Why you shouldn't worry about anti-virus.

Hey,
I was going through the number of threads on this forum about anti-virus software and felt forced to share this with you:

Viruses work because of flaws in software design and implementation. What does this mean? Viruses exploit problems in other software and try to get you into trouble. Basically, if you keep your software up-to-date (including your browser, operating system and other commonly used software like pdf readers, flash players, movie players, etc) you're pretty safe.

Many Windows users don't bother to upgrade Windows, possibly because they don't have genuine copies. But for those of you who do, please keep yourself up-to-date.

On Linux this is probably far simpler (depending on your flavor), so I don't really need to lecture my fellow :tux fans about this

Using the latest version of your internet browser will also help. Heaven forbid you still use Internet Explorer6, please upgrade or use Firefox/Chrome.

A firewall can be handy, but staying up-to-date is more important. If you think you are capable of doing it, using OpenDNS. Websites that have malware will be blocked without you having to install anything on your computer. (Your internet connection will also become slightly faster, only for opening pages though, not downloading).

Apart from this, you should also be a little careful about what you browse and what files you open. A little caution here will remove most your viruses. Don't simply go about downloading random software that you will never use, especially from untrusted sources. (Softpedia and other trusted download sites are recommended)

Finally, if you've followed all these instructions, you don't need any firewall/anti-virus on Linux and for those of you on Windows, any basic anti-virus will keep you safe. It is what I've said above that is more important.

A very informative article indeed.
Thanks::

Good one.............
Rep ++

Thanks. I hope to keep sharing more about security here, because I know we Indians don't get too much education on these issues through our media. I'm also helping with a wiki on security and privacy. When that's somewhat ready, you'll start seeing links in relavant threads and possibly some more explanation posts by me on IBF (do we abbreviate it that way here?).

I am compleatly disagree with you. You are making fool to inocent people either willfully or misteckly...

do u kno? how viruses comes?

even if your computer is 100% updated and all softwares too, yet lackes of viruses can come in ur pc


* firewall can'nt stop viruses it mostly stop network attack
* most of viruses can also come thorought your pen drive
* it comes throught pirated games and softwares

Reaaly belive me keeping all softwaes updated is not solution to stop viruses, it mostly just can stop some attcks on your pc throught internet..not viruses

to stop viruses there is is only solution either use good antiviruses or compleaty stop to use external media

----

and it is 100% needed to update your antiviruses...


sorry if I hurted you with my language but Belive me antiviruses are needed...I know it because I am comp-security engineer...

Originally Posted by ashish_net

I am compleatly disagree with you. You are making fool to inocent people either willfully or misteckly...

do u kno? how viruses comes?

even if your computer is 100% updated and all softwares too, yet lackes of viruses can come in ur pc


* firewall can'nt stop viruses it mostly stop network attack
* most of viruses can also come thorought your pen drive
* it comes throught pirated games and softwares

Reaaly belive me keeping all softwaes updated is not solution to stop viruses, it mostly just can stop some attcks on your pc throught internet..not viruses

to stop viruses there is is only solution either use good antiviruses or compleaty stop to use external media

----

and it is 100% needed to update your antiviruses...


sorry if I hurted you with my language but Belive me antiviruses are needed...I know it because I am comp-security engineer...

i am not saying that u (or safeguy) what shared isn't useful, or isn't true. you both quoted few things which are partially true, in my personal opinion.

the fact is,
NO antivirus product safeguards any pc as much as 100%. no AV company makes promises like that, since it is true. (but it doesn't mean i am not in favour of AV's. they are necessary, really.)
not explaining each n every thing for now, since i know u all guys know what i am talking bout.
and jfyi, i am a computer engineer, and i believe ashish_net knows why i said no AV protects us 100%
no offense.

Nice information!
Rep+

Both(safeguy and ashish_net) have valid points.

Most virus come from pirated games and software's.

Thank for share this with us.