Quick computer question...

Al_19

I had a computer disaster over the last couple of weeks. But with everything up & running, a lot of recommendations have been made to me by different people. One thing that was recommended was to download a free version of SpyBot. Now I buy most all this stuff, but people tell me I'm crazy because it's available FREE. So I did find/download/use free Adaware. But I've downloaded several SpyBots that say FREE, but after running a scan, they say that in order to remove the bugs you have to register(purchase) the full program.

Can you guys tell me the combinations of "Stuff" that you're scanning with: particular software, special versions, free, purchased, etc. I just want to get it right to avoid the nightmare I've gone through recently.

Thanks,
Al

Steamhead (in transit)

SpyBot IS free...

here's the link to download it:

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Some other free programs I use:

AVAST anti-virus (was reviewed as being just as capable as Norton or McAfee):
http://www.avast.com/eng/download.html&sa=X&oi=smap&resnum=1&ct=result&cd=1&usg=__dmS9ttNIs4_5esxkPZx-DJAqLqY=

A-squared anti-malware:
http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/free/&ei=dPD9RZ7bOJ24ggTdt5GSDw&usg=__VCXIqbpyi2sj6jVzZCrlYuqJdNo=&sig2=5VxfEyzIvMXylAAlD0q6Cg

AVG anti-spyware (they also have an anti-virus product):
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/28415/lng/us/tpl/v5

Note that it's not a good idea to have more than one of each type of program (anti-virus, anti-spyware etc) running at one time. Also, most free programs (with the exception of AVAST) don't update automatically- you have to start the process yourself. And most (except SpyBot and AVAST) won't run in memory after the trial period. So I run AVAST and SpyBot in memory and run the others manually.



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Unknown

Try the AVG antivirus! I have been using it for years on all my computers and it works great. Have not had any virus problems since, and you cant beat the price. Free automatic daily updates too.

Al_19

Thanks Frank,

I used your link for SpyBot. Downloaded/updated/ran/cleaned already.

I will definately try the other stuff, but one item at a time. I was running an antivirus program that I got from one of those online computer repair services. The service was great, and the antivirus program worked fine, but I think it was a free program that they were getting free and selling. So the AVG that you guys both recommended sounds good. I'm running Norton now, but it does strange things.

Al

Weezbo

your AVG will see the Norton as a problem.

so you would have to deactivate one or the other for e-mails.

a couple weeks back they offered a new 7,05 version update.

realolman

What's a Norton?

I've been using the AVG with no problems for a couple of years.

Jim Bennett

Try this...

The Security Tango. Cut and Paste this link, a little involved but it gets rid of all the nasty stuff.

http://securitytango.com/

jim

Cosmo_3

Get rid of Norton

I had Norton for years, nothing but problems. I got Trend Micro and it is great. Also AVG is just as good, well maybe better because it is free!

I also have Ad aware free, I manually scan with that and it sometimes picks things up that Trend Micro doesn't.

Big thing you have to be careful of is after installing any antivirus programs, to make sure you don't allow programs/processes to run that your not sure are ok. Once you allow something the antivirus program will always recognize it as safe even if it isn't.


Cosmo

Maine Doug_60

I used to use

Norton and eventually dumped it, too much trouble. I also played with the usual spybot and similar products and finally settled on a 5 user license pack for AVG. Since I use a router to network my PC's and handle wireless acess point, I did not need a software firewall.
So I got the AVG product that does not include the software firewall and installed it on my 5 machines.

It is important to remove all competing products and Norton leftovers first. I recommend checking the registry and editing as necessary. Like the Wallies say, get some professional help if needed since the performance of the PC can be impacted by leftover poopies.

Al_19

So here's my plan...

Thanks guys,

I only ended up with Norton temporarily after I reformatted last week. I've had trouble with it in the past.

So now I have Adaware and SpyBotSD working. The concensus among you guys seems to be AVG, so I've downloaded that, but haven't run it yet. I'll get rid of Norton first.

And the SecurityTango website looks like the way to go.

Still learning!
Thanks again,
Al

Bruce M

A-Squared - Free

There is an excelent anti-malware program that is free. It does not conflict with anti-virus software. It is updated almost daily and is very effective. Go to this download site and choose the free version.

http://www.emsisoft.com/en/software/download/