Truning off anti-vitus software

[easehill]

When downloading software many times I am instructed to turn off all anti-virus software as well as the firewall. Does anyone know how safe that is from the standpoint of being vulnerable to a virus or malware along with the download?

 

[RebateMonger]

I've NEVER seen a problem installing software while AV is left on. At least not in the last ten years. Same thing with Windows Firewall, which is what I use on my desktops.

 

[Harvey]

Anti-virus software used to be a problem, but newer AV and fiewall programs and newer software, at least from competent makers, are much more aware of such conflicts. I suggest:

1. Always back up your system before installing any new software package.

2. Be VERY cautious before installing if you encounter such warnings with newer software. A good place to start would be to search Google for the software title "in quotes" and words like virus, spyware, etc. That should help you find out if there is any history of infections or attacks related to the software or if there are reported benign conflicts beween the software and any particular AV program.

Note -- Searching for the software title in quotes directs the search to the combination of words in the title.

3. Be even MORE cautious if the software installation requires you to be online when installing it. Being online with your AV turned off is like running around your town square buck naked with nothing but a "Kick Me" sign on your back.

Hope that helps.

 

[balloonshark]

I would leave any security software on when downloading a file and after you download it I would scan it with multiple quality scanners. I usually only download recommended software from known safe sources or stick to the vendors site and I still scan everything with 3 scanners and/or upload it to virustotal or jotti before running it.

If your talking about executing a downloaded file then usually the only time you would need to turn off your security programs is if you installing another security software to prevent conflicts. It's still a good idea to research what your downloading like Harvey mentioned.

 

[sandorski]

A message like that raises a lot of Red Flags. I'd Google it to death before clicking OK.

 

[Murloc]

it tells you to do that when downloading it or when installing it?

there's no need to do that anyway, it's never a problem. It's just an habit to write "close all other programs" in installers, but it's not needed.

I don't have an antivirus and download exes from sites full of porn pop-ups where clicking the wrong link leads to viruses.
I'm good at seeing what is fake and what is genuine though.
Got 2 viruses in 2 years or something, had to remove them but didn't take too much time, they are the usual crappy malware