Thread: Anti Virus

I'm using a Comcast version of McAfee. I had been buying McAfee for several years when my cable provider offered it free. Main thing is to get something that updates itself on a regular basis.

Rick

I have been using Norton for years but due to financial considerations I also went with AVG free.

ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Generally they're not friendly with each other. In addition to that it would slow your computer way down without any major benefits. However, installing a firewall (Avg offers an AV+FW version but you have to pay for it, kind of like Norton Internet Security) in addition to the AV would be a good idea. Installing SEVERAL anti-spyware programs (at least Spybot Search&Destroy and Ad Aware) and scanning on a weekly basis should keep your computer clean.

Originally Posted by urleebird

does having more than one program installed help the situation, or hurt it? Or is it even possible?

I'm not sure it's advisable to have 2 antivirus programs installed at the same time. Incompatability issues can cause problems.

James.

I use NOD32 and it works GREAT. never had any hassle with programs in clonflict or anything like that and it upgrades itself multiple time a day. I've never had to worry about anything.

I spent most of October cleaning up my computer. I got hit by a virus and Norton and AVG did nothing. I ran Spybot and Ad-Aware, nothing. Kaspersky Anti-Virus did the trick. I did learn that different programs do not play well together. I am also a Comcast customer, so I'm trying the free McAvee program, but I'll probably buy Kaspersky.

RT

I use Avast! anti-virus, which is also free, though you have to register it every year, and I've found it to be very effective.

Kaspersky or Nod32 tend to come out top of AV comparisons.

I use AVG too. And spybot and ewido for spyware.

My dad had awful trouble with Norton and their customer support was nonexistent, went back to the store for a refund.

Whatever you choose Bill, make sure you know the general approach of what to do when the program finds a virus, because that will eventually happen... usually when you're up to you're ass in alligators with something else and don't have time to screw with it. I suggest you purposefully infect yourself with a harmless virus to "practice" with. [Here's] a good source. Besides testing with downloaded files, it's useful to have a friend email you the test file as an attachment so you can see what happens when email is infected.

[FWIW - I use the paid version of AVG (after using the freebie for a number of years I decided I needed to 'donate' to their cause) and have been happy w/it.]