Anyone know how to run a computer without an anti virus?

you can run of course but don't expect that you'll system will last even a year without infection (not unless you are using mac or some linux system). microsoft-based systems like xp vista or 7 are prone to viruses due to their massive popularity (i'm not saying that macs are invincible, but since they play a fairly safe number of users hackers/virus makers tend to spend more time messing with the formers system. you can also run a system with any anti-virus software provided that you will not put any usb or removable devices and will not surf the net, thereby isolating your system from any contacts.

it all depends on the operating system, you could use linux/unix and never worry about viruses.

Yea...surely you can run it..its just that you will need to re-format your computer frequently if you want your PC to run smoothly :P I have an antivirus in my PC, but i never use it..I tackle all the problems by myself...manually... :)

Sooner or later, you're screwed! The worst that can happen? Having to reformat your computer, and losing all your data. Your computer being 'hijacked' and used to transmit illegal subject matter - a knock on the door from the cops. Identity theft. Of course, that's only the worst that can happen...

Well, I have so many friends that they dont like to run any Antivirus in their Computer. First, This eats more memory causing of slow. If you are aware with Viruses, You can protect your Computer againts viruses. If you know how to hexing this good programm to see some trojan. Also Check your Task Manager if theres some file open that suspicious. As you said, they are computer literate, i think they know how to protect their pc even without antivirus.. Have a nice day..

If you want run computer without anti virus and perform activities such as browsing on Internet etc without being interrupted by virus. Maybe you should consider to migrate you operating system to Linux/Unix. :)

There is only one way to operate a computer without an antivirus program installed, and that is DANGEROUSLY. As someone pointed out in an earlier response you are far less susceptible to viruses if you operate a Linux system, but I always run antivirus even with Ubuntu. It is not only good practice but virtually essential nowadays with the vast amount of viruses and malware prevalent on the internet.

Technically you can run your computer without having an anti virus but it is not a wise decision. It's like saying I am going to sleep around without protection with whoever comes and I don't care what happens, what risks I take. If you do that you are open for sexually transmitted disease. Sooner or later you are going to catch something. In this day and age of computer viruses and spyware its very unwise to run a computer without an anti virus. Sooner or later you have to do a computer format. I would recommend to install a good anti virus as soon as you do a format to have some kind of protection against malware.

I'm running 2 computers and neither have an AV program. I haven't used an AV program for about 5 years. Since I know a little about a computer, I've got programs that quickly breakdown the registry where I will delete any suspicious entries. Other than that, if you need to download software, it is best to get it straight from the developer of the software or a reputable downloading site. Flash drives you should be very wary of. Above all, you should know how to reinstall your computer from scatch, for most modern computers it requires a single push of a FUNCTION key when booting up.