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Antivirus Beyond ISP Necessary?

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by virginia, 2006/02/02.

  1. 2006/02/02
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

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    If one uses an ISP such as AOL that provides antivirus protection, should an additional PC based antivirus such as AVG or Avast be used as well. Or is the one provided by the ISP normally adequate?
     
    virginia,
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  2. 2006/02/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    IMO you should not rely entirely on your provider's antivirus - you have no idea how good it is until something slips by and then it's too late, so a second line of defence is essential, especially as not all viruses are borne on the internet or in email.

    Viruses can enter your computer from other sources such as floppy disks, pen drives, etc, the contents of which may originate from another (infected) computer.
     
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  4. 2006/02/02
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Pete, Thanks for the response. Now for a follow-up question.

    I have heard it is not advisable to have two antivirus programs activated. If you have virus protection from a provider such as Earthlink or AOL, would there be any problem in also having AVG or similar antivirus installed?
     
    virginia,
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  5. 2006/02/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    You are right in thinking that it is not advisable to have two antivirus programs running on a computer. However the antivirus software of your ISP is running on their server and your computer has no knowledge of or interaction with that software. There will be no conflicts or problems running antivirus or your computer, which is strongly recommended.
     
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  6. 2006/02/02
    virginia Lifetime Subscription

    virginia Geek Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks Pete. I think I'm all squared away now - at least as squared away as I ever get.
     
    virginia,
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  7. 2006/02/02
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    :)
     
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  8. 2006/02/04
    RayH

    RayH Inactive

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    What to worry? The anti-virus protection from your ISP is probably just fine. The most basic protection is in how you use your computer. Avoid opening strange attachments, downloading from strange sources (such as Limewire, etc), and stay away from **** sites.

    The truth is that all anti-virus publishers will circulate updated protection and definitions once a new virus gets into circulation. Some may do it faster than others.

    Personally, I use AVG free as my installed anti-virus protection. I back it with the free online scans from TrendMicro and eTrust. Both of those onlines will remove problems, not just identify. If I'm really not sure, I'll try other onlines that will just identify.

    A piece of software that should be installed is MOVE ON BOOT. This will help get rid of nasties that are being exectued.

    Oh yeah, I also use Spybot and SpywareBlaster.
     
    RayH,
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