[Amber1]

is it safe to run my computer without real time antivirus protection? the reason I'm asking is that my current CA suite is hogging memory and slowing my computer performance a bit. i read somewhere that if i set up a ''limited user account'' then no real time antivirus is needed, since virus\ Trojan \malware can't install itself on the computer. as far as i understood from reading the thread it said that if you are logged on as administrator then virus\Trojan can install themselves on the computer, but if you are using a limited account [ with no install privileges] then basically any infection can't write themselves onto your computer. is this accurate?
not to tech savvy, but trying to learn
thanks,
Amber

[1002richards]

Hi,
This well-written article explains various options. I have used 'Sandboxie' (see article) as part of my security set up & found it no hassle with XP or Vista.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-...re-your-pc.php

Richard

[Noyb]

Once upon a time, I could get CA Suite free .. But it slowed me down.
Now I can get McAfee free from my ISP provider .. But it slows me down also.

I'm running the free AVG and Zone Alarm Firewall .. And I like it.
But I figure that no Anti-Virus is perfect ... And nothing protects me from M$'s messups.
I've had more trouble with M$ than any Virus.

So .. I backup my system with Acronis True Image to an external HDD.
A complete repair (recovery) is only a few minutes away.

Maybe you should think Cure (backup) ...
In case the prevention doesn't work ... or your HDD crashes.

[perfume]

Dear Amber1,
AS one famous Neurologist said, regarding helmets"after all it's your head". I agree with the doctor!LOL

[Amber1]

[quote=1002richards;6463250]Hi,
This well-written article explains various options. I have used 'Sandboxie' (see article) as part of my security set up & found it no hassle with XP or Vista.

http://www.techsupportalert.com/how-...re-your-pc.php

hi 1002 richards, and thanks for the reply and the article link you provided
now, you said you are using 'Sandboxie' as part of your 'security' set up. does that mean you are also using real time antivirus protection?
see, reason I'm asking is that i want to get rid of my real time antivirus, if i can use alternatives like sandboxie or setting up a limited account. would that be something that will keep my computer safe on it's own?
thanks,
Amber

[Amber1]

Originally Posted by perfume

Dear Amber1,
AS one famous Neurologist said, regarding helmets"after all it's your head". I agree with the doctor!LOL

well MY Neurologist said, in my case helmets are overrated! LOL

[perfume]

Dear amber1,
On a slightly more serious note, Sandboxie is excellent,and i owe an apology to rOAd! Hope he see's this post of mine. I am providing a link which may be of some use:http://www.download2me.com/forum/www...m-t65054.html?

[Amber1]

hi,noyb
well let's see... quote: 'backup my system' with Acronis True Image to an external HDD.' ha?
baby needs to start crawling before it can walk, and that's where i am when it comes to computers
to better understand refer to post# 6

Amber

[Noyb]

Originally Posted by Amber1

baby needs to start crawling before it can walk, :rolleyes

How well I remember ... Is your data backed up and do you have your recovery CD/DVDs ???
There are two types of HDDs (computers) .. Those that have crashed ... And those that will.

[Amber1]

Originally Posted by Noyb

How well I remember ... Is your data backed up and do you have your recovery CD/DVDs ???
There are two types of HDDs (computers) .. Those that have crashed ... And those that will.

hey, Noyb
to answer your question then 'no' i don't have my data backed up, i wouldn't even know where to start. but i do have my XP CD that came with my system.
but still i haven't received a answer to my original question....
thanks,
Amber

[Noyb]

I would not run without any AV.
I use the free AVG .. Doesn't seem to slow me down at all
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-ant...s-free-edition

At least backup your important stuff to a CD or DVD

[Kenny94]

Originally Posted by Amber1

is it safe to run my computer without real time antivirus protection? the reason I'm asking is that my current CA suite is hogging memory and slowing my computer performance a bit. i read somewhere that if i set up a ''limited user account'' then no real time antivirus is needed, since virus\ Trojan \malware can't install itself on the computer. as far as i understood from reading the thread it said that if you are logged on as administrator then virus\Trojan can install themselves on the computer, but if you are using a limited account [ with no install privileges] then basically any infection can't write themselves onto your computer. is this accurate?not to tech savvy, but trying to learn
thanks,
Amber

No it's not accurate. Using a limited account will reduce the potential affect of a virus/malware. Here's a good article on this:

Using a Windows limited user account for your normal work is an effective way of reducing the chance of your computer getting infected by malware. That's because most viruses, trojans, keyloggers, rootkits and other nasties require administrator level rights to install. When you use a limited user account with reduced privileges these products simply can't get a foothold. It sounds like a great idea but there are many problems in practice. First, lots of simple routine tasks like changing the system clock, plugging in a USB drive, running a defragger and updating software can't be carried out in a limited user account. Second many applications, including a lot of security products, won't work either. Some of these problems can be solved by the judicious choice of software while others can be addressed by temporarily switching to an account with administrator rights to run any software that needs these rights.

http://windowssecrets.com/support-al...r-rights-in-XP

How much random access memory (RAM) do you have on your PC? Right-click the ‘My Computer’ icon, and select Properties from the menu that appears. To see..

[1002richards]

Originally Posted by Amber1;6463481
hi 1002 richards, and thanks for the reply and the article link you provided :)
now, you said you are using 'Sandboxie' as part of your [COLOR=red

'security' [/COLOR]set up. does that mean you are also using real time antivirus protection?
see, reason I'm asking is that i want to get rid of my real time antivirus, if i can use alternatives like sandboxie or setting up a limited account. would that be something that will keep my computer safe on it's own?
thanks,
Amber

I also use Comodo and Avast, for when I'm on line but not on IE or Firefox. Also to scan DVDs or CDs before I use them.

Richard

[Amber1]

Originally Posted by Noyb

I would not run without any AV.
I use the free AVG .. Doesn't seem to slow me down at all
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-ant...s-free-edition

At least backup your important stuff to a CD or DVD

hi, Noyb
thanks for clearing that up for me

[Amber1]

hi Kenny, and thanks for the reply
the article you posted about 'Windows limited user account' is basically what i was trying to ask in my first post. i understood i would be giving up certain privileges like adding\removing programs and updating others, i just wanted to know if it was safe for me to run windows without the risk of infections with antivirus turned off in IE.
and as to your question, on my new desktop system i have 3 gig installed so that's no issue, but i have a older laptop [ 5 years ] that's running only 512mb of ram and that's where my antivirus slows down my system.
thanks,
Amber