Shenan
Sun Mar 20 04:02:08 CST 2005
wrongaddress@att.net wrote:
> I keep hearing on the radio and other places that without
> anti-virus software (PC-cillin, Norton, or some other)
> a PC computer connected to the internet will get a virus
> within a couple minutes.
Quite possibly. The same *could* be said about a firewall.
Of course, it's a roll of the dice.
> I've been using the internet for several years now with no
> virus protection and haven't detected any viruses on my Windows
> 95 system.
Okay - analyzing what you said:
"...with no virus protection..."
"...haven't detected any viruses..."
How could you detect the viruses you might have without AntiVirus software.
Not all viruses are out to destroy your computer - many want to use it as a
jump-point. Others want to collect information on you and send it back to
someone. All kinds of neat varieties out there.
> Is it possible the new viruses today will not run on an
> old Win 95 setup and I don't have to worry about it, or
> should I install a firewall and anti-virus software for
> added protection.
Generally speaking - you are probably safe. It's like running Windows 3.11
for Networks right now - almost. hah Personally, I have no idea how you can
stand it - the computer has to be fairly old - likely generally slow. But
that is neither here nor there. If I were you, I would take one of two
roads..
1) Download and install some freeware AV - if you can find one that works
with Windows 95. Here's a list to get you started.
avast! (Free and up)
http://www.avast.com/
AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
http://www.grisoft.com/
AntiVir (Free and up)
http://www.free-av.com/
RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
http://www.pandasoftware.com/
(Free Online Scanner:
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
http://www.mcafee.com/
Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
(Free Online Scanner:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
2) Purchase a new system and catch up with the rest of us. *grin* Here's a
list to get you started with that too:
-
http://www.dealsites.net/
-
http://www.pricewatch.com/
-
http://www.techbargains.com/
-
http://www.epinions.com/
-
http://www.resellerratings.com/
> How would I know if a virus is on my system? Everything
> seems to work ok.
Well, as I pointed out earlier - you may not - unless you SCAN for it using
an antivirus application. Problem is, if you are running Windows 95 - I
cannot guarantee any of the newer (even online versions) of the AV software
packages will function.
--
<- Shenan ->
--
The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
responsible for your actions/problems/solutions. Know what you are
getting into before you jump in with both feet.