Well, i'm about to wipe Windows and re-install (no, Merc, i'm not imaging it...), and I was just wondering - are Av / Firewall software even worth installing?

ATM I have AVG installed, but only run it manually to scan stuff i'm suspicious of. Not got a Virus yet. I'm behind a modem/router thingy (and a few switches). Is there any point for someone who is careful about what they download?

What do you recommend (for free)?

Firewall: Yes , definitively!

AV: Probably not. Well if you're not clicking everywhere or using weird crack downloaded on websites sponsored by porn you should be ok!

Never used them, never had a problem in 7+ years. Just be sensible and dont click dodgy links/download weird stuff and you'll be fine

Windows Firewall: off.
I've got no other programs,
Had problem only once, when i downloaded what i thought was a java (or some sort of update like that, but actually it was a virus and it was bad :schwitz otherwise my pc is clean. Firewalls, and a-like are just pointless imo.

I use Avast and AVG together. No problems, I keep windows firewall on because it does no harm, but I'm behind a router anyway so

Quote from Maelstrom :

Firewall: Yes , definitively!

AV: Probably not. Well if you're not clicking everywhere or using weird crack downloaded on websites sponsored by porn you should be ok!

I'm the opposite way round. Behing NAT the need for a firewall is greatly diminished, and they can be a right pain in the ass at times too. A better solution is to have a dedicated hardware firewall so your CPU isn't busy with packet inspection.

Virus on the other hand, I get emailed about two per day in spam. Although I delete all spam straight away, it's nice to see they're already deinfected by this point.

Quote from Bob Smith :

I'm the opposite way round. Behing NAT the need for a firewall is greatly diminished, and they can be a right pain in the ass at times too. A better solution is to have a dedicated hardware firewall so your CPU isn't busy with packet inspection.

Virus on the other hand, I get emailed about two per day in spam. Although I delete all spam straight away, it's nice to see they're already deinfected by this point.

That's a very good way of looking at it, although maybe a bit more expensive/complex unless you know what you're doing?

I'm sure Jakg would know what to do, or could find out how to do so if he didn't. And any self resepecting geek has enough spare PC parts lying around to build up a low end PC. All you need is two network cards, a stripped back OS, and otherwise real basic hardware.

Hardware firewall and Avast...cant really see the need for Avast AND AVG!
Also let Windoze Defender tick away in the background..cuts down a bit on the adware

Most anti-virus programs don't pick up on EVERY virus, therefore (personally) it's better to have 2 of the better AV programs so it's much less likely to miss one.

I'd say AV is necessary, firewall not so much since you're behind a router anyway.

Quote from S14 DRIFT :

Most anti-virus programs don't pick up on EVERY virus, therefore (personally) it's better to have 2 of the better AV programs so it's much less likely to miss one.

Read this for an explanation on how that's generally not a good idea.

http://forums.cnet.com/5208-10 ... readID=116760&start=0

Read it, I've had no problems... they both have resident shields, they both scan websites for possible dangerous content, sometimes one picks up on something while another does not.

Yes, I understand the logic but honestly I've had no problems. The only thing it might do is slow my PC down after I've been running alot of programs, since my commit charge shoots through the roof. Maybe that's just down to my 1Gb of ram on my Q6600. Idk xD

Haven't used AV or a firewall in ages and haven't had any problems. Not that they can't be helpful, but common sense goes a lot further.

I use both Firewall and a Antivirus.

But i visit some rather dodgey sites all the time..so..

both a completely pointless waste of ram and cpu cycles
the only use for antivirus apps is to scan single files every now and then

NAT isn't a replacement for a firewall IMO, it won't stop outbound connections for a start.

of course it isnt but you dont need a replacement anyway... ive been without firewalls nat or anything else for years and the only problems ive had were pebkac caused by being tired

I don't have a firewall, simply because the one I used to have started BSOD'ing my PC, I do miss knowing when program x is trying to gain and outbound connection....

I have the following and would not be without.

1) AVG - lightweight and free and every now an again will grab a dodgy spam email etc. Worth installing

2) SpywareBlaster - This installs a LARGE blacklist in IE and Firefox that blocks most of the advert tracking companies. I also sets the compatibility flags of most known ActiveX malware so it can't actually run in your browser (IE). Free and does not need to be run apart from periodicc updates after install.

3) Windows Firewall with PnP enabled. Not vital but I sometime take my lappy elsewhere.

4) NAT router - nuf said

5) AdblockPro and NoScript in firefox.

Is it worth it???

If you know what you are doing probably not. I only run because its a last line of defence as it only take one slip

Quote from Bob Smith :

I'm the opposite way round. Behing NAT the need for a firewall is greatly diminished, and they can be a right pain in the ass at times too. A better solution is to have a dedicated hardware firewall so your CPU isn't busy with packet inspection.

Virus on the other hand, I get emailed about two per day in spam. Although I delete all spam straight away, it's nice to see they're already deinfected by this point.

This man speaks sense. Whilst the AV isn't strictly needed, it can sometimes be handy. I just run mine manually when I need it.

Just downloaded that Spyware Blaster... let's see what it can do... o_o

Quote from Bob Smith :

I'm the opposite way round. Behing NAT the need for a firewall is greatly diminished, and they can be a right pain in the ass at times too. A better solution is to have a dedicated hardware firewall so your CPU isn't busy with packet inspection.

Virus on the other hand, I get emailed about two per day in spam. Although I delete all spam straight away, it's nice to see they're already deinfected by this point.

I like the control the firewall give me over my computer. Weirdly I'm more preocupied by what gets out than what could get in.

Plus, now firewall ask your approval to let programs do some potentially hazardous operations on your computer? It's very useful sometime if you don't get paranoid.

For the AV it's true that it's a necessary evil for people who uses mail retreiver programs as mails are copied on your hard disk. I use only webmail (gmail and hotmail actually) and I don't open suspicious mails.

Quote from Maelstrom :

Firewall: Yes , definitively!

+1

Quote from Maelstrom :

AV: Probably not.

Nice! *Uninstalls AVG*

Quote from Maelstrom :

Well if you're not clicking everywhere or using weird crack downloaded on websites sponsored by porn you should be ok!

Damn! *Downloads AVG over*

Doesn't cost much having both installed. Configure them to not start with Windoze, and enable them when you think you might need the extra protection.