Smart tv and the internet safety

suzieque · 29-09-2013, 13:24

I have just purchased a Samsung ue55f8000 smart tv.

It can be used to surf the net or so the manual tells me.

I have been thinking about this on my laptop I have anti virus software from Mcafee now if you are safer with it in a pc what about smart tvs in general?

Nigel Goodwin · 29-09-2013, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by suzieque

I have just purchased a Samsung ue55f8000 smart tv.

It can be used to surf the net or so the manual tells me.

I have been thinking about this on my laptop I have anti virus software from Mcafee now if you are safer with it in a pc what about smart tvs in general?

A TV isn't a PC, so can't be affected by a PC virus - there's also presumably no mechanism in a TV for it to write to the sets firmware (which is only accessible via updates), nor can you install your programs (apps).

So no virus worries.

emptybox · 29-09-2013, 13:36

Most of these smart TVs will have a Linux based operating system at the base of them, and that doesn't attract many viruses, so you shouldn't need to worry.
Most people who use Linux on their PCs don't bother with an anti-virus program, although they are available.

The main danger is downloading Windows viruses and passing them on to your Windows based PCs through your home network.
Not sure if that would ever be a problem with smart TVs?

29-09-2013, 13:24	#1
suzieque Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: west yorkshire Posts: 261	Smart tv and the internet safety I have just purchased a Samsung ue55f8000 smart tv. It can be used to surf the net or so the manual tells me. I have been thinking about this on my laptop I have anti virus software from Mcafee now if you are safer with it in a pc what about smart tvs in general?

29-09-2013, 13:31	#2
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Quote: Originally Posted by suzieque I have just purchased a Samsung ue55f8000 smart tv. It can be used to surf the net or so the manual tells me. I have been thinking about this on my laptop I have anti virus software from Mcafee now if you are safer with it in a pc what about smart tvs in general? A TV isn't a PC, so can't be affected by a PC virus - there's also presumably no mechanism in a TV for it to write to the sets firmware (which is only accessible via updates), nor can you install your programs (apps). So no virus worries.

29-09-2013, 13:36	#3
emptybox Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Scottish Borders Posts: 11,995	Most of these smart TVs will have a Linux based operating system at the base of them, and that doesn't attract many viruses, so you shouldn't need to worry. Most people who use Linux on their PCs don't bother with an anti-virus program, although they are available. The main danger is downloading Windows viruses and passing them on to your Windows based PCs through your home network. Not sure if that would ever be a problem with smart TVs?

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Smart tv and the internet safety