Free anti-virus programs..

[C.Ann]

My Trend-Micro will be running out the beginning of April (it was free for the first 3 years after I purchased my lap top) and then last year I had to pay to renew it.. I haven't been happy with it at all - had numerous problems with my firewall and such going off and on at will, etc.. When I called them, they were good about spending a ton of time with me - uninstalling, re-installing, etc. - it was good for a couple of months - and then the problems started again.. That makes me very nervous, because when I'm at the lake I have to do most of my banking business online..

So - we have a little town paper here and there's a section written by "The Computer Geek".. He strongly suggested the free version of AVAST - as well as providing some info on free programs I could run to check my computer for spyware, threats, viruses, etc..

Does anyone here use AVAST? If so, are you happy with it?

If you don't use that particular program, it there another free one that you're happy with - and would be easy for someone who isn't terribly computer savvy (me) to install myself?

I really need to get this done before the T-M expires, so any help would be appreciated..

TIA..

 

[lovemygoofy]

I have no advice about the free programs. I just wanted to say we have TM also and the fire wall kicks off perodically a couple times a week because of the updates that the program is doing. It happens on mine as well. My husband gave me a long detailed reason and after my eyes crossed he just said "yea it's okay" so don't think it's just you.

 

[pixiewings71]

We have AVG free on our desktop and one of our laptops (the other laptops have Kapersky from when we bought them), never had any issues with the AVG.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I use AVG Free and malwarebytes(sp?) on all our computers. The AVG does a scan every day and the malwarebytes I run once a month to check and see if I have anything I shouldn't.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

[lsyorke]

We use Avast(the free version) on all the computers in the house, including DS's(23) who is my resident geek. Never had a virus, never had a problem. I wouldn't use anything else.

 

[Sadie22]

My son is a programmer for a large concern and recommends Microsoft Security Essentials.

 

[crazelion]

I have AVast and love it. It updates several times a day by it self. It automaticly block bad programs. I could not AVG install. I would use that program too. malwarebytes is excellent program to.

 

[FireDancer]

AVG, Avast, or Microsoft Security Essentials are all good. I usually install AVG for friends and family because it has the least settings and just works. Outside of the enterprise there is no reason to pay for an AV program. Your aren't going to have anyone to call but I don't think you will have to.

The commercial programs all have what we refer to as feature creep. Basically they bloat the program with a bunch of unneeded features so they can add another bullet point to their marketing material.

As long as you are running at least Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (and if you are using a PC you almost certainly are) you don't need an additional software firewall. This is of course assuming you use the built in Windows firewall and you are behind a router. If you aren't behind a router get one. If you are going to spend any money on keeping your computer safe that is where it should be spent and you can get one for around $40 if not less.