If you want to keep risks to a minimum, then you should buy a good anti-virus software. I recommend you a nice one that is Kaspersky Anti-Virus 7.0. You can understand why it can keep risks to a minimum from its features and function.
Key Technologies Protects from viruses, Trojans, worms, spyware, adware Scans files, email, and internet traffic Protects instant messengers Protects from unknown threats Analyzes and closes Internet Explorer vulnerabilities Disables links to malware sites / phishing sites Global Threat Monitoring (Kaspersky Security Network) Blocks all types of keyloggers Automatic database updates Free technical support Functionality Hourly updates and fastest response times ensure you benefit from the industry's most up-to-date protection. New - Advanced anti-virus engine delivers the industry's fastest scan times (Passmark Security, June 2007). Saves time and improves performance. Protects you from the phishing and malware sites that you wouldn't otherwise know were attempting to steal from you. Kaspersky Security Network allows your computer to report when it discovers a threat that hasn't been seen before. All 250 million Kaspersky users benefit from our combined knowledge!
http://www.antivirusroot.com/Kaspersky-Anti-Virus-7.html
If you download anti-virus software from the internet, it might actually contain a virus! It also may slow down your computer a bit, but the main reason is that it might be a virus itself. If you install a trusted, well known antivirus from a disk, then there is much less risk of it being a virus.
I downloaded the fake Antivirus 2010 software, not knowing it was fake. What are the risks involved? Is there a chance that my identity could be stolen?
risk: downloading a virus safeguard: download antivirus software
Mirror is nothing utility in antivirus software
Application software
Antivirus software will notice about the virus,malware,spyware etc
"antivirus" is protective software designed to defend your computer against malicious software.
One can download eTrust antivirus software for free from sites such as CNET download, bestshareware, or techserious. It is reviewed by CNET as being a dependable antivirus software.
.
NOD32 antivirus software offers a small file size when compared to other antivirus brands. It has also failed to miss an "In-The-Wild" virus, a claim that no other antivirus software can make.
Antivirus 2009 is rouge software. Spyware Doctor is not. I got antivirus 2009 because i didn't know what it was. But Spyware Doctor isn't rogue software. But if you have Antivirus 2009 you're computer can be at risk.
Keep your antivirus software up to date and never open an email attachment unless you absolutely trust the person or company that sent it.
One can purchase previously used antivirus software by renewing their subscription. Most antivirus companies will charge monthly for thier software, so there is a fee to keep the software running each month.