Old Computer hooked back up need antivirus??

[runwad]

Hey I have a question for any computer geeks out there. I have a Gateway w/Windows ME on it that we got back in 2000. We don't ever use it but I just hooked it back up for one of the kids to use. I tried to download a free antivirus software but it couldn't cause my windows version is so old. So my question do I still have to worry about getting viruses on this computer especially if they're just playing on kids sites or sometimes they do go to a message board type site, girl sense...anyone know? Thanks

Or what about if i'm on it reading the dis...do I have to worry? Thanks

 

[crazelion]

Yes you do. Anytime get on the internet you get a virus.

 

[runwad]

Do you have any suggestions on what I could download with this old system? I'm not going to upgrade anything in fact I don't think i can since its so old wouldn't be worth it, but as it is...it's just sitting here not being used and with 5 people we can use it to access the internet.

 

[cnetbuild]

Does it need to be on the internet? If not, disconnect it. It isn't great to run without virus protection, but if the computer is stand-alone, the risk is minimal.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

If you have room on the computer two free downloads would be Lavasoft's Ad-Aware and Spybot. Both will clear your computer of unwanted spyware which is what usually slows and clogs down a computer. I know that some people do run a free antivirus, but I am sorry don't know which one that is, but I am sure someone will mention it here at some point. Good Luck.

 

[gacompguy]

Microsoft Security Essentials (http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/) works well on older PC's and is completely free.

 

[NVDisMom]

Do a google search for windows me compatible free antivirus software. There are a few out there (Clamwin is one), but keep in mind most free antivirus software will only detect if you have been infected not remove the infection, you usually have to upgrade to their paid software for the removal. You definitely want antivirus, popup blocker and spyware protection if you are going to be online.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I use Avast (free) on my less*than*new computer and it is great.
Another one I hear recommended a lot is AVG.
I also have Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (also free).
I download mine from CNET.com

 

[runwad]

I have roadrunner and when I called time warner help they told me about avg free download, said it would work with windows me. I have some kind of execution file missing on here and it won't download. now I remember why we stopped using this computer. I spent a lot of time reloading stuff and online w/help but we could never get this issue figured out. I guess we'll use it as long as we can and when it stops working its done. Thanks all for all your replies. I was really hoping it would somehow be too old to become infected. I have a friend that only recently got a new computer she had windows 98 and said she never had virus protection because nothing came after her computer

 

[JB2K]

You can purchase a complete McAfee Security system from Amazon.com for under $30...it's not free, but it is a highly-reliable brand.

As for the OP, "Windows ME" is an antiquated operating system -- if anyone you know owns a licensed copy of Windows XP, I would see if they would be willing to give it up...

 

[bonoriffic]

As someone mentioned Windows Security Essentials is your best free option. The good free options are equal to or better than the paid options. Unless you are a corporation with specific needs, paid for anti-virus solutions are just throwing money away.

(AVG and avast are also good free options, although I don't like how avast requires a yearly license and their default settings are annoying although easy to change)

 

[dr_zero]

AVG is a good one and if you need an older version you can go to Filehippo.com and they will have several versions listed for just such occasions.