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Community weekly poll: Do antivirus software developers create viruses?
- 7/27/05 3:33 PM
Anti-virus software
by n.lee - 7/29/05 9:23 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
I would have to think that the anti-virus software
engineers do not create viruses, but one never knows.
All you can do is hope and pray that the anti-virus
companies screen out those who want only to make a
name for themself.
Uh--yes?? Consider the Bottom Line!
by jmbrinck - 7/29/05 9:41 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
The bottom line is the investors, so it's no real stretch to accept that in the dim corners of every virus-protection company is a team of "virus-fighters." Like the diet drinks that make us crave food, these protector bees of the company profit margin are buzzing with ever more clever ways to keep their bosses fed. Track them back to the source? You have to be kidding! How many phisher scammers are ever caught? It's a no-brainer to hide your identity if you're smart enough to write virulent code.
The bottom line of any for-profit company is profit. There's no profit in final solutions, but only in creating new problems to forever justify a company's existence.
It makes sense, but.........
by gadgets3 - 7/29/05 9:47 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
If you stop and think how some virus writers are ultimately found and punished, I would think an anti-virus company would be risking so much if it were to get involved in writing the software so they can show how good they are at catching it. I'm not sure in this world of extreme greed that any company mission would put itself at that much risk, think of its stocks crashing, its reputation going to hell...well then again look at all these puke CEOs ripping everyone off for money they can NEVER spend.
Free virus
by edwardjjoosiii - 7/29/05 9:48 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
Anything on the Internet that is free is a scam. You'll end up paying big time in some way or other in the long run. If you're paying for a program that does the job such as Norton, then why change to another program. Norton is not a virus spreader and if you set it up right it runs automatically in the background, protecting email, programs and most importantly all ports in your system. Learn to master the program and all will be well.
...Anything on the Internet that is free is a scam?
by /P1\ - 7/29/05 7:46 PM In reply to: Free virus by edwardjjoosiii
Ooh plz... not everything is a scam...
Zonealarm, spybot, ad-aware are free and they do their job (rather well i might add).
and even Norton has its hit and misses.
You are definitely wrong about that
by 2003Denise - 11/25/05 3:23 AM In reply to: Free virus by edwardjjoosiiiI have a lot of freeware and open source software on my computer, and it is great, not a scam. I also run free anti-spyware applications that do a wonderful job. I pay for my antivirus software because I already had before I got on the internet, and I am very satisfied with the job it does.
In short, you need to be cautious when downloading or installing anything. Nevertheless, there is a lot of free software to be had that is worth as much as (or more than) the paid versions. Your statement is inaccurate.
absolutely
by mittens - 11/25/05 6:05 AM In reply to: You are definitely wrong about that by 2003DeniseI use Spybot, HiJackthis, and A-squared, all the free versions, with no conflict and no hassles. Also run NAV for viruses and Panicware. I think of it as checks and balances, and if one misses something, the other will find it. Each of them covers a slightly different area, like overlapping circles.
Some spyware will conflict with other spyware, so it's best to pick and choose carefully, but the best way to find quality stuff is to read, not the manufacturer's claims, but user comments. They have no axe to grind, and no need to promote a bad product.
Free Virus a scam?
by morninglory - 11/25/05 6:32 AM In reply to: Free virus by edwardjjoosiiiI beg to differ that anything on the 'net that is free is a scam. When I went to my e-mail on November 21st I noticed a c**pload of stuff in my junk folder; I then read about the Sober worm that had infected thousands of computers. Of course, I didn't open any of these mails; I use AVG Free and it detected the worm and I haven't gotten any more of this junk since.
I was going to look into installing Norton on a free-trial basis but since AVG did such a good job, I don't think I will. Of course, I periodically receive e-mail from them asking if I want to "upgrade" to their AVG pro or whatever they call it but I don't think my free one will stop working it I don't upgrade.
Nah sorry but I disagree
by sidey - 11/26/05 2:35 AM In reply to: Free virus by edwardjjoosiiiNot everything thats free is a scam. Sadly many good apps that start out being free end up costing money to buy, but thats business I suppose.
But I do agree with your point about Norton. In terms of an AV it does its job. Just wish it wasnt so damn greedy with the resources and thats why I moved to AVG.
You betcha!
by webduck - 7/29/05 9:52 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
With all the boneheads in the world with nothing else to do but create havoc for the rest of us, why would AV developers waste their time creating something? There will always be a re-supply of criminals. On the other hand, we have seen our very own law enforcement people become the criminals they have sworn to arrest, so I guess there could be some rogue developers too. My vote: You betcha! I see conspiracy in almost all situations though, so.... 
By all means....
by Rod Roddy - 7/29/05 10:02 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
Business is business, and the anti-virus industry is BIG business. I've had my suspicions for a while, since my computer kept getting viruses even after I scaned it nine different ways. I concluded that the same people that "protect us", are the same people who "infect us". Money talks and Bull$#!+ walks.
Job security at its best
by Bytehunter - 7/29/05 10:36 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
I don't think that a serious company would venture into making new viruses simply because it will eventually leak out to the public. But I do believe that someone within their own employees, with the know-how to clean viruses, produce them at home on their own initiative. Then send them out to infect the net. A few days later, voila!! they ''discover'' the cure to the menace and save the day. The boss is happy, the customers are happy and the perpetrator earns his/her bonus. That is Job security at its best!!
Why should they bother?
by snoonie - 7/29/05 10:38 AM In reply to: Do antivirus software developers create viruses? by Marc Bennett
Surely there are enough viruses already out, there with new ones everyday, to keep them busy. What need would they have to create their own? It's a ridiculous thought.
Why create your own?
by skeeter234 - 7/29/05 10:45 AM In reply to: Why should they bother? by snoonieBecause you can easily create the fix! Then you can show how effective your software is and sell more.
not worth it
by tomsky - 8/2/05 12:34 PM In reply to: Why create your own? by skeeter234It wouldn't be worth the nanosecond of fame.
Being a day or two ahead of the pack for one thing... nah. You'd have to keep it up for it to be a pattern and thus take a huge long term risk.
Or they would have to create their own highly destructive virus that gets sufficient publicity to make a dent in sales. Then of course they risk being liable for billions in damages.
Silly idea.
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