is it possible to catch computer viruses with windows if you don't do anything dumb?

Question

if i don't have an antivirus, i'm using firefox and do not allow flash or activeX or any of that (i do allow javascript with default security settings) and if i don't download executable files that i'm not sure are safe, is it still possible to catch something bad?

Answer 1

There are worms. I've heard after 10 minutes of connecting to the Internet you have a 50/50 chance of catching a virus, but I'm guessing that's with Internet Explorer. Firefox is safe but not completely safe.

Answer 2

If those are the only things you're doing, you'll probably be safe, but I would employ these measures as well:



1. Set up and use almost exclusively a limited user account.

http://blogs.msdn.com/aaron_margosis/archive/2004/06/17/157962.aspx



2. Google the phrase "social engineering" and read the first five results.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22social+engineering%22&btnG=Google+Search



3. Install Windows updates automatically.

http://www.updatexp.com/windows-automatic-updates.html



4. Use the Firefox NoScript extension.

https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/722



5. Turn off autorun in Windows:

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/advisory/967940.mspx

Answer 3

those questions pop up often, pretty with new Mac clientele. the respond to the two isn't any. One has to comprehend that Mac OS X, the working gadget put in on each and every Mac, works in a diverse way from domicile windows. Its UNIX initiating prevents viruses from catching and spreading viruses. The exception to this rule is once you run domicile windows on a Mac. The disk partition the place domicile windows would be working, and domicile windows itself, are in threat if attacked via a plague. the threat is constrained to the domicile windows share of the laptop, even even with the shown fact that. you may ask your self if contaminated attachments in digital mail can influence you. the respond isn't any. Your Mac will refuse to execute the classes for the reason that they at the instant are not nicely matched with Mac OS X. One risk on your records, even even with the shown fact that, is a macro virus in workplace utility alongside with be conscious or Excel. regrettably, Microsoft workplace is familiar and macro viruses certainly are. quickly, don’t difficulty with anti-virus utility for the Mac. in simple terms shop your macro virus secure practices became on in workplace suites and you're set.

Answer 4

yeaah i went to geocites my av detected infiostealer

Malware. reboot in safe made



to go to safe mode star ur com keep on pressing f8 repededly



Here, i have specified 4 programs ( including dl links ). Those programs has been specially designed for REMOVAL ONLY of strong viruses and worms : http://www.ecuhq.com/download-links-f44/...



Antispyware would be ↓ ( all free ) :



♣ Malwarebytes AntiMalware

♣ SUPERAntiSpyware

♣ Spyware Terminator

♣ Ad-Aware SE

♣ Spybot Search & Destroy

♣ HijackThis



I`d give special intention to the first 3 programs listed.



How to set/configure SUPERAntiSpyware : http://www.ecuhq.com/tested-programs-how...



HijackThis removes malicious registry keys, pretty useful for final cleaning.



How to use HijackThis : http://www.ecuhq.com/tested-programs-how...



If that doesnt satisfy you, use ClamWin ( also free ).



All available at :



http://www.filehippo.com

http://www.download.com

http://www.softpedia.com



You could also try going back in time, using System Restore : http://www.ecuhq.com/tricks-f6/create-a-...



For your firewall what I recommend is,Pc tools Firewall plus or Zonealarm Firewall.





Pc Tools Firewall:http://download.cnet.com/pc-tool...





Zonealarm Firewall:http://download.cnet.com/zoneala...



To protect against keyloggers in the future I recommend using KeyScrambler Personal 2.4.

KeyScrambler Personal is a free plug-in for your Web browser that protects everything you type from keyloggers. It defeats keyloggers by encrypting your keystrokes at the keyboard driver level, deep within the operating system. When the encrypted keystrokes reach your browser, KeyScrambler then decrypts them so you see exactly the keys you've typed. Keyloggers can only record the encrypted keys, which are completely indecipherable. Unlike anti-virus and anti-spyware programs that depend on recognition to remove keyloggers that they know about, KeyScrambler will protect you from both known and unknown keyloggers. What's more, KeyScrambler provides protection without getting in your way. You don't have anything to learn about the program and you don't have to do anything differently, but with KeyScrambler your important personal information will be a whole lot safer.



Look at a pic of keyscrambler.

http://billmullins.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/windowslivewriterfreekeyscramblerpersonaldefeatkeyloggers-c1d1keyscrambler-pokerlogin2.jpg















and yes it is i bet u have trojans and every thing get a av!

Answer 5

Your current config's are very good front line defenses, but as pointed out, anything is possible on the Net.

Another step in the right direction would be to use a 'Limited' account; turn off 3rd party cookies, and no P-2-P fileshare work.

Answer 6

your using common sense which is good.i would be carefull about p2p file shareing.i think drive by downloads are a concern.i would still have a av program just in case.also you allow java script so thats always a possibility.

Answer 7

anytime you are on the internet you can get a virus or spyware or malware