You do understand that paid subscription antivirus activates real time protection and that free versions do not have this, correct ?
Here is why that is important to know as only one example:
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Security Software Disabler Trojan
http://inews.webopedia.com/TERM/S/security_software_disabler_Trojan.html
"A type of Trojan horse designed stop or kill security programs such as an antivirus program or firewall without the user knowing. This Trojan type is normally combined with another type of Trojan as a payload."
Protecting against Dangerous computer worms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_worm#Protecting_against_Dangerous_computer_worms
Worms mainly spread by exploiting vulnerabilities in operating systems, or by tricking users to assist them.
All vendors supply regular security updates[8] (see "Patch Tuesday"), and if these are installed to a machine then the majority of worms are unable to spread to it. If a vendor acknowledges a vulnerability but has yet to release a security update to patch it, a zero day exploit is possible. However, these are relatively rare. Users need to be wary of opening unexpected email, and should not run attached files or programs, or visit web sites that are linked to such emails. However, as the ILOVEYOU worm showed, and as phishing attacks become more efficient, tricking users will always be possible. Anti-virus and anti-spyware software are helpful, but must be kept up-to-date with new pattern files at least every few days.
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So that in short as terms as can be used - in other words without paid subscription antivirus protection any trojan, virus, or worm can infect your computer as it wants to. Worms are the worst which can delete all files including the Windows Operating system. The example of the trojan above can waltz in anytime and turn off your AVG Free or any free version of antivirus and free antispyware programs. You do understand this correct ?
My advice is if we were having this conversation about 6 years ago - you would still be getting called a fool to think you can get buy without active protection. Of course today it is computer suicide not to be protected - you do unsderstand that don't you ?
I have one more fact to share with you the "free crowd" seems to always forget..... Do you remember signing up with your ISP and clicking "Agree" ? Do you remember vaguely that it is illegal to transmit a virus or similar destructive malware ? Did or do you remember that you can receive sanctions if your computer is sending out malware infection ?
Just wanted to hit you with the cold water splash face. Sometimes the most basics are forgotten. Everyone is legally bound as responsible for any virus transmitted from their computer and any damage it causes in the USA and other countries.
I strongly recommend you cut this out and buy antivirus protection immedaitely like a good community member as a computer owner/operator.
webmaster htttp://www.bluecollarpc.net
(sometimes ruff talk is all one hears, but gets the same result)