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What's the best virus protection program?

15 years ago

I just ordered a new computer and would like to ensure that it has the best virus protection and spyware programs possible. My current computer seems to constantly be infected with this "JS/Downloader Agent" virus that I can't seem to keep away. AVG finds and cleans it but it comes back almost daily. And the Spyware my computer gets is ridiculous. I have SpyBot and AdAware.

Any recommendations for some really good programs would be appreciated.

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Comments (4)

genes
15 years ago
Not many are using Spybot and Adaware anymore, the choice seems to be Superantispyware and Malwarebytes. Make sure that all Antivirus programs and antimalware programs are updated each time before use.
A good freebie AV program is Avast. Doesnt seem to be having the issues that AVG has had lately and seems to picks up everything. I've had no issues.
As for the re-occuring virus, try doing an online virus scan at Housecall.

Here is a link that might be useful: Housecall online virus scan
daylilydayzed
15 years ago
Also empty the system restore points since the virus may be hiding in there. Go to Start-Programs-Accessories-System Tools-System Restore. Click the box to turn it off. Then reboot the computer and turn it back on. Turn System restore back on and make a new restore point. Hopefully it will be gone then.
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who the heck are all these new people and some of the things suggested here are not the ones you want please be careful we have had some trolls here lately trying to sell their junk. You can not run 2 antivirus programs at the same time if they are both running full time it will cause a conflict that is very well known and documented and will be told to you at any of the support forums you go to so you need to fully remove Norton since you now have AVG. go here and use app remove and the norton removal tool from the security garden link Antivirus Product Removal Tools Using AppRemover it is free spybot search and destroy was at one time very good but today there are some that are much preferred so I suggest replacing spybot and adaware with these free products, update them each time you use them and scan weekly with full scan. Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (Win) - Detecting and Removing Malware SUPERAntiSpyware.com : Remove Malware : Remove Spyware - AntiMalware, AntiSpyware, AntiAdware! get the free version and add WOT to your browser to help protect you from bad websites also add sypwareblaster update it weekly hit enable all protection to turn shield green, no scans to do. SpywareBlaster WOT use a good firewall as recommended like zonealarm free
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Owbist did not say they were not good he was explaining they are not antivirus programs they are antispyware programs, what you said you need is an antivirus program. yes the free ones are as good as the pay ones. yes you definitely need to remove THE ANTIVIRUS program from your pc before installing a new ANTIVRIUS program you can not have more than one. If you had Norton you will need to go get the removal tool on the list I provided and follow their directions to get it off your pc, Norton is one that deeply inserts itself and can be hard to remove. You do NOT have to uninstall or get rid of superantispyware or spybot search and destroy those are NOT antivirus programs they are antispyware programs.
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stephmc72
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks to both of you for replying. I will run the Housecall scan and also empty my system restore points.

I dont mind paying for a virus program either so if there's something you can recommend that isn't free, I'm totally open to that to. I just want a good program.
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
on my personal windows boxes I run Avast, zone alarm pro firewall, superantispyware and malwarebytes (run scans weekly), spywareblaster at a minimum.

avast! antivirus Home Edition
you must follow the directions and register it but it is free the 2 pdf files on the left side of the page should be read or printed for full directions on use.

SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition

Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware free but has option to purchase (well worth the price) if you purchase it does have an automatic feature.

SpywareBlaster
this one is a must have, no scans to run, just hit the update button once a week then the enable all protection button, and it sits there and keeps bad things off your pc. also free

Firewalls
good info, there are a few free firewalls including zonealarm, however anytime you download and install things be very very careful and read each step and if it ask if you want to install extra stuff like toolbars be sure you uncheck those you do not need or want that stuff, zonealarm free has started doing that and including the ask toolbar under a different name you Do NOT want it.

on all my computers I also install belarc advisor which will give you a full list of everything on your pc, I usually print out a list so I can refer to it should I need to, very very hand tool. and free
Belarc

And definitely install and run regularly the PSI to check to see if your program is fully updated or if it needs updating.
Secunia Personal Software Inspect

and of course keep all windows critical updates done as they come out.
If you will be using Vista you can use the built in windows firewall it is fairly adequate rather than a separate one.

If you do not have these on your current pc I would suggest getting them.
the fact that you have recurring infections means your current products are not fully cleaning them out, malwarebytes will help with that.
And being safe in your user habits is key, don't visit sites known to carry infections including social networking sites, don't open email attachments from anyone.

when you have an infection that you know is there and you are not able to remove come ask for help I can take you to one of the support help forums that specialize in removing hard to remove infections.

Do occasional online scans to double check your AV.
housecall is good and so is this one
FREE Online Virus Scan

I also advise the use of firefox as a browser instead of IE.

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