How can I safely switch to other Anti Virus software?

installation anti-virus uninstall

17,562

Your process is basically sound. I would add this....Many AV products provide a bootable disk or ISO that can be used to scan before any malware can load. Symantec/Norton has this and I am sure others do as well. You can add the latest signatures/definitions with a USB drive. I would get the new AV and make the bootable disk and scan the system. This will likley clear up any rootkits and other malware that may be present. Leaving it off the Interent, install the new AV and then reconnect to get latest updates

17,562

Pylsa

SO has abandoned its ideals some time ago https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/333965/firing-mods-and-forced-relicensing-is-stack-exchange-still-interested-in-cooper https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/342039/firing-community-managers-stack-exchange-is-not-interested-in-cooperating-with https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/336526/stack-overflow-is-doing-me-ongoing-harm-its-time-to-fix-it https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/336731/to-reach-out-on-monica-the-lavender-community-and-the-future-of-the-stack-exc/336760#336760 https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/336639/what-if-anything-can-se-do-to-resolve-the-ongoing-conflict-in-a-timely-way/336642#336642 https://meta.stackexchange.com/questions/336177/feedback-post-moderator-review-and-reinstatement-processes/336280#336280

Updated on September 18, 2022

Comments

Pylsa almost 2 years
So, say I've been wanting to install other Anti Virus software on my computer (or install a newer version of my current software). Since in between installing, the computer is probably vulnerable to already active viruses, hackers, etc. I have the following question:

I'd do the following, but I was wondering if there is a safer way to do so and what could happen in the meantime? Am I over reacting/being paranoid? Is there a real threat?
1. Download new Anti Virus software installer
2. Terminate internet connection
3. Uninstall old software
4. Probably reboot
5. Install new software
6. Re-instate internet connection.
- Xavierjazz almost 13 years
  
  I think your process is sound. That is the method I use.
- Xavierjazz almost 13 years
  
  The only thing I might add is do a complete scan using both the old AV and, after install, the new AV.
Pylsa almost 13 years

My AV also provides anti ad/malware and the firewall :p
jcrawfordor almost 13 years

I feel that a virus scan from an up-to-date bootable tool should be part of a standard computer maintenance procedure. Antivirus software running over the operating system can only ever be trusted to a certain extent.
aibk01 almost 13 years

Yea I know that many anti viruses have that multi option but still the suggested practice is using a combination due to the reason that if the Antivirus service fails to start at boot your computer is not exposed to risk. And the reason that those companies who create specialized products of Firewalls and Antimalware are more apprehensive towards such attacks!