anti virus

[mumsie_wumsie]

Hi, can anyone recommend a free anti virus to download.My norton one has expired today and I need to have another. Thanks

[bensmum]

Try Avast, I use it and it has been fine
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download

[mumsie_wumsie]

Thanks bensmum, I will have a look at that one.

[frendyfiree]

I use AVG free edition.

[samak]

I've tried both AVG and Avast. Download.com seems to rate Avast above AVG so I use that one. Both have been good.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Thanks guys, I'll have a look at those as well

[daisya]

I have just got AVAST after the bought version of AVG was running out and giving me big problems. Must say I am very pleased with the free AVAST.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Thanks, I have now installed AVAST. Will see how it goes, hopefully will be OK

[vignon]

Microsoft security essentials Free

[vignon]

Also Add Malwarebytes Anti- Malware

[daisya]

Yes agree about Malwarebytes, download it from http://www.malwarebyt...cts/malwarebytes_free (read up on it first) and make sure you update before you run it and not at the same time as doing a scan with AVAST.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Hi Daisya, is the free version of this one OK or do I need to upgrade to the PRO version which is £16.41?? It offers more protection, but am trying to keep costs down. thanks.

[ChuckFickens]

The pro version doesn't offer more protection as such, it just enables real time and scheduled scanning.

Go for the free version and run a manual scan every couple of weeks.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Thanks Chuckfickens, took your advice and installed the free version. (the AVAST one did not install properly). Feel a lot easier now I have an anti -virus installed again.

[ChuckFickens]

Hold up.....

Avast and malwarebytes are not the same thing.

Avast is a anti-virus program and malwarebytes is a anti-malware program, it's good practice to have both installed (you NEED anti-virus, adding anti-malware just beefs up your security a bit)

If you can't get avast to install for some reason then go for microsoft security essentials, I put on peoples computers if they want free AV myself thesedays.

[daisya]

Mumsie, I have the free malwarebytes and that works fine, no need to upgrade to pay for the other one unless at a later date you might wish to. It's not as CF says an antivirus, it roots out malware so you need both but run at separate times.

[mumsie_wumsie]

OK I have now successfully installed microsoft security essentials. AVAST would not install for some unknown reason, so gave up on that one. Do I need to do anything else?????

[daisya]

Have you got a firewall mumsie? If not I know on Windows XP there is one on it's own but you can also look for a free one if you like. If using the windows one you need to make sure it's switched on.

[mumsie_wumsie]

Yes I have the windows XP, and I've checked, it is switched on.Phew!!!!

[daisya]

To switch it on:

Open Windows Firewall by clicking the Start button clicking Control Panel, click Security, and then clicking Windows Firewall.

Click Turn Windows Firewall on. If you are prompted for an admin password or confirmation type the password or provide confirmation.

Click On and then click OK.

[daisya]

That's good then, sorry I was typing as you posted lol.