MeleeMonk
Cartoon Pony Wrangler
Part-time gamer, full-time environmentalist, and member of PAPO (People Against Palm Oil)
Posts: 3,651 
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Post by MeleeMonk on Dec 11, 2016 7:47:25 GMT
Chances are good that I'm going to be getting a gaming PC in the near future. However, I'm EXTREMELY nervous about the idea, as my last computer died of a virus attack.
I plan on installing anti-virus software immediately upon powering it up, and I will not have it connected to the internet, except maybe only for downloading patches. Will this be enough to prevent it from getting infected with viruses? Are there other strategies to avoid viruses that are more effective? In case you weren't aware, I'm terrified of computer viruses.
NOTE: I intend on using Windows XP as my operating system, as it seems to be the easiest OS to use for the gaming I'll be doing, and it's the OS that I'm most familiar with.
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centipede
CGR Undertow Groupie
It was just one soy latte, I swear!
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Post by centipede on Dec 11, 2016 11:23:39 GMT
Yeah, maybe a dual boot system with two OS. Linux is more resistant to viruses but not immune. Unfortunately, it's the Apple OS that has the highest inherent resistance, as most viruses were made for windows. Also, get an antivirus that has a link scanner, which will let you know how safe certain sites are and will warn you if you try to enter a suspicious site. Also, check out if Steam OS is right for you. |
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Post by Imperial Khador on Dec 11, 2016 13:56:53 GMT
So while not an expert on this sort of thing, I'll point out a few things:
1. A 15 year old operating system that ended support 2 years ago is going to be fairly vulnerable.
2. Installing an antivirus is a good choice, and it looks like a few of the free options will install on XP.
3. Make sure you're installing service pack 3. It doesn't look like it is available from Microsoft anymore, but there are some third party sites that still appear to carry it.
4. Keeping the computer offline is probably a good idea.
5. When online, keep the computer behind a router/hardware firewall.
What sort of games will you be playing Maestro? That may help others make some recommendations. Keep in mind that XP isn't great at dealing with multi-core setups, is limited to 4 GB of RAM, etc. That said, if you're just running older PC games or using it as an emulator box for older systems, you're probably fine.
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MeleeMonk
Cartoon Pony Wrangler
Part-time gamer, full-time environmentalist, and member of PAPO (People Against Palm Oil)
Posts: 3,651
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Post by MeleeMonk on Dec 11, 2016 19:55:58 GMT
So while not an expert on this sort of thing, I'll point out a few things: 1. A 15 year old operating system that ended support 2 years ago is going to be fairly vulnerable. 2. Installing an antivirus is a good choice, and it looks like a few of the free options will install on XP. 3. Make sure you're installing service pack 3. It doesn't look like it is available from Microsoft anymore, but there are some third party sites that still appear to carry it. 4. Keeping the computer offline is probably a good idea. 5. When online, keep the computer behind a router/hardware firewall. What sort of games will you be playing Maestro? That may help others make some recommendations. Keep in mind that XP isn't great at dealing with multi-core setups, is limited to 4 GB of RAM, etc. That said, if you're just running older PC games or using it as an emulator box for older systems, you're probably fine. What are these "free options" you speak of? Also, if Windows XP isn't as good with multi-core processors and has RAM limitations, then what OS would you recommend instead? Anyway, I plan on playing Oblivion, Jedi Knight II, and Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds for sure. I probably won't play anything older than Oblivion. centipede Is Linux good for gaming? And is it easy to use? |
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Post by Imperial Khador on Dec 11, 2016 20:27:44 GMT
Okay, for those games, XP should be fine. I assume you'd buying either an older PC or older parts to build one. Just make sure the hardware meets the games' system specs  As for anti-viruses, something like AVG or Avast should be fine. You'd need to connect to the internet to update them, but if you're planning to keep this computer offline anyway, it should be fine. |
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stratogustav
Supreme Overlord
Warrior with Bandana
Posts: 7,460
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Post by stratogustav on Dec 11, 2016 22:07:04 GMT
Most viruses come from clicking the wrong things, installing malware by accident, putting useless add-ons, etc.
The best way to avoid software malfunctions is by keeping in check everything that is installed in your computer.
You should know what it is and what it does every single program that is installed in your computer, when it was installed, and if it came with the base OS, or if it was added later.
That way if you see something that is not supposed to be there you can target it specifically to get rid off.
Basically having not clutter whatsoever, not even for your browser. You would not believe it, but most people don't even know what files and software are storaged in their own computer.
That's basically like going on a plane trip and knowing only 80% of the stuff that is inside your own luggage, when obviously you should be aware of the 100% of things in there.
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MeleeMonk
Cartoon Pony Wrangler
Part-time gamer, full-time environmentalist, and member of PAPO (People Against Palm Oil)
Posts: 3,651
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Post by MeleeMonk on Dec 12, 2016 2:10:07 GMT
stratogustav But I don't plan on using this computer for anything internet related, and would not even have it connected to the web. Would I still be at risk?
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stratogustav
Supreme Overlord
Warrior with Bandana
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Post by stratogustav on Dec 12, 2016 3:08:58 GMT
You will be safer that way, but there is always the possibility that you'll copy something that is infected through a disc or an USB, so yes you can still get infected, but that's the case for anything.
People would not be having sex or driving cars as the risks of those actions can have long lasting consequences, but we have to take risks every day. It is just part of living. It doesn't hurt to be extra careful though.
Like for example you should know what is it that you're copying into your system. Run a scan before copying it to test for malware or viruses, that kind of thing.
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Guilion
Lord Wing
Former Incompetent Evil Commander
Posts: 284
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Post by Guilion on Dec 12, 2016 3:17:28 GMT
Unplug your ethernet cable, disable your wireless adapter and don't ever insert usb drives into the computer.
There, you're free of virus for life. You can also install Linux I guess.
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MeleeMonk
Cartoon Pony Wrangler
Part-time gamer, full-time environmentalist, and member of PAPO (People Against Palm Oil)
Posts: 3,651
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Post by MeleeMonk on Dec 12, 2016 3:25:02 GMT
You will be safer that way, but there is always the possibility that you'll copy something that is infected through a disc or an USB, so yes you can still get infected, but that's the case for anything. People would not be having sex or driving cars as the risks of those actions can have long lasting consequences, but we have to take risks every day. It is just part of living. It doesn't hurt to be extra careful though. Like for example you should know what is it that you're copying into your system. Run a scan before copying it to test for malware or viruses, that kind of thing. Wait, discs can carry viruses?? Not store-bought game discs though, right? I mean, if it's official I don't see how it could have viruses on it. |
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stratogustav
Supreme Overlord
Warrior with Bandana
Posts: 7,460
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Post by stratogustav on Dec 12, 2016 5:41:16 GMT
Official stuff should be OK. I never heard of an officially issued game disc carrying a virus. The only thing that can happen with official stuff is when one kind of software interferes with another software of similar type. For example back in the XP era I remember there was software that required me to uninstall Nero to work properly, that kind of stuff.
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MeleeMonk
Cartoon Pony Wrangler
Part-time gamer, full-time environmentalist, and member of PAPO (People Against Palm Oil)
Posts: 3,651
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Post by MeleeMonk on Dec 13, 2016 2:47:45 GMT
Official stuff should be OK. I never heard of an officially issued game disc carrying a virus. The only thing that can happen with official stuff is when one kind of software interferes with another software of similar type. For example back in the XP era I remember there was software that required me to uninstall Nero to work properly, that kind of stuff. OH, this reminds me of an important question I wanted to ask: can RAM carry viruses? Because I still have the RAM chips from my old virus-ridden computer and was planning on using them with my next computer. Would I risk contaminating my new computer by doing this? |
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Post by Imperial Khador on Dec 13, 2016 4:03:32 GMT
OH, this reminds me of an important question I wanted to ask: can RAM carry viruses? Because I still have the RAM chips from my old virus-ridden computer and was planning on using them with my next computer. Would I risk contaminating my new computer by doing this? |
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centipede
CGR Undertow Groupie
It was just one soy latte, I swear!
Posts: 2,691
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Post by centipede on Dec 13, 2016 5:41:30 GMT
So while not an expert on this sort of thing, I'll point out a few things: 1. A 15 year old operating system that ended support 2 years ago is going to be fairly vulnerable. 2. Installing an antivirus is a good choice, and it looks like a few of the free options will install on XP. 3. Make sure you're installing service pack 3. It doesn't look like it is available from Microsoft anymore, but there are some third party sites that still appear to carry it. 4. Keeping the computer offline is probably a good idea. 5. When online, keep the computer behind a router/hardware firewall. What sort of games will you be playing Maestro? That may help others make some recommendations. Keep in mind that XP isn't great at dealing with multi-core setups, is limited to 4 GB of RAM, etc. That said, if you're just running older PC games or using it as an emulator box for older systems, you're probably fine. What are these "free options" you speak of? Also, if Windows XP isn't as good with multi-core processors and has RAM limitations, then what OS would you recommend instead? Anyway, I plan on playing Oblivion, Jedi Knight II, and Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds for sure. I probably won't play anything older than Oblivion. centipede Is Linux good for gaming? And is it easy to use? I heard it all depends on the "distro". Some are gaming oriented while others are security focused.
And I've also remembered something important: DO NOT GET NORTON! They are piss poor quality and will screw with your system. One guy even told me his Norton Antivirus identified ITSELF as a virus.
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