i have stopped to use the antivirus sotware

[applePi]

i have stopped to use the antivirus from more than 6 months, instead of that i am using old version of Returnil virtual system. there are also many other virtual systems there.
the reason is that i was using avast for more than 10 years, then when i updated to a new version it changed everything, it changed all my settings, even it is enabled most of the automatic updated of other programs without my permission. they allow many sites to continue pumping data in and out, so i have uninstalled it, i have used a host manager to disable the access of some sites to my computer. and even my web browsing now are slower but better than allowing those sites to continuously making my modem busy.
now i am using online virus checking for checking suspected files. and yes go virtual better than those anti virus software which themselves are the major makers of viruses.

[sec]

i have stopped to use the antivirus from more than 6 months, instead of that i am using old version of Returnil virtual system. there are also many other virtual systems there.
the reason is that i was using avast for more than 10 years, then when i updated to a new version it changed everything, it changed all my settings, even it is enabled most of the automatic updated of other programs without my permission. they allow many sites to continue pumping data in and out, so i have uninstalled it, i have used a host manager to disable the access of some sites to my computer. and even my web browsing now are slower but better than allowing those sites to continuously making my modem busy.
now i am using online virus checking for checking suspected files. and yes go virtual better than those anti virus software which themselves are the major makers of viruses.

With windows OS, it should better to has one antivirus, do you try MSE? - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/wind ... s-download

I saw virus that can bypass Returnil, DeepFreeze, ...

[applePi]

i am using windows xp, my version of returnil is 2008, i keep it on all the time except when installing software, it seems okay but one day i have saved a file to a desktop while returnil on, the next day it was still on the desktop and this is the only event i have noticed and makes me worry.
i may try MSE , thanks

[Opcode]

I don't really need any protection myself. Tho I run Malwarebytes Pro active protection just to be on the safe side.

[yoxola]

Migrated my work system to Linux about 2 years ago.

There're still virus/malware, but significantly much less and easier to spot, so I din't make any reinstall till now.

As many, many major malware/adware/virus come from China, and they're not very interested in Linux, that's a weird reason but at least keep the Linux world not disturbed.

I have a Win7 dual boot, only with MS Security Essentials, and I run programs sandboxed if necessary.

[PB]

i have stopped to use the antivirus from more than 6 months,
instead of that i am using old version of Returnil virtual system.

Returnil (and other such apps that sandbox) only protect against file
system changes. Other viruses do damage without touching your hard
drive, like sending files and information from your PC over a network.
Virus-scanners can stop those, so I suggest you get back into using
one ASAP. Your information is just as vital as your file structure.

[Psychophanta]

Best antivirus alternative:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Freeze_(software)

[PB]

I used to love Deep Freeze too, but because my PC's config changes
so much, I got sick of rebooting all the time to "capture" the changes.
Other similar apps can do the freeze/thaw with quick log off and on.
It's good for true set-and-forget situations, but unfortunately my PC
is never set to one state for very long.

[Psychophanta]

I used to love Deep Freeze too, but because my PC's config changes
so much, I got sick of rebooting all the time to "capture" the changes.
Other similar apps can do the freeze/thaw with quick log off and on.
It's good for true set-and-forget situations, but unfortunately my PC
is never set to one state for very long.

Aha! The comfortability and the security have a price!

[PB]

I'd have to thaw, reboot and freeze every single day.
It's too much hassle for me. Currently I just have a big
snapshot of my C drive made with Acronis TrueImage,
and I can just restore to that if I need to.

[Opcode]

Best antivirus alternative:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Freeze_(software)

I wouldn't say best, even I know methods of getting around Deep Freeze. Its good for workstation machines tho, so people can use it and then everything be wiped clean after a reboot. So that several different people can use it without the worry of entering sensitive information into the same machine. It's also good for the kids computer, I'm sure you know what that means.

[Psychophanta]

I don't use it for me, but anyway i see it as a good software for some cases.
In my case i use the same method than PB but i use Ghost instead Acronis true image.