Best free Windows XP Antivirus software, please?
I know this topic comes up from time to time. I would do a search but I don't want old information.
My wife has a PC laptop, and her virus software has expired. Rather than get a new license, I'd like to delete the old software and go with a freeware alternative.
Any suggestions?
My wife has a PC laptop, and her virus software has expired. Rather than get a new license, I'd like to delete the old software and go with a freeware alternative.
Any suggestions?
Comments
I know this topic comes up from time to time. I would do a search but I don't want old information.
My wife has a PC laptop, and her virus software has expired. Rather than get a new license, I'd like to delete the old software and go with a freeware alternative.
Any suggestions?
AVG hands down.
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Vir...dlPid=10834624
Also, Ccleaner might be worth checking out. Think Secure empty trash,but for PC.
http://www.download.com/8301-2007_4-...2.html?tag=dir
I would also suggest CCleaner to clean up a lot of the temporary files that collect on the hard-drive (the worst ones are actually the Quicktime videos that pile up -- particularly if you watch movie trailers -- but it will also clear out temporary internet files, which is useful) and you can run Ad-Aware every once in a while if you're worried about spyware. I run the program about every six to twelve months as I haven't had a problem with spyware (then again, I've haven't had a virus either in the four years that I've had my notebook).
It had good catch rate in tests, which is kind of the point of having an antivirus in the first place, but the pop up ads drive me nuts. I guess it's AVG or Avast then - has anyone tried both? I'm using Vista.
What about Avast?
AVG is faster and better. I use their commercial business version on my Windows 2003 web server.
What about Avast?
That's what I use (Vista Home Premium and Business); AVG just got on my nerves, with how it updated, and I've read complaints about 8.0 causing some slowdowns. I just not that concerned about viruses anymore, and watch what I do when online.
If you wanted the very best virus detection, you wouldn't be using either AVG or avast, but they're free - at the least try both, and keep the one that fits best.
Advice to use same.
Good Luck!
Avast is better.
The only major problem with it is that it doesn't scan incoming files - it only does the scanning based on a schedule.
I have uninstalled virus software long ago, since having the software installed is like having a virus (especially norton):
You dont get viruses if you dont click on unknown exe or microsoft office files. Period.
I have uninstalled virus software long ago, since having the software installed is like having a virus (especially norton):
This simply isn't true and needs to be called out.
Worms infect computers that are merely plugged into a network. No action is required. Additionally, webpages can infect your computer by simply browsing to them. MySpace is a very popular website that was recently infecting thousands of computers that visited. The trend for malware is shifting to these website type attacks and everyone should have antivirus on their computers. Moreover, they should be using antivirus software that scans webpages for malware as the pages are downloaded.