Antivirus question

lydia1959

13 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

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Comments (11)

camp56
13 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
13 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.
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the free ones like AVAST, AVIRA etc also have paid versions they make their money from those and are wonderful in that they also offer a free version to help those who can not afford to pay, the free versions have a bit less on them than the paid versions of course. It benefits everyone when each person can have good updated programs on their pc which is why many of the companies do offer a free version. In pay versions Kaspersky is an excellent choice, it is likely the one I would choose if I used a pay version it or Nod 32. I personally use AVAST free on my windows machines and feel it is an excellent product. The main thing to remember is layered security so along with your fully updated Antivirus you also need good antimalware programs like malwarebytes and superantispyware which are also free which should be updated and run full scans once a week or so. In addition having spywareblaster is another layer that protects you while online and requires no scans just update it weekly and hit the enable all protection button so the shield is green. And of course a firewall, if you have a properly configured router you have a hardware firewall there protecting you but you should have a software one also, vista and windows 7 have a decent one built in. SpywareBlaster SUPERAntiSpyware Free I think you have malwarebytes already? you will of course have to get Trend Micro fully removed from the pc before changing to any other antivirus program. as important these days is to make sure everything is kept updated and patched using Secunia tool makes that easy Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)
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Lynn if you are happy with McAfee then keep it, I in fact have McAfee on one of my windows computers because I too get it free with my Verizon fios, when I get tired of it or if something goes wacky with it I know I can always just start using one of the free ones like Avast, would not use the new AVG8. There have in the past been problems with McAfee, they have sent out some updates that caused problems on some computers, but they were pretty quick to fix them. I do not use their firewall I use an older version of zonealarm pro. Site advisor has nothing to do with your McAFee suite it is an add on for your browser, you download it from the site I provided in the other thread and simply select which browser you are using and use the download for that browser, Since you are currently using IE get the one that says for Ie, when you decide to get firefox then go and get the one that says for firefox it will then add it to firefox also. it is super simple to do basically one click. It is free for everyone. as to your husbands laptop that would be totally up to you or him. IF he wants to pay for trend micro it is a good program however I think there are free versions that can handle the job like the Avast free. I would probably do that instead of putting AOL on there if he does not need it, AOL is bad about digging into the innards of the pc and when not needed I don't advise putting it on. Now to your daughters pc are you sure you have the McAfee suite actually installed on that pc? I would try logging in with your name since it is under your subscription often times the main user has to do that to enable subscriptions. IF you can not get it to work then make sure you completely remove it from the pc before you install any other antivirus program that goes for any of the computers always completely remove the prior antivirus, you do not want more than one on a pc. McAfee has a detailed directions page on how to uninstall their products. this is the directions you may want to print and keep available. 1. Uninstall all McAfee programs through "Add or Remove Programs" in Windows "Control Panel". 2. Use the MCPR tool, see this article: How to remove supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe). This will remove all McAfee remnants from your computer. (you must have Windows Vista, XP or 2000 SP4 to use this tool) 3. Launch Windows Explorer and delete all McAfee files in "Program Files" but especially in "C:\Document and Settings\\Application Data" and "C:\Document and Settings\All Users\Application Data". You have to set Windows Explorer to show all hidden files and folders (Tools > Folder Options > View tab). Just delete the McAfee folders even if they are empty in all the "Application Data" folders. Can be more than one! In Vista: C:\Program Files, C:\ProgramData and C:\Users\yourname\AppData\Roaming 4. Reboot and redownload/reinstall your McAfee products directly from your account at the McAfee web site or your ISP, NOT from any CD that you may have. How to remove supported McAfee consumer products using the McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR.exe).
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lydia1959
Original Author
13 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
13 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
13 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
13 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
13 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
13 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
13 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
13 years ago
Microsoft security essentials is FREE and great!
vala55
13 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

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camp56

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