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Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

robert.ocallahan.org

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Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#221

Post by floatboth »

microtonal wrote: post #86
romanovcode wrote: post #42

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It sucks that you cannot reset your Windows to MS-Vendor settings. For example if you get some Acer laptop and reset it using windows built-in functionality it'll still reset it with all the bloatware - including AV.

Can't you just download a pristine Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft's website and install from that? I've done that on my Dell Precision and it works great.

You can! Just make sure it's the exact same edition and language that came with the laptop. It will just pick up the OEM key from the ACPI table.

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#223

Post by floatboth »

technion wrote: post #26
shultays wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Invoice-Jan-2017.docx uh, docx files can hack my PC now? Is this a bug of MS Word or docx format really has ability to become a virus?

An extraordinary amount of Cryptolocker outbreaks were due to .docx files containing macros. Yes, it has a default behaviour of "prompt to execute macros", but it happily shows the advice in the malicious document to "please click yes at this prompt to get a free iPhone", at which point the majority of users click "yes".

I think Swift on Security posted a tweet about this a while ago, with a screenshot of completely banning all Office macros via group policy.

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#224

Post by floatboth »

doczoidberg wrote: post #107

half offtopic: do I need an AV software on my android smartphone? Friends always ask me which they should use (because I am the "computer guy") and I tell them that I don't have one.

If you don't install pirated apps from shady sources, you absolutely do not need AV on your Android device.

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#225

Post by kofejnik »

illys wrote: post #176
bad_user wrote: post #150

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Not true. Google collects your searches. They don't sell your searches, they sell whatever they infer from your searches (your compiled and quite vague profile and I know, because I interacted with their AdSense platform), because they'd be stupid to sell your actual searches, since that's their most valuable property. Does anybody else know your search history? Besides the NSA, whom I assume have access to all US-ho…

Actually, I still have a problem when all my "actual searches" becomes someone else's "most valuable property". Of course there are some other less intrusive search engines (DuckDuckGo, maybe Qwant), but unfortunately they still are less efficient than Google for fine or rare searches.

you are not paying for search service; ergo, your searches are the product and your search results are but a byproduct of that product

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#226

Post by floatboth »

karlb wrote: post #183

Does this apply to Macs? I know that many Mac users don't use anti-virus. Are they right not to?

If you don't download apps from random shady sources, you don't really need AV. Recent versions of macOS default to only allowing apps from the App Store.

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#228

Post by DavideNL »

dirtyaura wrote: post #212

If you need AV, consider F-secure. They do quality products and take security seriously. Mikko Hyppönen, famous for his TED talk, is from F-Secure https://www.ted.com/talks/mikko_hypponen_fighting_viruses_de...

A year ago F-Secure had very bad detection results in AV comparatives test. However, it seems they have fixed that now... http://chart.av-comparatives.org/chart1.php?chart=chart2&yea...

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#229

Post by JustSomeNobody »

What always bothered me about MS Windows was that for a long time one HAD to use 3rd party AV SW. This should have been MS's responsibility from the very beginning. I don't go to third parties for seatbelts and anti-lock brakes when I buy a car. I shouldn't have had to use a 3rd party AV SW.

Re: Avoid Non-Microsoft Antivirus Software

#230

Post by JustSomeNobody »

0xFFC wrote: post #151
0xFFC wrote: post #39

It's fucking disaster to read your blog in iphone, please fix it. At least disable fixed width or disable right left surfing. I am not web developer, so i may give wrong suggestions, but please fix you template it is like piece of shit( the experience)

I don't understand why i got downvoted ao badly. I didnt say anything about his blog or material in his blog, i just couldn't read/navigate his blog in my phone. The template was a total disaster

Likely it was your tone. When you start your comment off with "It's a fucking disaster..." people get insulted.
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