condor0022
@comcast.net
 from:
antdude 
| reply to Big Boss
Re: Is the spyware/malware problem as bad as it once was ?
The problem is not as bad as it used to be, as it was in 2002. All the operating systems nowadays have a built in firewall and most people also use a router which has decent built-in security as opposed to dial up. Almost all spyware nowadays comes as a result of the user doing something - going to questionable website, installing downloaded software, or clicking emails. Back in the day, all you had to do was have your computer on and you could get infected, due to lack of a firewall and that nasty messaging service. Almost all email servers now filter out viruses, although it's not spyware, you could almost run a computer without an antivirus today. I would not recommend this, but you could to it. Back in the day, all viruses came through and it was solely the user's responsiblity to use antivirus. Heck, there are even good enough free antivirus software today, which was rare in the early 2000s. Nowadays, you could even run without antispyware if you are careful.
Finally, other major changes are that most people WILL NOT install Real player anymore. Back in the day, it was a lot more popular but full of spyware. P2P programs are coming with less spyware (remember morpheus and kazaa?). People don't trust little plugins like the weatherbug without first checking reviews. And many people don't use internet explorer except when necessary for certain trusted websites.
I'm pretty sure computer power users could run on an antivirus software + router, and no other security software and be okay.
And most everyone else could install the security software that many broadbrand providers give you with your subscription and be okay. |
