Computer virus protection

[crazyme5kids]

I know it has been asked before, but what additional anti-virus protection can I use with the Norton internet security program? I think I might have a virus that Norton and it's live update isn't getting rid of. Thanks for your help ahead of time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

You never want to run multiple anti-virus or firewall programs concurrently. You do want to use several anti-spyware programs concurrently.

Try a Panda scan, see what you find. http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/ActiveScan.htm

 

[Shutterbug]

I concur with that.

Also TrendMicro has an online scan as well:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

 

[crazyme5kids]

Thanks Dan, I looked at the site, but I am really computer stupid when it comes to computer things. Is there one you can recommend? I have windows XP. Can I purchase it on-line, or do I get it at Staples or some place like that?

 

[Shutterbug]

I concur with that.

Also TrendMicro has an online scan as well:

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Also afterwards....you may want to switch from Norton. I always had problems with it not catching something or just plain too intrusive in the computer and slowing it down. There are better and less intrusive programs out there like the panda software that Dan uses or the program I use :
Trend Micro™ PC-cillin I got mine at Best Buy around Thanksgiving after rebates was 25.00

 

[crazyme5kids]

Shutterbug, am I correct in understanding that I can run a "test" scan with housecall?

 

[Shutterbug]

yes its a free scan. I used it when I had norton on my computer before.

http://www.trendmicro.com/hc_intro/default.asp

 

[crazyme5kids]

Shutterbug,Im trying to use the free scan, but it doesn't seem to be loading. It does say something about ActiveX and Java VM core engine, which I think I need to chose one of. The problem is that I don't know what the heck any of that is. Can you explain it in terms a computer idiot can understand?

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure about Housecall, as I use Panda. Same as the other, you can run a scan. I use to use Norton, before its bloat, and cuased many headaches the last year I used it. Panda has worked flawlessly for about 3 or 4 years now, updates every day, sometimes several times in a day. If you do add a new program, make sure you have removed Norton completely before installing the new.

 

[Shutterbug]

Shutterbug,Im trying to use the free scan, but it doesn't seem to be loading. It does say something about ActiveX and Java VM core engine, which I think I need to chose one of. The problem is that I don't know what the heck any of that is. Can you explain it in terms a computer idiot can understand?

Yes you need to change your IE browsers settings go accept that

The ActiveX Core Engine: to use this engine, please adjust here the IE browser’s Security level to Medium at least and be sure that signed ActiveX objects are enabled.

On the top of your IE explorer..click tools...then internet options...then the security tab...make sure your level is set to medium

 

[crazyme5kids]

Bloat? Active X? Java? What are these things? What do they mean? I really have no idea! I'm not kidding. I think I'm starting to have a bloat headache of my own lol. I'm going to see if my son can do any of this for me late tomorrow. Boy, if I were in school I'd be the computer class flunk out. I just can't seem to grasp any of this computer stuff.

 

[Shutterbug]

I agree it can be a bit daunting. Good luck with this!

 

[crazyme5kids]

Just wanted to thank everyone for helping me solve my virus problem!

 

[wdw4us2]

When you get rid of your Norton Anti-Virus, you might want to consider Kaspersky Anti-Virus.

My very computer literate friend (writes programs for a living, gets rid of virus' as a sideline) recommended Kaspersky as the best program available at this time.

He hasn't let me down in the past!

http://usa.kaspersky.com/store/

 

[crazyme5kids]

I just wanted to give this a bump so that those who helped know I appreciated their help, and to let those who are in need of help with a computer virus problem the opportunity to learn from the pros! Boy, that was a run on sentance if ever I saw one !

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hope it worked out for you.