Antivirus

[jennyjoan]

As some of you know my McAfee Antivirus runs out on 20 June - what shall I do - do I wait till it runs out then download AVG - or what. Advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[ukbod2015]

None of the free ones are worth a light and often cause more issues than they solve. I use Norton never had a virus in 12 years and it does backups, optimisations and cleanups to - the latest version is good for 5 devices including phones and tablets. I dont think £8 per device per year is bad to avoid problems.

[jennyjoan]

well uk - everybody well most have been advocating the AVG - I did it have before and it wasn't too bad. I am not paying £40 for a new McAfee -

[Pete65]

I have free Avast and am happy with it.
I used to have Norton 360, and probably would still have it, until they attempted to double my yearly payment. I chased them, and have been happily with Avast ever since.

[jennyjoan]

is the Avast easy to download and again nobody has answered my main question - shall I wait until the mcafee runs out on 20 June and download new one on 21st.

[Buenchico]

>>>None of the free ones are worth a light and often cause more issues than they solve

Absolute rubbish!!!

. . . because
(a) the free ones are simply the anti-virus components of full commercial suites anyway (i.e. they're exactly the same as if you bought the entire suite) ; and
(b) independent tests repeatedly find that free anti-virus solutions are at least as good (if not better) than paid-for programs.

Some commercial suites are notorious for slowing some computers to a crawl. (Norton had terrible problems for a while. Then their software got considerably better but the most recent editions still seem to be slowing computers down. If you really must use a commercial program it's Kaspersky that constantly gets the best ratings in the technical press).

However, while AVG is good, it's not what I'd go for just now, as it's Avast that keeps coming out top in reviews published in the technical press:
https://www.avast.com/en-gb/index

Download the Avast set-up file now (but don't install it now unless you want to).

At some time during the next fortnight:
1. Uninstall McAfee by following the instructions in the middle of this page:
https://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS101331
2. Download and run the McAfee Consumer Product Removal (MCPR) tool, following the next set of instructions on that page
3. Run the Avast set-up file.

[jennyjoan]

Chico - just so much to remember but will keep this on the subscription list at bottom of my page - thank you and to all others of course.

[Buenchico]

>>>is the Avast easy to download

It's a doddle.

>>>shall I wait until the mcafee runs out on 20 June and download new one on 21st

Any time during the next fortnight will do.

One extra hint:
Like all anti-virus programs, Avast frequently updates itself. However (unless you change the settings) it has a very annoying habit of telling you that it's just done it via an extremely irritating American woman's voice. So I suggest turning her off! It's dead easy to do so:
1. Click on the Avast logo at the bottom right of your screen. (You might need to go via 'Show hidden icons). It's a curly letter 'a' on a mustard-coloured background.
2. Click on 'Settings'.
3. The 'General' tab should be pre-selected. Click on 'Sounds'.
4. Click to remove the tick in that section.
5. Click 'OK'

[jennyjoan]

Ah Jaysus Chico - more info - the yank can talk all she wants as long as I get the antivirus. Nearer the time I will probably have yous all tortured. LOL

[Arksided]

I second what Buenchico has posted... I'v used the free version of Avast for years (So long ago can't remember when I first started using it) it's top-notch.

[Old_Geezer]

I used to use AVG. My woman still does. I presently use Kaspersky. I suspect if you use a well known name you should be ok whatever option you go for. I tend not to fix what isn't broken, but going for a free one saves you the cost of support that hopefully you will not need.

[Old_Geezer]

Oh, to add. Your antivirus won't suddenly stop working when the end date comes. It merely ceases to be updated and so gradually becomes less able to spot new threats. So no need to panic.

[TTG]

Oher things to keep you safe (in no particular order of importance).

Surf the net with a restricted Windows user account.
Set Flash to activate on demand and ensure you keep it up to date.
Don't use Java unless you specifically need for certain applications.
Download free version of malwarebytes, update and run once a week.
Install Adblock plus.
Don't use Acrobat Reader.
Avast is reported to be the best free anti-virus program. AVG is ok though.
Kapersky is reported to be the best anti-virus program (not free).
Don't click on links or attachments in emails even if the email is from someone you know. Contact them and ask if it's genuine.
Run a full virus scan once a week.
Ensure all your windows updates do not fail to install.