Ahh, but the test was always slated for one day. Most seemed to agree that the infections would happen within hours. If I could, I would leave it on longer, and I have some solid confidence that it would be ok. Maybe it would have gotten something, but I don't think so. I'm just not willing to lose my household internet connection for longer.
Don't forget that I don't have my cab on the internet specifically because I don't want the nagging about updates and whatnot. I'd rather not use that extra speed on such things myself.
I'm not sure what you were pointing out by quoting me? In both I said it isn't impossible. It
could happen by IP sniffing worms / viruses. I just think that the likelyhood of that happening these days is very slim/none. Since 2005 I have seen many people with no AV software using internet connections with no issues. Many of them for financial reasons. Some just stubborn
I didn't use one for a very long time simply because I didn't have enough RAM to justify the footprint the AV software of the time took up.
I believe Windows updates should be done regardless, because of security holes that Microsoft finds within their own software that they remedy. Not necessarily that these are/have been abused, but that they could be. With a modern OS (like Windows 7) I don't think this is a concern even without the updates. I also believe that the majority of those IP sniffing viruses have been snuffed out, much like Smallpox. They really have nowhere to go for the most part, because who doesn't update/use a router with at least some firewall built in?
I think we can agree to disagree. If I ever do see an infection related to unilicit internet activity, I'll have my ketchup ready to eat the hat I don't wear.
Also, don't forget that even with the BEST A/V software, someone, somewhere has to get boned in order for the virus definitions to be updated.