How to Avoid Computer Viruses

**AIT** · 04-05-2009, 03:01 PM

The latest PC/Mac thread made me wonder, what's the best way to avoid viruses and malware? I've always thought that as long as you only download stuff from trusted sources, you're probably not going to get a virus. I know some (a lot) of people on here hate Norton. I've had Norton installed on my PC for several months, and it's never done anything more than delete a tracking cookie that keeps coming back.

**whirlybirds** · 04-05-2009, 03:04 PM

Quit using computers all together. if you use this method, I assure you that you wont ever have a problem with viruses ever again

Cyclone42 · 04-05-2009, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by whirlybirds

Quit using computers all together. if you use this method, I assure you that you wont ever have a problem with viruses ever again

Don't have to be so extreme. Just quit using Windows altogether.

**ISUKyro** · 04-05-2009, 03:20 PM

Cut back on the porn, it's just that simple

**HandSanitizer** · 04-05-2009, 03:32 PM

Use Mozilla, don't click on crap you shouldn't, Don't download free crap and stay updated on windows/AV and you will be fine.
You will probably get about 10 post saying switch to a Mac though.

**Cyclonepride** · 04-05-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by ISUKyro

Cut back on the porn, it's just that simple

^^^^^^^^
This is the correct answer

**Cyclone62** · 04-05-2009, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by ISUKyro

Cut back on the porn, it's just that simple

Well why don't we just delete the whole internet then?

**c.y.c.l.o.n.e.s** · 04-05-2009, 03:50 PM

As far as PCs go, ALWAYS keep your Windows software up to date. For example, XP has had over 200 critical updates since it was first released. Most of those are because of security holes that need plugged.

You don't need to visit an infected site to get a virus. There are plenty of virii, worms and trojans that will find you if you leave open an unpatched security hole.

**Stumpy** · 04-05-2009, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by whirlybirds

Quit using computers all together. if you use this method, I assure you that you wont ever have a problem with viruses ever again

I took your advice, and now I have the clap. Thanks. You really should have specified computer viruses.

**06Panther** · 04-05-2009, 04:16 PM

Yeah, you won't get viruses if you have a mac thats for sure. Problem is, you won't be able to do anything else with it either. Mac is crap.

**IcSyU** · 04-05-2009, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by 06Panther

Yeah, you won't get viruses if you have a mac thats for sure. Problem is, you won't be able to do anything else with it either. Mac is crap.

Actually, there are viruses out there that can infect Mac now. Hence why Apple has released a few security updates.

Virus makers go after Windows because it is by far the most used operating system, therefore viruses aimed at Windows can infect more computers.

**cyclonesyayaya** · 04-05-2009, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by whirlybirds

Quit using computers all together. if you use this method, I assure you that you wont ever have a problem with viruses ever again

u can still get sickness viruses so you are WRONG haha

**jumbopackage** · 04-05-2009, 05:02 PM

First and foremost, keep your PC up to date with windows update.

Secondly, take time to read the dialog boxes that get popped up from time to time instead of just saying "OK".

Thirdly, use Firefox. It's not a panacea, but it's got a much better track record than IE. Make sure that you keep it up to date as well. There are a lot of plugins out there, but the ones I've found most useful from a security perspective are noscript and adblock plus.

Avoid suspect sites and software. I view anything "security" related as very sketchy until proven otherwise. Anti-virus products from random companies you've never heard of probably aren't something you want. Any software that does illegal things or is mostly used for illegal purposes (i.e. DVD rippers, kazaa, limewire, bittorrent clients etc), is always very suspect. Any website that you can find on google that offers illegal content (i.e. channelsurfing.net, thepiratebay, etc) is likely a place that you can get infected.

Basically don't be stupid and don't do things you shouldn't on the internet and you'll likely be just fine.

**jdoggivjc** · 04-06-2009, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by Cyclone42

Don't have to be so extreme. Just quit using Windows altogether.

Originally Posted by 06Panther

Yeah, you won't get viruses if you have a mac thats for sure. Problem is, you won't be able to do anything else with it either. Mac is crap.

As for why there aren't many viruses for Macs, it's simple - it's not worth their time. Why create a virus for a platform that nobody buys?

**bos** · 04-07-2009, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

Actually, there are viruses out there that can infect Mac now. Hence why Apple has released a few security updates.

Virus makers go after Windows because it is by far the most used operating system, therefore viruses aimed at Windows can infect more computers.

Ding ding ding! Windows bashers need to wise up on this. If Linux and Apple OS's were in majority there would be people attacking the crap out of them too. Every OS has its issue and every OS has its use.