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Free virus protection program

18 years ago

As of today my Free AVG is cancelled. So, does anyone know of another free good anti virus protection.

I do have lavasoft adaware and superantispyware that I run every 10 days or so. But I am thinking that maybe I need something to replace AVG. Any suggestions.

I am on windows XP.

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Comments (16)

jane__ny
18 years ago
Why was it cancelled? I have AVG ver. 8.0.169 Free and it scans daily. Been using it for over a year.

Jane
daylilydayzed
18 years ago
Avast is a free antivirus. Link below

Here is a link that might be useful: Avast antivirus
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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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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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The plain one is free if you go for the pro version you get a trial period only if you don't want to pay stay away from the pro button. Here's a good article with information ation and instructions. But you can certainly get the programs from their own websites just be very watchful of each step so you can uncheck any of those unwanted items like toolbars. Here is a link that might be useful: Link
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ruthie, your question is not unlike asking "Who makes the best washing machine", or "What's the best vacuum to buy", etc. Meaning, what you'll hear most often is that people will recommend what they've chosen for themself. Because unless their choice turned out to be a mistake, no one ever admits to making a poor choice. So in that vein, I've used Norton for a long time (perhaps not quite 10 years) and I think it's great. The Norton security system is effective, unobtrusive and comprehensive. I've had no problems with it or with any infection of any kind - but another factor is that I try to be a careful and thoughtful internet user. If you're have any performance or running issue with Norton, try their free tech support. I've used them a few times (I remember once was because of a file corruption matter that can happen with any software) and they were great. They do support by remote connection and you just sit back and watch them work. I've included a link to reviews of most AV products done and periodically updated by Neil Rubenking, a very well respected PC Industry expert of long standing. Here is a link that might be useful: Reviews of Antivirus programs
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ravencajun Zone 8b TX
18 years ago
I would suggest AVAST also.
breenthumb
18 years ago
I'm still using AVG 7.5 free and it scans and updates daily too.
abr4xii
18 years ago
I'm using AVG 8.0.*** and it works fine.
What message are you getting that says it's cancelled?
stargazzer
18 years ago
Have any of you tried both AVG and Avast for a comparison. I use avast and it find so many false positives, its annoying. I have to research a lot to find out if it is the real thing or just files from software I use. The last file it found was a file for the HP recovery system. Does AVG find false positives also.
Lyban zone 4
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for the responses.
I received a message saying my avg was out of date and when I tried to update to newer version it only brought me to ones that I had to pay for.
I did not see anything free on the site I was directed to.
owbist
18 years ago
Lyban. Be sure to keep clicking where it says free. In the link below you use the left side choice.

Stargazzer. I am using both AVG and Avast - but on different computers. It is unwise to run 2 anti virus programs. Regarding the false positives I have never searched for them. My computers are set to scan in the early hours of the morning when I am in the land of Nod and I assume you they the job. Occasionally I will make sure they are still updating regularly but I have too much other stuff to do on my computer than worry about what my A/V is up to.

Here is a link that might be useful: AVG free link
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
18 years ago
AVG 7.5 has been popping up saying it would end on such and such a date but it did not they are trying to get you to switch to the new version. Now todays date of Aug31 was the one they had put on their forum as the end date but the people I had talked to at AVG said they would continue updates to 7.5 till December. I have not talked to anyone recently but I have not been notified that the Dec date was changed.

So I guess we will see. If it keeps updating after today it will likely go till December.

If you do have to go with AVG 8 please follow their direction here on their FAQ on how to get AVG 8 with out the extras.
FAQ
that link also provides you the direct link to the free version.
stargazzer
18 years ago
Owbist, I know you can't use two anti virus on at one time. and what I research are the things it comes up with that I am unfamiliar with. the last time I scanned it came up with two items and I didn't know what they were so I researched. One was a part of HP software and was necessary if you call them and need help. I was just wondering if someone like you have used both and is one any better when it comes to false positives.
susieq07
18 years ago
AVG is still free..
leftwood
18 years ago
Of course only one antivirus program is ever running, but I have both Avast and AVG downloaded. I am on dial up, and I prefer AVG only because because its updates download quicker. Other than that, I have no preference, as I have found no difference in their purposed duties. Neither has ever found anything in my pc that the other didn't.
stargazzer
18 years ago
thank you leftwood, I have used both but didn't remember so many false positives with AVG.
Lyban zone 4
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks again to all. I now have my AVG back.
buyorsell888
18 years ago
I hated AVG 8 free so I went to Avast.
stargazzer
18 years ago
I am sticking with it. I will just research what it finds before I delete anything.

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