Antivirus question

lydia1959

15 years ago

I posted this over at the computer forum too, but haven't got any responses yet.

I have Avast (free version) on my new computer (windows 7, Firefox) and am very happy with it. My daughter just got a new computer yesterday (Windows 7) and she is getting ready to install it too. The latest reviews on the updated version of Avast are not good! Is there a way she can download the older version? Or should she just go with a different antivirus?

Here is a link that might be useful: Scroll down to read reviews

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

camp56
15 years ago
I would go with Microsoft Security Essentials. I have used it for over a year on my computer with Vista and Windows 7. It is the easiest program I have every used for security and works very well. It's free from Microsoft. Also the Windows Firewall with Windows 7 and Vista works very well.

Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft Security Essentials
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
Probably is a windows 7 64 bit computer so going with MSE would be a good choice, many are not yet working as well with the 64 bit platform.
I have put Avast on my husbands windows 7 64 bit and it works beautifully however, I have Avast on all of my windows machines currently.
Related Discussions
Antivirus programs and ? on Nortons 360
Q
Comments (8)
If you have a multi-user subscription, you should be able to load it onto other computers at any time during the period of the subscription, and the clock starts ticking when you load the first one on. I have a 3-user subscription to Norton anti-virus and I loaded one right away, and another 6 months later. However, I have the disc. Since you downloaded yours, did you save the program on the first computer? If so, you could make a copy on a flash drive, and plug that into your netbook and install it. If you don't have that option, you should go go the Symantec web site. When you put the program on the first computer, there is typically a registration step that establishes an account at Symantec. Each time the program is installed and registered, the registration process takes you to the web site and the number of program installs is kept track of in your account. If you log into this account right now, it should show that you have two installs left of what you bought. If you don't have the program, and/or you can't remember how to get into your account (or can't retrieve the info), call Symantec tech support and explain the problem and they should be able to walk you through this. It would probably be helpful if you had your online receipt of the purchase handy when you do this.
...See More
Windows Defender antivirus or malware
Q
Comments (9)
"Unless I totally misunderstood my readings, AVs and malware detection applications are niche services. " I think this depends on the particular software, the intended message and context of the conversation. Just as an example (not intended as proselytizing), I use what I think of as Norton Anti Virus. But it's really the Norton Internet Security system. It's a suite of many, many programs and routines that handle a large number of functions. Website reputation, antivirus-malware-spyware-phishing blocking and removal, firewall, temp file cleanup, safety of files downloaded from websites or emails, email scanning, and on and on. Other than the occasional message that pops up, it's invisible. AND, it schedules scans on the fly for only when the PC is not in use. It never interrupts or delays other activity. I never touch it, never schedule anything, and almost never see anything. I think all the best in class products (there are maybe 4 or 5 best choices) are similar to what I described, comprehensive "systems". They're well worth the modest annual cost.
...See More
Dr Web anti-virus link checker question
Q
Comments (3)
an alternative for you with old versions of windows is the Kaspersky Rescue Disc. This is a version of the very well known Kaspersky virus scan which runs from a cd, you put it in your cd drawer then boot up the pc so it boots from the cd, you then run the virus scan from the cd. It works with all versions of windows. The thing is that you have to have a cd burner on your pc that will burn an ISO disc, if you don't there are free ones available. You have to go burn the latest version of the disc each time you want to run your scan so that you know you have the latest virus definitions. This is also handy for those that can not get into their windows to run a scan, you can usually boot the pc from the cd even when you can not boot into windows. This is just for running a scan this does NOT provide any type of real time protection at all this just lets you run a scan on your pc with out installing any programs. It would be much better to find some type of real time protection that still works on 98. Here is the link Kaspersky Rescue Disk You download the ISO file to your pc then you take that ISO file and burn it to a cd using the ISO burn setting. YOU must use the ISO setting in your burner. AN ISO file is an image file and will not work unless burned as such. link to info on the free isoburner if you should need it ISO Burner check your current cd burner it probably does do ISO burning most of the major ones like nero etc do.
...See More
Question About Antivirus Software For 2015
Q
Comments (21)
Hmm, FixMeStick - never heard of that one before. Of note : "Not a replacement for anti-virus software which protects PCs from infections, the FixMeStick is for removing infections that got past the anti-virus." About Norton . . . . there are various mentions on av-comparatives.org that Symantec had elected not to participate, although it's not stated as the general reason it's not included so it's a bit of a mystery. I think Aputernut's main point there was to remove any existing AV program before installing another. However, despite that it may work well for some users, it has a reputation in the IT fixit world as being (historically) heavy on resources, and very difficult to remove. It even requires a separate special tool to remove it completely. On the other hand, since a lot of people use it, it probably generates more complaints just by the raw numbers. Your mileage may vary. The problem is, once a program gets a reputation, many people may move away from it and continue to stick with their last impression of it. It's hard to keep up with every iteration of a program. Case in point . . . Internet Explorer, which really lagged for a very long time, but now has somewhat caught up with the competition. Nevertheless, it's left such a bad impression a lot of people won't touch it, myself included. This post was edited by kbarb on Sun, Oct 26, 14 at 11:55
...See More
lydia1959
Original Author
15 years ago
She actually has the laptop in the link (not sure if that makes a difference or not). Like I said I do have Avast on my computer and I love it, it's just those newer reviews that have me scared.

Here is a link that might be useful: Lenovo laptop
ravencajun Zone 8b TX
15 years ago
I always recommend for anyone getting a new pc or laptop etc so that you know exactly what is in the unit and have the info handy for when you will need it and can not access it for some reason, to do a quick scan with belarc and SIW and print out those specs date it and keep it with your pc info. Doing that has come in very handy in times when a part is needed or info is needed to help and the unit is not able to access that info. You have it all printed out.

Belarc Advisor

SIW

and yes her laptop is windows 7 64 bit
when using the new 64bit windows be sure anytime you are looking for programs to download and use on those units that you look to see if 1. it is compatible with 64 bit and 2. is there a separate special download for the 64 bit version. That will often make a big difference.

32-bit and 64-bit Windows: frequently asked questions

What is the Difference
lydia1959
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the info Ravencajun, I'll pass it on to her. I discovered that I have a 64 bit as well the other day when I downloaded the wrong version of itunes and had to download the 64 bit version afterwards!

I told DD to go with Microsoft Security Essentials since a few people on the computer forum also recommended it.

Thanks!
cynic
15 years ago
I've been a long time user of AVG and tried Comodo Internet Security on my new machine. There was a fluke incident and I wound up uninstalling instead of having the option to repair AVG and it wouldn't install again since it sensed the Comodo firewall, which I use on all machines now. So I went with Comodo for antivirus on this one too. I like it. Simple and effective. It's always highly rated by the pros and does extremely well in the tests. And it's free.

Antivirus is something where you do *not* want to use an old version. You don't have the definition updates to support it and are exposing yourself to needless risks.
jemdandy
15 years ago
I have been using "Norton Internet Security". It is not free, but it is good and is available as a single seat or at extra cost, a 3 seat version.

If you activate the firewall in Norton, you should turn off the Windows firewall. There should be only one firewall running on your system.
Hellion
15 years ago
I would agree with using the Microsoft Security Essentials.
Norton takes over your computer and also they have/had a lot of law suits against them for renewing people's Norton early and without permission. After I removed Norton my comoputer ran so much better and faster I could not believe it.
lynn_d
15 years ago
I too had issues with Norton, so I defected to the paid version of AVG. But I just had to get a new desktop and our IT fellas recommended Kapersky, so I followed their advice. Because of some of the programs we use I have to be careful with firewalls.
User
15 years ago
Microsoft security essentials is FREE and great!
vala55
15 years ago
I agree MS Security Essentials. I have used Avast, AVG and another I've forgotten, would never go back to any of them.

Antivirus question

Comments (11)

camp56

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

Related Discussions

lydia1959
Original Author

ravencajun Zone 8b TX

lydia1959
Original Author

cynic

jemdandy

Hellion

lynn_d

User

vala55

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Antivirus question

Comments (11)

Related Discussions

lydia1959Original Author

lydia1959Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

lydia1959
Original Author

lydia1959
Original Author