-formatted?

[grumplstink]

yep had several virus attacks whilst running Windows XP...caught from borrowed disks...changed to Windows 7...Avast virus checker does a good job, along with firewall...no worries

[innkeeper]

I always keep my data on separate partitions/hard drives and I reformat every six months or so just to make sure there's nothing hiding in the cracks. Even when I get a virus avg pro stops it in its tracks. I use Advance Systems Care to keep it all running smooth.

[FreeWareFan]

I've got my first(and last in my life) virus in 2004 from friend's USB drive, when I've got my new PC. Since that I've never got my PC virused.
In 2006 I've completely declined any antivirus software on my PCs, notebooks, netbooks and still feeling Ok.

[marko]

grumplstink, on 18 August 2011 - 01:50 AM, said:

yep had several virus attacks whilst running Windows XP...caught from borrowed disks...changed to Windows 7...Avast virus checker does a good job, along with firewall...no worries

Must admit, Windows 7 does actually appear to be more secure than Windows XP - still miss that ole favourite though

innkeeper, on 19 August 2011 - 06:20 AM, said:

I always keep my data on separate partitions/hard drives and I reformat every six months or so just to make sure there's nothing hiding in the cracks. Even when I get a virus avg pro stops it in its tracks. I use Advance Systems Care to keep it all running smooth.

Me too innkeeper, although I'd read this article in regards to ASC from IoBit, we've actually withdrawn our support for all IoBit's software (http://forums.malwarebytes.org/index.php?showtopic=29681)

FreeWareFan, on 19 August 2011 - 09:32 AM, said:

I've got my first(and last in my life) virus in 2004 from friend's USB drive, when I've got my new PC. Since that I've never got my PC virused.
In 2006 I've completely declined any antivirus software on my PCs, notebooks, netbooks and still feeling Ok.

5 years without antivirus protection, you're either extremely mad or extremely brave FF

[marko]

WOW, only 16% have never had a virus and the rest of us are the majority!! Tells us something about the growing problems online these days

[FreeWareFan]

marko, on 19 August 2011 - 09:44 AM, said:

5 years without antivirus protection, you're either extremely mad or extremely brave FF

Hehe.
It's really simple - don't download exe-files that you don't need.
And download needed software only from trusted sources(offsites and sites did you trust)) and keep system up to date. That's it.
I'm still can't understand why people downloads files like "ObamaNaked.exe" or "SarahPalinPorn.scr" and starts them.

[marko]

FreeWareFan, on 22 August 2011 - 09:06 AM, said:

Hehe.
It's really simple - don't download exe-files that you don't need.
And download needed software only from trusted sources(offsites and sites did you trust)) and keep system up to date. That's it.
I'm still can't understand why people downloads files like "ObamaNaked.exe" or "SarahPalinPorn.scr" and starts them.

Well you do have a valid point I guess, but even so, viruses and malware can come from a variety of different sources, not just downloads - I mean what happens if someone were to inadvertently send a bug through an email or worst still you opened an email you thought was safe but which contained a virus?. I know what you're saying, and it's admirable, chances are you would spot those a mile away, but I'd just be a nervous wreck without at least some form of protection on my PC

[FreeWareFan]

marko, on 22 August 2011 - 09:10 AM, said:

I mean what happens if someone were to inadvertently send a bug through an email or worst still you opened an email you thought was safe but which contained a virus?

Answer on 1st part of your question - I'm using only webinterfaces of my e-mails.
Answer on 2nd part - I'm always check suspicious files on VirusTotal or similar services.

[marko]

While I would reiterate that it is most admirable FF, I still think it's defintely not a good idea to run without antivirus software - bugs and viruses can come from anywhere these days, even websites you may decide to visit - I've seen some sites that were abandoned by developers turn into virused holes, sites that I would myself frequent, but after a developer has done with them, others take them over because of the status and ranking and attempt to churn out all manner of garbage. I use LinkExtend together with the WOT and SiteAdvisor modules for FireFox, but even that doesn't offer protection over sites that it doesn't know about. It's way far too easy to contract a virus and more worrying is the fact that if you did, you may not even know about it - I would certainly recommend at least installing one, if nothing else to just give your PC a good scanning then even remove it once you have a clean bill of health (if you really don't want one installed permanantly). Is there any particular reason why you choose not to install one by the way?.