First post, by Malik
- Rank
- l33t
Thought of asking here since we are a unique group here with similar interests.
How many of us are using one form of anti-virus or internet security or another here?
I do. But I really, don't want to use it. Norton 360 is downloading updates like crazy! After 20 days of inactivity, the Live Update is downloading 173+MBs!! And I'm not comfortable with that.
Coming back to the question, I see the only reason of installing it is the scare that the media makes that "passwords" (especially concerning with banking and credit card infos) get stolen as we type, via programs that's passively "listening" or "peeking" what we type and send it to the virus creator.
I know that Windows is the number one target for Virus/Malware creators, since,
1. Microsoft's OS in one version or another, is installed in more systems than the rest.
2. (Some or Many) People hate Microsoft.
But what about Linux? : -
a. - Why are Linux OSs' do not have so many budding Anti-Virus Utilities or Softwares?
b. - How safe is Linux when going to a Bank site and doing transactions when compared to using Windows to do it?
c. - Usually I have this idea that to resurrect an old machine to connect to the net - like a Pentium MMX and above or even a high end 486, that it's lot safer to install a Linux distro and proceed. That's what I'm doing.
And if you guys don't mind, some more questions : 😁
I - Is our system without an A/V, protected, if we don't go to "dubious sites"?
II - Just having an active connection - are we being targeted even if we're passive? I mean let's say we are downloading some drivers from NVIDIA or ATI site and doing nothing else. Or maybe checking email at Gmail or Yahoo?
III - Is it suffice to say that if we practise safe sex...err...safe "surf" while we're online, that we'll be protected? (Without having an Anti-Virus or Anti-Malware installed?) For example watch where we're going, not clicking on unwanted links?
IV. - Is it possible that we are at risk even while downloading Windows Update?
Saying that, is it ok if we use Windows for gaming (because all the game clients like Steam run only on Windows, and Windows have a large more popular games database) and use a flavor of Linux to surf important sites like bank websites and for doing transactions like Using Paypal or Credit Cards to pay at games websites or ebay?
What's your take on this?
I'm on the virge of uninstalling my Norton 360, and maybe install Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows and use Linux for more serious work. My final decision will depend on you guys' advice.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. 😀