what virus protection/spyware protection?

[kimcrwbr1]

I use Microsoft security essentials. Who can protect your system bettwer than the ones who make it. What kind of problems are you having? You could try info from here. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/northrup_restoreperf.mspx

+1 on microsoft if you version of windows is registered go to control panel add/remove software and remove all the antivirus software and any other stuff you dont want/need then install the security essentials and do a complete scan. then run disk cleanup and defrag a couple of times it allways speeds my computer back up. I tried the registry cleaner not a big fan and if you need updated drivers go to your computers website and try there or the site for the individual components. Why pay someone for a link when you can normally find it yourself. Right click my computer then properties then hardware then device manager it will show you what is not working correct. Keep up with windows update and install sp3 but if your running boot legged software you may be shooting youself in the foot stay away from windows update. I imagine we all download crap you dont need and some of it ends up in the task bar on the lower left of your screen. Alot of that uses up RAM along with items on the start menu. Also adding memory is simple but you need to go to your computers website to see what your system is capable of along with CPU upgrades.

 

[shane96ranger]

Kaspersky, hands down. Both times I had a virus I had Nortons, then McAfee. Anyone who has Kaspersky will tell you how proactive it is. It updates every 3 hours, which keeps you on top of everything. It also scans all page content before allowing it to run. Here's a review:

http://www.antivirus-ratings.com/reviews/kaspersky-review.html

 

[gettle03FX4LevelII]

I agree before i started building my own computers the computer guy i went to said that Norton was junk and Macafee was even worse. He installed the free version of AVG which he used so i used that. After he installed it it found like 50 viruses and trogen horses that the norton i paid money for never detected. I have also used the avast and worked well for me too but I currently use avira for my virus protection and i think its best out of all the free ones i have used,

 

[sholzy]

The best anti-virus I've found is Linux. (not trying to start a flame war, LOL!) On my Windows laptop I use Avast. In 5 years only one got past Avast. Spy-bot for spyware. I use Avast on my Linux box to scan files before I send them to my laptop.

The problem with paid prescription type is people tend to not renew the script for whatever reason after the free first year. They then complain because their anti-virus software didn't catch the trojan or virus that locked up their computer.

 

[Twister]

I use Comodo, and have not yet got a virus or anything, my brothers uses Sygate firewall, hes been using it for 4 years now with no problems. I just installed avast on my dads computer and have had no problems with it as well.

We have had a bad rap with McAfee and Webroot (they would restrict us from doing things on our computer). When i had Norton it bogged down my computer so after the 60 day free trial i got rid of it.

 

[AllanD]

I use Microsoft security essentials. Who can protect your system bettwer than the ones who make it. What kind of problems are you having? You could try info from here. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/northrup_restoreperf.mspx

Norton and McAfee are resource hogs, will cause slow startup because they insist on doing a full system scan and updating on startup.

You'll ALWAYS know when Norton or McAfee are working because you won't be able to do another damned thing while they are doing it.

They both also cost money and frankly don't work all that well.


Frankly I think Norton is like having a personal body guard that frisks all your friends every time they enter the room, paces back and forth at the foot of your bed all night and kicks your dog when it barks


OTOH Microsoft Security Essentials is FREE, updates daily and seems to work well and you will hardly ever notice it's there.

As for registry cleaners Ccleaner (downloadable at cnet.com)
works exceptionally well and is also FREE.

While you are at it also download a program called Speccy and another called Defraggler made by the same company.

 

[shane96ranger]

Norton and McAfee are resource hogs

Well said Allan!

 

[AllanD]

I work on a lot of computers were the owner complains it "has the slows"

THe first thing I do is go hunting for old disused Antivirus applications
and remove them. Next I remove the WORKING AntiVirus programs (usually plural)

But to be honest my XP-sp3 installation discs are never that far out of reach,
nor am I at all hesitant to format the drives and start over.

If someone wants a paid version of Norton, McAfee, AVG or Kaspersky they can install it
(or RE-install it) their-own-damn-selves, because I won't.

I set everything up in a specific order that allows a smooth fast running machine, if someone
then wants to screw it up I don't want to know about it.


IF someone is prone to getting virii it isn't the fault of their computer, it is the sites THEY choose to go to.


AD

 

[shane96ranger]

I work on a lot of computers were the owner complains it "has the slows".............

If someone wants a paid version of Kaspersky they can install it
(or RE-install it) their-own-damn-selves, because I won't............

I set everything up in a specific order that allows a smooth fast running machine, if someone then wants to screw it up I don't want to know about it.

I can't tell Kaspersky is even running on my computer. I just did a scan and it didn't bog down once. But, I also keep a good running computer. Also, even the good sites have issues from time to time. We even had an issue here on TRS just a week or two ago.

I work on computers as well. I usually find "the slows" is usually fixed by a visit to MSCONFIG and disabling all of the start up resource hogs, as well as deleting multiple virus suites. There are a lot of vulnerable people who click on the "free virus scan" pop ups. I always teach people the ALT+F4 function for the pop ups that appear to have no way to close them.

 

[mp3deviant721]

AVG is a pretty good program. And use Adblock on your browser too. Good extension for any browser. I can vouch CCleaner and Defraggler. They are good programs for freeing up space on your hdd and for keeping your computer running fast.

IF someone is prone to getting virii it isn't the fault of their computer, it is the sites THEY choose to go to.

Well said.

 

[cody93]

NOD32 and Avira are good, malwarebytes is also good to use too. for those who already have nasty infections, id recomend combofix. stay far away from mcafee and norton, resource hogs and not as good as other free ones avalible, anything that comes bundled with your new pc/isp aint good. also, if you computer is realy slow, back up as much uninfected data as you can and format and reinstall windows.