pc security

[denpunk]

My pc security (Norton 360) expires soon and to renew it costs �69.99!!! I've been advised against renewing by almost everyone and told I can download free anti virus stuff but don't know who to trust. I only use the pc for home use, web browsing etc. can anyone advise where to turn?

Thanks...

[Schutzengel]

I use AVG its very good, and it's free. Just Google AVG to find how to download it.

[Buenchico]

The most popular free anti-virus program, with the 'regulars' here in AB's Technology section, is AVG Free Edition:
http://free.avg.com/download-avg-anti-virus-fr ee-edition

However, some people have reported dissatisfaction with the latest version, resulting in them switching to Avast! Home Edition:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.h tml

You'll also need a decent firewall. Zone Alarm Free is frequently recommended here on AB:
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company /products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp
(NB: Use the right-hand blue link. The more prominent green and yellow link downloads a time-limited trial version of the full commercial suite).

Some users prefer Comodo:
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/downloa d_firewall.html

You should never have more than one anti-virus program and one firewall running on your PC (otherwise serious system conflicts may result). However, you can have several anti-spyware programs (which run 'on demand' rather than 'in the background') on your PC. Many people have both Adaware Free and SpyBot Search & Destroy:
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free .php

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/mirrors/ind ex.html

You should definitely get rid of Norton. (It's notorious

[Buenchico]

. . for slowing the performance of PCs). You can't uninstall it from 'Add/Remove Programs'. You need to download the Norton uninstall tool:
http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo .nsf/docid/2005033108162039

Chris

[fo3nix]

AVG and Avast are good free programs.

They'll try and convince you to buy it though, but the free version is perfectly fine.

You may also want a firewall. A good free one is zone alarm.

Anti-spyware is also a good idea; AVG comes with its own version, I'm not sure about Avast.

[flyingpig]

Being a novice, whats wrong with Norton?

[terambulan]

Nothing wrong with Norton but why buy antivirus when you can dowload for free and it comes with Ms XP Windows package.

Money saved can pay for internet connexions.

[fo3nix]

Well, no, there are things wrong with Norton.

It's widely known for slowing down your computer unnecessarily, and generally being not that good.