Can you run Windows without anti-virus or anti-spyware? Gadgetell experiments

Today, I will be starting an experiment that will last all of May, 2009. We all know that Windows is the most popular OS out there. Due to its popularity, it is a frequent target for hackers. However, is anti-virus or anti-spyware necessary if you know what you’re doing?

Here’s the experiment: two machines, both running Windows XP that will be using Windows Updater (so the OS will be patched). Neither will have anti-virus or anti-spyware software running. With one machine I will only go to designated “safe” download sites and well known websites. With the other, I will act like an idiot.

I will provide weekly updates on Fridays and eventually at the end of the month will find out how screwed up each machine is using scanning tools. Are you ready for the experiment? More details to come.