Common Sense vs. Antivirus Software: Debunking the Need for Pricey Protection!
#1
Hey everyone! Let's talk about keeping our computers safe. You know, there's this software out there that claims to scan your whole computer and give you "common sense" for a fee. But honestly, that's the last thing I'd ever trust!

Now, here's the thing - common sense is actually a powerful tool when it comes to computer security. It's all about using your brain and being cautious. You don't need some fancy software to tell you what's right and wrong.

Sure, antivirus software can provide some help, but let's be real here - new threats emerge constantly, and relying on antivirus is not enough to protect yourself. Besides, most antivirus programs need kernel level access over your computer before they hog up your computer's resources and slow things down significantly.

Instead, it is crucial to fine tune your firewall for enhanced protection. Additionally, I highly recommend using strong and unique passwords. If available, enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Moreover, taking matters into your own hands is essential. Make sure to keep your operating system and software up to date, as these updates often include important security patches that help safeguard your system from new threats.

Backing up your data to a encrypted USB-drive is another crucial step. By doing so, you can easily backup your precious photos, documents, and everything else that matters to you in case anything goes wrong. It provides an additional layer of protection and ensures that your important information remains safe and accessible, even in the face of hardware failures, accidents, or cybersecurity threats.

So Instead of solely relying on antivirus software, it's super important to use your common sense and take charge of your own digital security. By staying informed and implementing simple security measures, you can greatly enhance your protection. It's about being smart, staying proactive, and taking responsibility for your online safety.
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#2
it is now 14 years ... i think since 2010 that i totally stopped using antivirus ... in fact i have even disabled the defender (with much effort i must say)... i have had absolutely zero infections
never !!!

but still so as to protect myself ... i have a perfect installation of an old copy of windows 10 .. which i have tuned to my liking ... defender disabled ... all the softwares i require installed ( vb6, visual studio 2017, and the like ) and i have stored the image ... previously i used norton Ghost ... but since uefi i use macrium reflect ...i have a seperate fat32 partition having the recover image

to test software i download ... i use sandboxie ... even if there is no infection ... once in a couple of months i restore the image ... so the installation becomes fresh...
browsers (firefox, chrome etc ) and other utilities ... i use are portable versions .. so they survive between restores ... even my desktop folder is in the D drive so what ever i put on the desktop survives the restore

if after using a new software i decide that i want to use it .. permanently ...
i restore the image ... install the software in question ... optimize it ... remove startup components etc if installed with it eg .. update services etc ... and immediately take a fresh backup image

currently i am using Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.16299.125] which is quite old .. but i am planning to install windows 11 in a new partition ... i will run both simultaneously for a while and switch when i feel comfortable

no worry of virus .. if i am suspicious .. i reboot press f12 to boot from the recovery partition ... run macrium reflect and restore the partition .. all it takes is around 15 minutes
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#3
Sometimes, common sense is uncommon.

Of course, if you use GNU/Linux, you really don't have to worry about viruses.

But while we're on common sense, can you give good advice about sound decisions?
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#4
(Jan 19, 2024, 21:56 pm)RobertX Wrote: Sometimes, common sense is uncommon.

Of course, if you use GNU/Linux, you really don't have to worry about viruses.

But while we're on common sense, can you give good advice about sound decisions?

Sure! Here are some I can think of:
  1. Get information: Gather reliable facts and advice.
  2. Define your goal: Clearly understand what you want to achieve.
  3. Weigh pros and cons: Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
  4. Explore alternatives: Look for different options before deciding.
  5. Seek input: Get advice from trusted people if needed.
  6. Think long-term: Consider the future impact of your decision.
  7. Learn from experience: Reflect on past decisions to improve future ones.
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#5
No, I meant the kinds of sound actions to take to not get viruses.
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#6
(Jan 21, 2024, 02:35 am)RobertX Wrote: No, I meant the kinds of sound actions to take to not get viruses.

Oh well what I do to avoid viruses, is that I focus on my browsing habits, and being cautious of attachments and downloads.
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#7
Hi @all
Don't be careless, don't be rash, don't download anything from unreliable sources.

I only have Windows Defender, not afraid of Virus Spam Mulware Spyware.
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#8
Very astute, except they're just cliches.

What if you absolutely need something that isn't found elsewhere, and that somewhere is from an "unreliable" source?

Long ago, people said an "unreliable" source is The Pirate Bay. What do you say about that?
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#9
(Feb 12, 2024, 09:41 am)RobertX Wrote: Very astute, except they're just cliches.

What if you absolutely need something that isn't found elsewhere, and that somewhere is from an "unreliable" source?

Long ago, people said an "unreliable" source is The Pirate Bay. What do you say about that?

Common sense ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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#10
Like I said, a cliche, but holds true: "Common sense is uncommon."

EDIT: Anyhow, both common sense and a good antivirus are recommended as they go well hand-in-hand.
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