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which free virus, spyware, etc. protection do you use

18 years ago

You hear a lot about them from their distributors, but what do users think and why would you recommend it?

problems I had were caused by downloading free version of adware 2007...it created total chaos and havoc...so beware! it doesn't do what it says it will do and after removing it from my system, I can no longer use the system restore under accessories. adaware 2007 sucks! don't be as gullible as I was to think because it was good before, newer would be better! That's simply not true this time!

I'm plagued right now with a windows live update popup screen several times a day and want to scream....I have just had to use system recovery on my computer and don't want to deal with more computer headaches, viruses, Trojans, popups, etc anytime soon! It's mine I paid for it...and want to use it the way I want to use it...not like a virus says I have too!

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Comments (6)

zep516
18 years ago
Ad-Aware 2007 is the correct program to download not adware 2007....Big difference here... Others will recommend virus protection ect.
asolo
18 years ago
Ad-aware was good to me. For other bugs, I liked Avast!...but there are other good ones. You'll probably want something to keep your registry straight, too.

I got tired of the whole windows maintenance thing a couple of years ago and switched to iMac. Don't have to deal with any of it anymore.
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Luis I believe every safety program by the reputable vendors is safe and good. Have you really thought about those differences? For example I kill ants and centipedes indoors but not spiders, many kill spiders too. Who is right or wrong there? Just a different perspective on things. The real bad guys are taken care of by everyone, those lesser are measured by different standards in different safety programs. All the programs presumably know the bad guys and protect us from them but the difference comes in how those 'nuisance' type things are assessed. Some remove them others spend more time with the real threats. A few years ago the computer security firms declared that the bad guys are winning. They cannot create a fix for a virus not get designed anymore than we can clean up a spill on the kitchen floor that has not happened. I also believe all the security companies work together to identify threats and help keep us safe. With the volume of nasties created they can do nothing less. Over the years I have tried almost all free anti virus and malware programs, changing not because of discontent but just willing to try what the other guy has to offer. I use Microsoft Security Essentials only now. It is fully automatic which is nice and I only need the one program. Others find the need to add layer, again that is a personal opinion for all of us. MSE has been out about 2.5 years and I have had it since day one and never had an issue, I have confidence that will continue.
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go get the free superantispyware program and install, update and run full scan let it remove anything it finds, it should be updated and run each week. I would also get spywareblaster installed on all computers from http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html install, update, enable all protection do this once a week Here is a link that might be useful: superantispyware
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it is likely you did not get all parts of avast removed, if you do what zep asked he can help you clear all of that out and make sure you do not have too many running at once. those things can cause lots of problems if not corrected. to remove most security programs you have to run a special removal tool in addition to the add remove programs. we can only help if we can have knowledge as to what is on the pc and what is running actively. I would rely most on malwarebytes much more than spyware doctor, update it each time before running the full scan and allow it to remove what it finds. malwarebytes and superantispyware do absolutely nothing till you double clik on them to open the program, then you must update them to get the latest definitions, then you must click to run the full scan and you must tell it to remove what it finds. just having the program on your pc means nothing if you do not actively open update and run them.
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AVG is good but hogged resources big time on my machine, slowed it to a crawl. Avira (free for Windows) is very good, much less a resource hog. For a free firewall I love Comodo (not the suite, just the firewall). Does a bang up job for a freebie. Even warns me of suspicious sites and if it's for sure not good (such as a google search result I click on) will warn me to stop and not enter the site. I use Malwarbytes for scanning for spyware, malware, etc. and SpywareBlaster for stopping the junk from ever landing on my PC via browsers. If SpywareBlaster is kept regularly updated, very little lands on my machine other than the odd tracking cookie.
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bob414
18 years ago
Good advice for programs to protect your computer on this page. And if you download from one of the major geeks sites you won't have to worry about getting the wrong program or a paid version instead of the free one.
kcred
18 years ago
I have an Apple iMac, so fortunately no virus worries. If I had a PC I would stay away from Norton as it really slows down a PC. For free I would suggest ClamAV. It's a good one. If I was paying it would be Kapersky. Very good AV.
Good luck with your virus. Hope this helped!
kcred
asolo
18 years ago
Ditto about Norton. Many VERY bad experiences among those that I know...confirmed by many posters here.
TxKen
18 years ago
I have installed, used and recommended the following programs.
Uninstall all other Anti-virus programs, spyware hunters etc.
Download and install the following (all free, by the way)

1. AVG Free Antivirus
2. Lavasoft Adaware (Personal edition-free)
3. Spybot Search and Destroy
4. Spyware Blaster (that name only..no variations)
5. Crap Cleaner
6. A-squared
7. System Security Suite (that name only..no variations)
8. Index.dat suite

Use these..you will have no problems.
Hope this helps..
txKen

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