School me on anti-virus programs
 

Finally got my laptop up and running, for those that remember me posting about having a virus similar to Anti-virus 2009. For now I loaded an older copy of Norton Internet Security w/ Norton Anti-virus updated to current, but it slows my computer way down on boot up and whenever the program opens to give me a prompt. Keep in mind I reformatted the computer so there aren't any other programs loaded that could be slowing me down. It seems like a lot of people run free programs that work just as good if not better than the programs you buy, any recommendations for a free program to try out? I'm still an idiot when it comes to computers, lol.

I use AVG Free. It works great for me on windows machines, it's free, and updates often. Plus it doesn't use tons of resources or take over your computer like Norton.

AVG Free - Download antivirus and antispyware software for Windows XP and Vista

avast

I've also used AVG for more than 4 years now. No complaints. I even set it up in my mom's computer but I have to go and update it for her once in a while :giggle: (she doesn't speak English).

So far AVG is what everyone is saying, i'll give that one a try!

Should I worry about using a firewall?

It's your call, but I for one don't run anti-virus and haven't for years.

However, I always install Spybot S&D, and NOD32 on client computers that have been built/reformatted/repaired.

Ad-aware.
Malware: Ad-Aware Updates, Boasts 10 Years of Malware Protection

Chris

I said that too until I got that stupid AV09 virus.

Windows has a built in firewall

NOD32

/thread

I run it on a 200+ seat public library that I manage with no negative issues. Puts up with the abuse of being installed on public access computers and we haven't had a major infection since I installed it. Runs quick, doesn't slow down the computer, and is very lightweight to install.

+1.

I don't like antivirus software. I don't normally use it on my own PCs, because most of 'em are total resource hogs. (The cure is worse than the disease.)

When I absolutely must install it on a PC however, I use ESET NOD32. It's small, lightweight, fast, not a resource hog, and is constantly rated tops in detection performance. Don't bother with the whole Smart Security Suite, just get the plain ole' Antivirus. You can get a uncrippled 30 day trial for free. Purchase Antivirus and Security Software from ESET

I was going to try AVG, but after reading reviews between AVG and Avast I decided to try avast. AVG users said it ran a bit heavy. I can't even tell Avast is running, so far so good.

I don't believe in anti-virus programs. Memory hogging POS's most of them. Last one I ran was AVG, which wasn't terrible. Just be mildly smart about it.. don't download .exe files you don't trust.. don't go to unrealiable pages. Every once in awhile sweep for malware and your good.

Avast!

^eh?

So far I am loving avast.. They make you register but it is minimal information.

Not to threadjack (hopefully add to), but I have an older Dell PC with a Pentium III and Windows ME (yeah, all my computer friends tell me it's the worst Windows and to at least get 2000) with Adaware, SpywarebBaster, Spybot S&D and Avast. I don't do much beyond general web surfing and, say, youtube videos, and it works fine for this, so I see no reason to buy a new(er) system. When it's cleaned up it works noticeably better, but Avast recently detected several viruses that it can't isolate or delete. Until I can get my hands on a Win 2000 disk to do a reformat, any suggestions for a viral clean-up?

TIA!

+1 on Avast. I installed it on my wife's computer after removing AVG when she noticed that it was running slower and having lockups/freezes. Avast found viruses that AVG didn't detect.