Download ZA and AVG without protection?

I am getting a new computer w/o av protection.

If i go to the internet and dl ZA and AVG could it get infected?

It costs $70 to buy nav with the computer and I would never use it after
downloading the above.

Should I go ahead and spring for the $70?

Thanks.

 

Without some form of protection you could be infected within seconds. Make sure XP's firewall is on and go straight to Windows Update from the start menu is my recommendation. If you can get the downloads and burn to cd first, it would be a good idea. Then just open the programs and update them. That will establish a direct connection to their sites rather than exposing the comp to IE unprotected. Do NOT use XP's firewall while using a third party firewall.

 

Since you seem to already have a computer, download the installation files on your old computer. Install them to the new. Be sure to register to get the installation codes for each.

 

Richard99 --To some extent I am just repeating what has already been said. Get and install the AV and Firewall programs (store bought CD or download to storage medium using an old PC) before hooking the new one up to the Internet.

 

Richard99 - TonyT is absolutely right if ... IF your PC already has SP2 or if you put SP2 on before you open your system to the internet. Blaster/Sasser and a couple of similar worms are almost certainly already present inside your ISP's firewall and they certainly can infect an unprotected system within less than a minute of going on line. But the protective patches to block them are already installed by SP2 and the firewall that is activated by default is a good one for keeping additional bad things out.

If it is pre-loaded, go for it. Otherwise, get an SP2 CD and update before you hit the net.

After that I'd go for, install, and update the following in pretty much this order to protect against virus infections and the spyware that has gotten almost worse than virus infections lately.

- AVG 7.0
- Sypwareblaster
- Spybot and after you update, turn on the immunization feature. Tea timer is optional but I like it myself.
- ZA if you want it. I know there are lots on here who strongly suggest it or a similar '2 way' firewall but truthfully, I've been perfectly happy with the XP SP2 one myself.
- Ad-aware

 

I was shopping online for a friend who wants a new PC today. I probably reviewed 6 sites...maybe 50 systems? I only saw 2 that came with SP2 already installed. I assume the manufacturers figure that with Windows Update on by default, the consumer will get it at some point. The ICF (which is the MS name for the pre SP2 one way firewall) is on by default, but I wouldn't trust it, even for a few minutes to download. As Newt pointed out, it only takes seconds online to get anything yucky floating around the ISP looking for an open door. I have been using SP2's firewall, and, before that, SP1's, with Norton (NIS) simultaneously with no conflicts at all. You can actually configure the SP2 firewall, though I have never had occasion to do it yet, as Norton seems to get the first filter.

TonyT, there may be no need for two firewalls, but why not, if they are not fighting with each other? It's two obstacles instead of one. Throw in a router for a third locked door.

I know TonyT knows this, because he is far more "net wise" than I am, but for anyone else reading this, the best defense is common sense. If you have an appropriate back up plan, even if something bad does slip through (and things will, because before any of the security companies can react, something has to happen, somewhere, to someone. Like winning the lottery, only in a bad way! ) you can afford more risk. Watch where you are clicking, get your MS updates, check that your browser and email settings are to your preferences, and use a third party firewall. Common sense goes a long way.

Johanna

 

Thanks for all the input.

My old computer is W98 se with only floppy and cd-rom drives.

My new one will have XP SP 2 installed and will have a cd-rw drive.

I helped a couple of friends set up many free programs and one of them
has a cd-rw drive. Could I put the set up files on cd's and use them on
my new computer?

If so, how is this done? I know nothing about it.

Thanks.