Anti virus suggestions

[tonefight]

I'm not big on computer tech so I could use a little advice here. We got this new computer just after vista came out I guess that would be 3 yrs. I've been running norton along with vista and have had windows defender shut off. My Norton is due again should I pay for another year or run defender ?

[Colton]

avast free version?

[BloodyFingers]

AVG FREE is what I use.

[ToonaRockGuy]

+1 on AVG Free, the paid version ($40) is even better, and it's a 2 year license.

[f.sciarrillo]

I agree - Either Avast! or AVG free. There is no need to waste your money when they have good free ones like those out there ..

[LHSL]

Download Microsoft Security Essentials and skip the other ones.

[lonewolf]

I use AVG free and never have any problems. It easily integrates into your email and updates are automatic and mostly transparent.

http://free.avg.com/us-en/download-avg-anti-virus-free

Add AdAware to take care of malware and you can keep your computer clean with very little effort.

http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

[tonefight]

Never heard of it,glad I asked, Thanks

[Bert|Evil]

Normally, I would agree that a cheaper or free anti-virus/ firewall. However, I noticed that Norton REALLY upgraded and improved their service in the last year for the same price. I don't mind paying for it.

[tornandfrayed]

Just an fyi, I don't care one way or the other but we get 10 to 15 PC's a month in the shop that have Norton and are infected quite nicely! Same amount or maybe a bit more with McAfee... Don't get nearly as infected with AVG...

Just for info

[RFBuck]

I have been a staunch user of Webroot for years. Still one of the top 5 rated, and since having Geek Squad tear Norton out by the roots have not had ONE problem or virus since then.

[Flaw]

i installed a norton update on my computer several months ago and it wiped out my internet modems. when i tried to reinstall the modems it told me they were installed and it put me at a dead end until i deleted norton and went on with out it. i would probably go with a free one and stay away from those porn sites, you will never have a problem again

[lonewolf]

Just an fyi, I don't care one way or the other but we get 10 to 15 PC's a month in the shop that have Norton and are infected quite nicely! Same amount or maybe a bit more with McAfee... Don't get nearly as infected with AVG...

Just for info

Norton & McAfee leapfrog each other every other year to get corporate clients which is their bread & butter. I was the network admin at a large local manufacturer for 10 years (after 8 years admin at PSU Dept. of Engineering) and used both network packages. They worked adequately in that environment, but at home, I used (and still use) AVG Free. For the home user, it works better and causes fewer problems.

I haven't tried any of the other free ones because I've never had any problems or viruses with AVG Free. When you combine it with AdAware, its pretty easy to keep things clean.

Until a few years ago, AdAware didn't handle malware very well, so I also used Spybot Search & Destroy. AdAware was updated to handle malware and SS&D is no longer needed.

[UncleScabby]

Does anyone use Ccleaner (I think it used to be called crap-cleaner before it took off)? It seems to do a pretty good job at keeping the junk off, but I never hear anyone mentioning it.

[fahy34]

I work on computers all day in an IT Dept and run my own computer repair business so I'm around this stuff pretty much all day.

I use free Anti Virus because normally the stuff you pay for is crap like Norton and McAfree. When I get a PC in here the first thing I do is remove those.

AVG Free is good especially on older machines. I do hear that the AVG you pay for is nice as well.

I also have been using Microsoft Security Essentials on the newer PCs with Windows Vista and Windows 7. It will also run on XP machines but I try to only use it if they have a lot of RAM memory. It seems to do a good job of catching Viruses, Spyware and Malware. Microsoft actually did something right for once.

As far as running programs for Spyware & Malware I've been using a program called Malwarebytes. This program is fantastic and will run in safe mode and remove some of the nasty crap that Anti Viruses can't catch. I can't recommend this program enough, it has cleaned up more computers than I can count for me.

Does anyone use Ccleaner (I think it used to be called crap-cleaner before it took off)? It seems to do a pretty good job at keeping the junk off, but I never hear anyone mentioning it.

Greg, ccleaner is a really nice program too (they should've left it at Crap Cleaner, it's a much better name) It is nice for cleaning out temp files and also has a nice registry cleaner in it.

I have some other programs I use as well but I can't reveal all my secrets, haha.

Shameless Plug---> www.datasystemsassociates.com

Mike

[hicksjd9]

Avast free is awesome. Been using it for years with NO problems/viruses at all. I also like spybot a lot. Between the two, you can take care of anything.

[smithdwsn]

Quick Heal Anti-virus is the best option for the protection of your pc. You can purchase it or you can use trial version. It is very fast and effective. It protects your pc from malware, threats and unwanted files. It also protect your firewall. I think it is the best solution for it.