Virtually since the beginning of computing there have been computer viruses , maliciously created tools with diverse and obscure objectives, and practically since that very moment, there have been antivirus software that counteract them. However, it has been more than a decade since I decided not to use any type of antivirus software on my Windows PC and I have never been infected by viruses, malware or Trojans. In this article, we tell you about the experience and the precautions that must be taken to prevent the PC from being infected.
It is true that antiviruses are powerful tools to stay protected against viruses, Trojans and malware, and in this article we are not going to detract from their usefulness or effectiveness. We simply want to tell you that you can also live in peace without any type of antivirus as long as you take certain precautions.
Why I decided not to use antivirus on my PC
I have been a PC user since 1996, and at that time, as a user with little experience, I used all kinds of antivirus to feel more protected, since in the end you always have that “fear” that your PC will be infected and you could lose everything you have in it. Antiviruses work well, but on many occasions they are too intrusive, and above all they slow down your PC in the effort to scan everything to make sure it is free of viruses.
In addition to slowing down the PC (and if you have an SSD they start to “eat” its useful life very quickly), and in order to keep you safe, antivirus software will prevent you from performing certain tasks on the PC that are, shall we say, “suspicious” , although really that is the least of it.
But honestly, slowdown or SSD lifespan were the least of the decision to go without antivirus software. In these more than 25 years as a PC user, the type of use I have given it has varied over time, and there came a time when I no longer wanted to complicate my life with anything and started to use original software (finally after all, today you can even have original Windows for 10 Euros) whenever possible. This meant two things: on the one hand, I never went to “unethical” websites anymore, and on the other hand, I received all security updates for the operating system on a regular basis.
And it is precisely since Microsoft included Windows Defender in its operating system, that is when I decided that I did not need any type of antivirus software. It is true that they do not update it every day either, as happens with independent antiviruses, but it is also true that Defender works quite well and also protects you, at least to a certain extent and “from the worst” that can happen to you.
Windows Defender is far less intrusive than standalone antiviruses, much faster, and consumes much less PC resources (that’s not to say that sometimes the PC slows down with its sporadic scans with the Antimalware Service Executable process, although it’s very uncommon), and it’s integrated into the operating system so you don’t have to worry about a thing. On top of that, it’s very easy to temporarily disable if you need to perform certain tasks.
Recommendations if you do not use antivirus
After more than a decade without using any independent antivirus, only with Windows Defender, I can tell you that I have never been infected with any type of virus, malware or Trojan, and this is also partly because I take some precautions when using the PC , or rather I use it with common sense and always with care.
These are our recommendations in this regard:
- Use original software whenever possible.
- Avoid disreputable websites, especially those that promise free software, cracks for programs or games, etc.
- Never click on a link or attachment in an email if you’re not sure the sender is legitimate. This is usually the biggest focus of PC infections, especially ransomware .
- Be very careful with Torrent web pages, especially those that force you to “swallow” advertising in order to access the files.
- If you disable Windows Defender on a one-time basis, remember to re-enable it when you’re done.
- Always keep your operating system up to date.
As you can see, the recommendations are nothing to write home about either, just use your PC with your head and be a little careful, no more, no less.