Do I need antivirus for Vista 64bit?

[nwrigley]

Looking for some opinions. I'm planning on running Vista 64 with my new system build and I've never used Vista before. I can use Norton AntiVirus CE 10.2.298 for free through my University, so cost isn't an issue. What is an issue is how much this will eat system resources.

I'm just not sure that antivirus is really necessary given that I know what I'm doing with a PC and I've never gotten a virus before. Now, I do download over bittorent and usually scan my downloads just to be careful, but I'm not downloading exe files typically.

What do you guys think? Any recommended alternatives to Norton (keeping in mind that I can get Norton for free)?

Operating Systems -> Security

-Schadenfroh

 

[NewMaxx]

Vista x64 is pretty secure, but I have seen an AV catch something on it before, so better safe than sorry. I'm using NOD32 on x64 without any problems.

 

[mechBgon]

my suggestions here Do not disable User Account Control, keep ALL software updated (not just Windows et al, but everything), and use a non-Admin user account for all daily-driver purposes. Add an antivirus program but don't expect miracles from that layer of defense alone.

/2¢ worth


Oh, and Software Restriction Policy is cool if your version of Vista is capable of that (Business or Ultimate). I use it and like it.

 

[Mem]

Yes is the simple answer,any AV will give you more protection which is always a good thing, just remember its only one layer like mechBgon posted,oh and good old common sense goes a long way too .

 

[Nothinman]

You one one just as much as you do with any other version of Windows.