Originally Posted by okyoureabeast

Unlike the days of old where you can get infected just by visiting a site we have a lot of tools now that basically make antivirus software obsolete.

I call it practicing safe computing. Kind of like safe sex, but with more high tech stuff.

For starters if you use Internet Explorer you deserve to get a virus period. IE is by far one of the worst browsers out there in terms of security.

Use a browser that not only supports internet standards, but also has extensions like Firefox's adblock plus or Adblock for Chrome. You can also download a tool like "NoScript" which takes adblock plus to a whole new level of configuration.

Also make sure you are running the latest software. Run Windows Update on a weekly basis and make sure your third party software like Flash, Java, etc are all updated.

Run a firewall and set it up so you have to review every program that wants access to the outside world. You can set up the firewall so once you click yes it will always be able to connect.

Finally, if you don't know what a program is or does do not run it. Do not install a fish tank screensaver, download a program that claims you have a virus and it found all sorts of stuff through an online scanner, etc.

Be smart, safe, and above all vigilant. I treat my computer like I treat my car.

Edit: If you're not as computer savvy as the rest of us, then I recommend you download AVG's free version. There is no sense in paying for antivirus since they will always be a step behind the virus writers. Heck Norton, McAfee, etc have never been able to successfully remove a virus for me.