my bloody laptop again.,

[sengas]

hi please can you tell me if l am not downloading anything on my laptop l dont need antivirus is this true and if so what protection do l need, l am getting told l have multiple problems but dont know what to do help and thank you .,

[ChuckFickens]

In theory if it never gets connected to the Internet and you never transfer any files to it in any way, then no you wouldn't need AV.

But in reality, very very few people use a computer of any sort so it's totally isolated from all external influences, then yes you do need AV.

You need decent anti-virus as a must, wise extras are a decent antimalware program as well.

Anti-virus (Microsoft security essentials)
http://www.google.com...MSE&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

Anti-malware (malwarebytes)
http://www.google.com...dx5o2D8ZtHdZVy_7xNQEw

If you are really concerned about security then buy a decent all in one security package rather than using free stuff (you can do the same with free, but the effort isn't worth the £20 a year it's going to cost)

[RAV1D]

Only you know if your downloading or not! Yes its best to have an anti virus program on your computer if you are connected to the internet. go on microsoft website and download their free antivirus package then update it and let it scan your computer.here's the site

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

[ChuckFickens]

Missed out decent firewall there somehow!

windows includes a basic firewall which is a must, better ones are available if you are concerned about having more than the basics. There are free ones..

http://www.zonealarm....ity-free-firewall.htm

Burt again, a £20 a year security package sorts it all out in one easy to manage place.

[Whickerman]

as stated above, you will need it if you use memory sticks (flash drives), external memory sources etc. BUt don't forget you don't need to actively 'download', ie getting files - you can get viruses just from clicking links on websites etc, as if you're looking at information on the net it has downloaded to your pc

[VHG]

>>>windows includes a basic firewall which is a must

Note that MSE V2 (just released) has better intergration with the Windows Firewall

In fact it is called the Network Firewall in the W7 Action Centre after you instal MSE V2.

http://lifehacker.com...darn-antivirus-around

[rojash]

Just to be clear - if you are reading this on your laptop, then you are downloading to your laptop.