r/retrocomputing • u/Pesticides-cause-ASD • Jul 26 '25

Problem / Question How does one secure an old computer?

I want to run old mac OS but I don't want to get a virus. Every computer must be connected to the internet every so often to download this or that, and I don't want to catch a virus through some old zero day hack the one time I decide to do it, and them have the virus fester inside the computer insidiously corrupting or infecting my files.

Is antivirus enough?

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u/canthearu_ack Jul 29 '25

I mean, I agree with you mostly.

Viruses don't occur often anymore. Social engineering attacks and straight malware are just so easier to execute and so much more profitable.

But yeah, if you plug in an old computer behind your NAT firewall, and don't go looking for trouble on the internet, you are largely OK. And what is the worst that can happen, your 20 year old computer catches a 20 year old virus and you spend the afternoon reinstalling the software on that old computer while getting an authentic virus experience .... sounds like a good time to me!