Shaken Not Stirred

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Does It Really Work

I've always wondered about these anti-virus, firewalls, anti-spy and scanning programs that one purchases for computer protection. Is it really protecting anything or even scanning or are the numbers that roll during a scan just a normal countdown? How do we really know that viruses come into our computer in the first place?

I'm too afraid to find out. So as my last two months of subscription count down, I've begun to read the back of the packages in the computer section of Circuit City, Best Buy (the place I bought my laptop and now I'm wondering if it really was the best buy for me), and Office Max. I've asked some friends about which is the best program out there. Everyone seems to have a different answer. Since I still claim ignorance about computers and all things electronic (but I sometimes act like I know) I have no idea what to purchase for protection.

I've never met anyone who has had their hard drive wiped out or their laptop shut down. Although come to think of it, my last laptop which shut-down unexpectedly did have protection but still went haywire anyway. Maybe I should put double protection on this thing. But doesn't doubling up take away the sensitivity?

posted by JM at 11:43 AM

11 Comments:

  • When it comes to protecting what's important to you -- I'd double-bag it. :)

    By Blogger Aaron, at 2:32 PM  

  • i dunno, send me a laptop and i'll look into it

    By Blogger cher, at 4:50 PM  

  • Good question. I think doubling up won't work well because they won't play well together ... but I'm no techie, either.

    By Blogger David Amulet, at 4:55 PM  

  • I spent much of the past weekend cleaning up my Mom's laptop because she clicked some popup window.

    In terms of doubling up, it doesn't work. It only makes daily usage of your computer even more difficult.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 7:12 PM  

  • Doubling up won't work because the two programs will fight each other. Also, running two anti-virus programs will slow down your computer.

    I haven't renewed my Norton subscrition for a year now. I haven't been infested with viruses, or at least, none have shut my laptop down.

    In addition to the anti-virus I use a antispyware program, Ad-aware Personal, which is a free download.

    By Blogger blackcrag, at 3:42 AM  

  • I have used symantec for the last few years and I have never had any issues... whether it is becuase of the virus protection or not, who knows.

    By Blogger Rocketstar, at 7:50 PM  

  • Even the thought of trying to sort it all out gives me a headache.

    By Blogger Lindsey, at 3:13 PM  

  • I currently have McAfee, I guess it does a good job protecting...I hope it does.
    I think you are so sweet...if you win the lotto that you will buy me that car. Can I hold you to that Angel??? haha
    I hope you have a great weekend!
    ~xo
    Lee Ann

    By Blogger Lee Ann, at 9:15 PM  

  • I just put a giant condom over my laptop. It works pretty good but it is hard to read the screen sometimes.

    By Blogger Mr. Shife, at 6:34 PM  

  • For Windows based computers, AVG Free Antivirus works very good. The key is every time you use your computer, be sure to update it. Regularly. Throw in an Ad-aware (anti spyware)—this is important too.

    Always back up as windows systems are erratic esp the crap that is Vista.

    Avoid clicking on those flashing stuff that comes with emails and what have yous and your computer should be okay

    Do not use 2 anti-virus softwares at he same time unless your computer likes being tortured. ;-) Seriously, you'll have issues.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 4:39 AM  

  • Hmm...good question.

    By Blogger Katie, at 9:11 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home