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

17 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
17 years ago
Ad-Aware 2007 is the correct program to download not adware 2007....Big difference here... Others will recommend virus protection ect.
asolo
17 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 superantispyware free, install, hit update, choose your C drive to scan do a full scan allow it to clean everything it finds. SUPERAntiSpyware then go get malwarebytes, install, update, scan Malwarebytes Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware to your desktop. * Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program. * At the end, be sure a checkmark is placed next to Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, then click Finish. * If an update is found, it will download and install the latest version. * Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan. * When the scan is complete, click OK, then Show Results to view the results. * Be sure that everything is checked, and click Remove Selected. then go here and do an online scan Trend Micro's FREE online virus scanner let us know how you are after that.
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Download.com is a safe place - provided you pay attention. It is very easy to get caught, you clicked on an advertisement not a recommendation from download.com, big difference. The advert says "Search and Destroy - free", the word Spybot does not appear and they will catch thousands with that sneaky approach so do not feel bad. Having removed the program I would most definitely go online for a free scan from Housecall, BitDefender or Symantec or your own favourite online scan to be sure you are clean. I would also run Crap Cleaner just to satisfy my mind.
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I was using AVG until I went to get the newest free version and I couldn't download it because of some sort of bug in my Roxio programme and I can't update Roxio so I was left without protection for a few hours until I went to File Hippo and downloaded the free version of Avast. I really like Avast - the woman's voice that told me updates were complete scared the bejeezes out of me because I was in the basement when I heard her voice and didn't know where it was coming from. LOL I also run Malwarbytes. So far I have been lucky and have not picked up a virus. Anne
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bob414
17 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
17 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
17 years ago
Ditto about Norton. Many VERY bad experiences among those that I know...confirmed by many posters here.
TxKen
17 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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