Off topic: Help with anti-virus

[5Stars]

If the mods don't mind for an hour or so, can I ask the puter gurus out there what is the best anti-virus to install on my puter?

I had McAfee and it expired and for the love of Pete I cannot get it updated...I lost my password and I've requested a new password for at least two weeks now...they say it will be emailed and "not"!!

I need to get a new product.

Thanks...

 

[dallasfaniac]

The best anti-virus is Net Nanny

 

[dallasfaniac]

But seriously, there is AVG and Avast! if you are looking for free alternatives. Really, it just depends on what kind of protection you are looking for.

 

[5Stars]

But seriously, there is AVG and Avast! if you are looking for free alternatives. Really, it just depends on what kind of protection you are looking for.

I actually looked up Net Nanny! :laugh2:


I'm not looking for a free anti-virus, but a good one like McAffe (was)!

 

[TRUTH87]

Norton Internet Security is da bomba.

 

[Everlastingxxx]

Buy a Mac.

 

[dallasfaniac]

I actually looked up Net Nanny! :laugh2

Just thought I would throw that out there. I have fixed friends computers in the past and they'd say 'Oh I'm pretty sure I got this virus when I was looking for a new lawn mower' or some similar explanation. 5 minutes in the Temporary Internet files tells the real truth. I fix their computers, they give me nightmares for years. Sick bastids.

 

[david_jackson]

Norton Internet Security (aka NIS) is horrid. For clients I like Norton Antivirus Corporate edition. For my personal use I use Kaspersky.... requires a little tweakng though

 

[dest]

I would definitly stay away from norton and any of the other big name bloatware products. I would go with AVG. Just because it's free doesn't mean it isn't good.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Just thought I would throw that out there. I have fixed friends computers in the past and they'd say 'Oh I'm pretty sure I got this virus when I was looking for a new lawn mower' or some similar explanation. 5 minutes in the Temporary Internet files tells the real truth. I fix their computers, they give me nightmares for years. Sick bastids.

 

[5Stars]

Norton Internet Security is da bomba.

I will never use Norton products again...but I appreciate the recommendation.

 

[5Stars]

I would definitly stay away from norton and any of the other big name bloatware products. I would go with AVG. Just because it's free doesn't mean it isn't good.

Thanks, I read about this AVG product just now and I will try the free version first and if I like it I will buy the cost package.

Thanks...

If the mods want to delete this, thanks for letting it stay here for a few.

 

[Hoofbite]

Buy a Mac.

On my PC, Im using Kaspersky. Its a solid program and doesn't use a lot of resources in the background. Norton will eat your resources alive. I know they have a free trial for Kaspersky so you might take a look at that.

Just make sure that you are only running 1 anti-virus at a time. Uninstall McAfee before you put another Anti-virus on there. Well, I guess that might be a bad route if you are trying things out. At the very least, make sure that McAfee is not running at all. Having multiple anti-viruses can cause a lot of headaches as they sometimes see each other as a threat.

Or, you could always find a torrent site and look for a little extension on that current McAfee.......

Not saying I do/don't condone or participate in illegal use of programs but at the same time, I sure as hell do not condone some company having piss poor customer service and awful communication.

here is a trial for Kaspersky.

http://usa.kaspersky.com/trials/home-users/internet-security-7/

it has everything you would want.

good luck, hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[jterrell]

anti-vir is very, very nice and free.
http://www.free-av.com/


on a windows based pc you'll need a spyware, anti-virus and a firewall(

2 must read links on this subject....

spyware removal
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=76&threadid=2084960


anti-virus deals
http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=2091004

 

[NorthTexan95]

But seriously, there is AVG and Avast! if you are looking for free alternatives. Really, it just depends on what kind of protection you are looking for.

These are the two free ones I'd recommend. I've used AVG for years with no problems. I highly recommend it over paying money for McAfee, Trend Micro, or Norton on a home computer. It automatically updates and scans.

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-virus/us/frt/0

Avast comes highly recommended by others. I've used it a few times for specific reasons but I prefer AVG for myself.

http://www.avast.com/

For antivirus you could simply download Microsoft's Window Defender (free!). I'd also highly recommend using Spyblaster (free!) to prevent spyware from installing in the first place.

There's plenty of FREE options to secure your computer. Unfortunately it requires several different softwares and some require manual updates. If you want an all in one package then TREND MICRO. Very highly rated for both anti virus and anti spyware. It will cost you some money but I prefer Trend Micro to Norton.

 

[5Stars]

On my PC, Im using Kaspersky. Its a solid program and doesn't use a lot of resources in the background. Norton will eat your resources alive. I know they have a free trial for Kaspersky so you might take a look at that.

Just make sure that you are only running 1 anti-virus at a time. Uninstall McAfee before you put another Anti-virus on there. Well, I guess that might be a bad route if you are trying things out. At the very least, make sure that McAfee is not running at all. Having multiple anti-viruses can cause a lot of headaches as they sometimes see each other as a threat.

Or, you could always find a torrent site and look for a little extension on that current McAfee.......

Not saying I do/don't condone or participate in illegal use of programs but at the same time, I sure as hell do not condone some company having piss poor customer service and awful communication.

This is what McAfee has done with me! It was a good product, but it has expired and I cannot get any service to update it! :bang2:


But, I'm getting some good info here and I appreciate it...

 

[Carl23]

Like someone else mentioned: Avast and/or AVG. If you have the horsepower, you can run the two together as the co-exist fine (for people who SHOULD be purchasing Net Nanny). (AVG can run along with Norton/McAfee, while I don't believe that Avast can)

If you're typically logged in with admin rights, I would recommend a malware/spyware solution (SpyBot - free).

and finally....both AVG and Avast have freeware rootkit detectors. Download and run them prior to AV installation.


Email me $20 when you get the chance.

HC

 

[lockster]

I would't say I'm a guru for sure, but I've learned alot the last four years because of the help from friends, magazines, the net, and from guys like here that help me out when I ask questions. I use (avg) man get both the anti-virus and anti-spyware dude. It works great and doesnt' interfere with the computer like garbage like norton and such. Also, (Adaware) if free too and is great! Try to get (windows defender) if you can. Those three with some tips I got from one of my friends kicked the heck out of a virus and trojan and spyware that I couldn't find a stinger for and had taken hold of my computer that I couldn't get rid of before. Also, go to www.trendmicro.com
great program that you don't have to install works really good.
If you want to buy a good one get stop sign, my friend that works in a computer shop swears by it. They also use trendmicro.
There's one other u may want to try too, Superantispyware. I haven't used it for a while but one of my buddies loves it.
Try this site for help if it gets bad enough. http://forum.networktechs.com/showthread.php?t=49
One more thing, turn off all uneccessary processes that aren't needed when trying to get rid of viruses and such. That's what safe mode is good for. Also, you may have to turn off restore points to while ridding the computer. They hid in there too.
Hope this helps.

 

[Pats Fan]

Thanks, I read about this AVG product just now and I will try the free version first and if I like it I will buy the cost package.

Thanks...

If the mods want to delete this, thanks for letting it stay here for a few.

First off, you owe this board, what $20?? I think that was our bet.


So, as a computer person, here is what you want to do.

1. AVG is fine. Make sure you get the free version. DO NOT PAY.

2. Virus problems are not the problem. Spyware is the problem. Get Spy Sweeper by Webroot. It has been for me a great product. You can buy it on sale for $20 -- list $29. Worth every penny.

Viruses are long forgotten. Spyware is the issue today. Webroot, Spy Sweeper.

Yes, also a Mac is a great choice if you can afford it.

If you have a question about how to use Spy Sweeper, let me know.

But pay the $20 to this board. And consider the free computer advice free.

 

[Kilyin]

Nod32 is the leanest running and most effective antivirus and antimalware solution available. But real men don't run antivirus.