Security & Virus Checker Software

1977Nicky | 17:11 Thu 27th Sep 2007 | Computers

9 Answers

When I got my computer it had Norton Anti-Virus software installed which had been paid for and has since expired. Whenever I am on the internet for a long time now my web page will intermittently divert to a 'Your Computer Is At Risk' page and a page which says my computer is not performing to its full capabilities (I have noticed it is running very slowly recently). I don't know whether these pages are legitimate or not but would like to have some security software running on my computer - however, as with most things I would prefer not to pay for it!

What is the best, preferably free, software for the job? Thanks

Printers help needed

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delboy3

Following umpteen recommendations from fellow ABers, I got myself AVG freebie for virus scans.

squarebear

Never click on any "your computer is at risk" type pages. The only thing it is at risk from is the spyware that downloads when you click on the link!

I visit www.antivirus.com once a month or so for a free checkup.

1977Nicky

Question Author

That's what I figured - the worst thing I could do was to run the software they were recommending!! I do use Limewire quite a lot which I know is opening up my computer to all sorts of horrible things! Thank you both!

vehelpfulguy

Below are all free (or at least the companies do free versions and I run them all)

As a MINIMUM run an anti virus and firewall.

* AVG Anti Virus

* Zone Alarm Firewall

* Adaware

* WinPatrol

Adaware (or maybe Spybot) will check for spyware etc.

WinPatrol is a great little program that sits there and lets you know if anyone is trying to install a program or change your web site settings. You have the chance to say Yes or No.

Everyone should run WinPatrol. Get it from here:

http://www.winpatrol.com/

antiguru

As your subscription to Norton has expired you might also want to remove the programme as it�s quite greedy, which might also be slowing your computer down. You can usually just do this by going to add or remove programmes on your control panel, but if it�s stubborn or says you need the original disks (which I�m assuming you won�t have as it came with Norton) you�ll need an uninstall tool from their website.

I can�t give you an exact link without knowing which product you�re using but go to http://www.symantec.com/en/uk/home_homeoffice/ support/selectproduct_ts.jsp and look for uninstall help.

I did this a couple of weeks ago and it�s very straightforward.

fiesata

<Quote>Never click on any "your computer is at risk" type pages. The only thing it is at risk from is the spyware that downloads when you click on the link!/<quote>

This message is fine (just a nuisance) it comes from XP's security center and will do your PC no harm it is there to warn you.

Download AVG or Avast both excelent Anti virus programmes - also use a firewall- Commodo Firewall Pro is the best around - and it's free