Need Anti-virus help

9/8/10

[pabianice]

Today, for the second time in 2 1/2 weeks, I got the Norton 360 Big Red X of Death and my PC would no longer connect to the web/internet. Back to the shop for another $65 whack.

Can Freepers recommend or link me to a serious anti-virus software download or a CD that I can obtain to get rid of viruses Norton can't cure? All comments would be appreciated. I run Windows XP Home on my PC. I am not a software guy.

Thanks.

[combat_boots]

Do you use an anonymizer, too, pabiance? Serious encryption?

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

AVG Free version 9.0. Set it and forget it. It will run a scheduled scan once a day or once a week or once a month...whatever you prefer.I’ve been using AVG for many years and have yet to get infected.

[Brookhaven]

Avast is a solid anti-virus program that is free for home use.

[rellimpank]

—I ran with the free version of AVAST for several years , now have the pay version—no problems-—

[wolfcreek]

Try AVAST. It’s free for home use and you can upgrade to the professional version.

[RingerSIX]

You need to avoid getting viri in the first place. Do you know what was the avenue into your computer that last virus used?

I recommend using FireFox and the NoScript plugin to keep web pages from running java/scripting/etc. Block 3rd party cookies.

[mkmensinger]

You might try Spybot Search & Destroy (free)

[raybbr]

Here we go again... ping!

[Hodar]

First off, remove Norton and throw the disk as far as you can. If someone offers you a copy of McAffee, throw that in the opposite direction so that under no condidtion can you make the mistake of installing either one again.

They consume needless resources, work marginally well, cost money and slow your machine down - unnecessarily.

I run a triad of 3 pieces of FREE software, and would encourage you to consider them too.

1. Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware - Free, this scans and removes Malware, Trojans and other software that tracks your movements through the internet.

2. Spybot - Searcn & Destroy - Removes spyware, and then activly prevents re-infection by blocking those sites used by hackers.

3. Microsoft’s Internet Essentials - Yup, Microsoft makes a really decent anti-virus, anti-malware program.

All three work well together, all three update frequently, all three intermesh what they find. If you want to add an Anti-virus specific program, I like Avast!.

[Clint N. Suhks]

Once you go Mac you never go back.

[mowowie]

A lot of viruses change your proxy server settings then you can’t access the web.

you have to go to explorer then “tools” then click “options” then click “connection” then “Lan Settings” then make sure “Automatically detect Settings” is the only thing clicked.

if the virus is still on your computer then it may change those settings again.

[Windflier]

AVG Free anti-virus has had some known issues with Windows XP systems. After running without a hitch for years on my XP computer, it suddenly developed a case of epic failure that could not be fixed, no matter what I tried (and I tried it all).

On the other hand, my wife’s XP computer continued to update AVG daily and run the program without any trouble at all.

I eventually removed AVG Free from my computer and installed a free home anti-virus scanner from Avira. It’s been running fine for a year and a half now, and I’ve had no infections.

[raybbr]

I run Avast Home edition on my PC and laptops.

I have also heard good things about Microsoft Security Essentials.

You may need to download a malware detection and removal program to fix what you got.

Wait till "shadowace" gets out the "tech help ping" - you'll get tons of help.

[Lancey Howard]

I have been very satisfied with ‘Webroot Anti-Virus with Spy Sweeper’ for many years.
Also, I have always run Webroot’s ‘Window Washer’ several times a week just to keep everything cleaned up, although I don’t know if that program is still necessary with all the “cleaning” functions most AV programs include these days.

[Blue Jays]

Best solution remains Symantec Norton:
Norton 360

Talk to one of their business managers (not a technical support person) about any licensing issues you've encountered.
My company uses their industrial-strength antivirus, backup, and restore software and they are top-notch.
Other data security companies are going through mergers & acquisitions all over the place.

[mowowie]

I’ve found that Malwarebytes has been very good lately in removing viruses.
especially the virus that tells you that you have a virus, or 943 of them.
You know the virus that runs a virus scanner on your computer then charges you to remove the so-called 943 viruse.

[Lucky9teen]

I use Free AVG Anti-Virus. I have never had a problem. AVG Free provides you with basic antivirus and antispyware protection for Windows and is available to download for free.

And for malware/spyware or if needed, virus removal, I use Malwarebytes. The free version gets rid of all sorts of stuff, that other removal software (like Trend Micro, Norton, McAfee) does not. And if you pay the $25 one-time fee, it has active real-time protection.

Also, if interest, a good place to find cool freeware/shareware software or tips on fixing computer issues, go to www.majorgeeks.com.

[Jedidah]

I had McAfee and kept getting infected. My computer guy installed AVG, and no problems. He said Norton and McAfee aren’t worth having.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Avast is excellent and free. I have used it for a number of years. I got sick of being ripped off by Norton every year.