How necessary is anti-virus software?

I recently made my first custom built computer. Since the only software i put on it so far is the OS, it has no Anti-virus software. My question is: do I really need it? I removed the pre-installed Norton software on my last computer and had no problems with it. Is switching to FireFox enough to make using my computer secure?

Bonus question - There's an empty folder in the Windows 7 start menu labelled 'Startup'. What is this for?

If you use Windows XP, limewire, and like to download **** off of websites...That's a thumbs up for an anti virus.

Firefox gets viruses just like any other browser. At the very least get AVG, Avast, Panda or any other free one.cd_rom

Well, if you have XP, then not having anti-virus is like ****ing a homeless person without a condom. If you have VISTA, then not having anti-virus is like **** a high priced hooker without a condom, and your mom calls you every 5 minutes to ask if you are sure you want to stick your dick in.

edit: condom = antivirus

Well, if you have XP, then not having anti-virus is like ****ing a homeless person without a condom. If you have VISTA, then not having anti-virus is like **** a high priced hooker without a condom, and your mom calls you every 5 minutes to ask if you are sure you want to stick your dick in.

(EDIT: CONDOM = ANTIVIRUS)

gomer69

I've never once owned anti-virus software, and have never had a virus. It's basically for people who download lots of things and share lots of files. And when i say download, we're obviously not talking iTunes, but the usual shady sources. Doctor-McNinja

[QUOTE="Doctor-McNinja"]I've never once owned anti-virus software, and have never had a virus. It's basically for people who download lots of things and share lots of files. And when i say download, we're obviously not talking iTunes, but the usual shady sources. Vandalvideo

yeah you need anti virus

just get any free one. avast, avg, etc

Well if I were you, I would install a free anti-virus program like Avast!. (I dont know if there are other that are better tbh).

It doesnt harm anyone to have one, especially if its free.

I don't use an anti-virus and haven't used one for years. Have no need for it. I probably dabble in more unspeakable things than the average user too.

I have a Mac, so it's not really an issue for me. I'm not saying they are completely immune, but anything can happen. There's no harm in being prepared for the unknown. Nah meen, yo?

It all depends on what you will be using the computer for. If you stick to playing games and using gamespot, you don't really need it all that much. If you frequent sites of questionable character, you need it..Vandalvideo

Not altogether true. My dad got hit once by a hacker's PC the very second he connected with Symantec's website (he was going to register some purchased software). If he hadn't had any anti-virus, his system would have been doomed.

I got hit by a product I downloaded from an endorsement by an anti-spyware company. Little did they know it was spyware in it that they had no signature for. It disabled my startup files and my fax modem.

After I showed them the proof, they removed their endorsement and developed a signature.

Well if you;re smart about it you'll be fine. I.E. don't download from a site you don't trust, and NEVER download a .exe file on it's own. Probably should get anti-virus though to be safe, you can be a lot lazier about it if you have a good program.

Some of the mainstream anti-virus programs themselves are worse than a virus. They slow down your computer and bombard you with all-too-frequent notifications about updates, blocked sites, advertisements, and many will just start doing a system scan when you're trying to do something else. I use Avira and keep the settings all manual. It seems to be one of the least invasive, compared to the others I've tried.

yeah if you wanna use the internet at all yes is basically a requirement to keep scammers out of your PC