New Notebook? Make it Secure and Boost Performance for Free!

I'm pretty sure AVG is still free. I installed it on my computer and on my dads notebook. I've tried all the anti virus programs that were mentioned here and IMO AVG is the most easiest program to use. Also I didn't have to become a member or anything to download it for free. Theres no free trials, its completely free. As for spyware, I use Spybot S&D. I used to have Lavasoft's Ad-ware program but I found out that Spybot works a lot better. I'm not sure if Alexa is a spyware or not but Spybot is the only program that I know of that picks it up everytime I do a fresh reformat.

 

This is an excellent tool, I've been using it since it was first released. The ultra fast booting option is wonderful, and you should see a nice decrease in boot times.

 

To answer the questions:

Yes - AVG is completely free for personal use. They have just upgraded to the 7.5 version, so the old 7.1 version will no longer work. If you have 7.1, it has probably bugged you to upgrade to the 7.5 version. This is simply an upgrade to the program. Nothing has changed with the license.

Download the new version of AVG Free Edition here: http://free.grisoft.com
Click "AVG Free Edition"->"Free Download"->
The download is under "Windows Installation Files".

Spybot vs Ad-Aware: Many people say one is better than the other. This is a common mistake. They are both excellent, and you should have BOTH. One usually finds things that the other misses. They are both free, and do not interfere with each other, or any other internet security software, so there is no reason not to have them.

You can find them both at http://www.download.com, or follow the links below:
Ad-Aware: http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10639408.html?tag=list
SpyBot: http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10401314.html?tag=list


Remember to run BOTH, back to back, removing anything found. Reboot -immediately- after finishing the 2nd scan (not doing so will allow them to reinfect you). Scan again immediately following the reboot. Repeat this process until you find absolutely 0 items. Remember to do nothing else with the computer until you have confirmed that it is clean in this way.

 

the best anti virus softwear is Kaspersky or Panda.
Both of these run circles around Norton and AVG

 

I would have to completely disagree with you on both of those.

Panda is horrible. Period.
It suffers the same problems as Norton and McAfee. Big, complicated program, same horrible E-mail scanner problems.

Kapersky is a good antivirus, as far as detection goes.
Thats where it's quality ends. It is also a big, even MORE complicated program. If you're a computer guru, sure, it's good. If you're not, you will have NO idea how to use this program.

Here's a review of this software:
http://www.pcauthority.com.au/review.aspx?CIaRID=2107

If you're smart enough to use these, you're smart enough not to get viruses in the first place...or to remove them manually yourself. People who are not computer-inclined will simply ignore these programs, and never use them. What good is an AV that no one uses?

Besides, having talked to people who have these troubles on a daily basis, the real threat is Spyware, not viruses. Viruses are easy to deal with, and the less complicated it is, the better. For Spyware threats, NOTHING does better than Ad-Aware and SpyBot, so there's no need to have it integrated in your antivirus.

There's one final nail in the coffin for these programs.
They are both PAID. Why pay for something that you can get for free.

The truth stands..you don't have to pay a dime to have a safe computer.

 

Date: 1 January, 1900
Wow didn't notice that article was literally over 100 years old XP

Also kaspersky is on version 6.0 (I do believe) while they reviewed ver 4.5.

Anyways I understand the point of what your trying to say but please use a more relevant review - its too dated.

 

So what is the best FREE AntiVirus software to use right now? I just got my Asus V1jp and I am currently getting everything all downloaded on it.

 

Avast or AVG, either one will do the job for you.

 

Fantom11:

You will want to read my post earlier on page 4 of this thread, here.

This will tell you everything you need to know to keep your new laptop safe and happy, without paying cent (except the electricity it takes you to download them )



I want to mention that I don't really like to debate about which programs are better than others. I DO like to tell people which products are crap. There are just so many terrible products out there, and people throw away so much money, when they don't have to.

Any recommendations I make have one goal. Peace of mind for the user. I am much like any other computer user, reguardless of skill. I want to set up something on my computer, and just forget about it. I don't want to spend hours messing around getting things ready...I want to open my shiny new lappy and rock hard in my favorite game, instead. Therefore reliability, ease of use, scompatibility between products, and quality detection/removal are my highest priorities for any security software.

If you have any problems or questions, don't hesitate to ask. I have this thread subscribed so I'll respond as soon as I have a free moment.

 

lol I didn't mean to sound offensive to you I'm not really up for a debate either - I just found it amusing that the article was (obviously) dated incorrectly and wished you pointed to a review of a more recent article.

 

This is my first attempt at posting anything; I am ordering a dv6000t and the options under security software are "none" and Norton. Is it OK to order "none" and then immediately upon conncting to the internet download the free AVG antivirus and Spybot spyware? Is a separate firewall program necessary? The laptop would come with Vista Home Premium and Office Basic 2007. Thanks very much.

Sorry for the dumb question; when I ordered I learned that "none" means it comes automatically with 3 mos. trial of Norton.

 

I could be wrong, but you receiving Norton even after requesting none is likely due to the fact that big name companies (i.e. HP, Dell, Gateway, etc) are all in bed with Norton and other AV's from a business standpoint and all systems they put out are preinstalled with Norton regardless of your preference.

 

To answer your first question, YES! It's perfectly OK. You may still get a free trial on your computer when you get it. Don't leave it on the PC, because it could conflict with any other security or AV you install. It's perfectly fine to just uninstall it as soon as you get the computer. Just be sure to do this -before- installing AVG.

The answer to your second question is NO! You don't need a 3rd party firewall. Windows has it's own, and it's all you need. Once you uninstall Norton, the Windows firewall should turn back on.

Let us know if you have any security questions once you get your new laptop. We'll be glad to help!

 

Thanks for all the info. I am purchasing the Hp dv6000t and I was looking around at AV/spyware options. I know I want to stay away from the "mainstream players" so your info helps.

Thanks

 

all you guys posted is anti-virus which works only when you get infected. is there a free software/programe that will block virus and spyware from entering the notebook?

 

but will the free AV auto delete viruses that are auto downloaded in my com? cause my norton internet security automatically deletes virus where i open an infected file, downloaded an infected file.

 

My friend, this is the AGE old cat-and-mouse game that Security professionals and those that write viruses play. The best answer I can give you is this.

The first law of computer security is that NO system is EVER completely, 100% safe. Ever. Period.

You can not, and WILL not, prevent every possible infection. You likely WILL get infected at least once, no matter how good your security is. That's why AV programs exist. You can prevent -most- infections by following the guide near the beginning of this thread. Beyond that, a good Anti-virus is your best way to remove an infection once you get it.

The illusion that Norton is protecting you more than any other AV program mentioned here is false. Norton can only protect you from a virus that it knows how to find, or a virus that follows a particular pattern. So does every other AV out there. They really are no different. The only difference is how much of your system the program takes up, and how much you pay to get the same effect. That is why people here recommend Avast and AVG. They work -just- as well, if not -better-, and they are free.

They can, but you should do everything you can to be involved in the process. Don't trust your computer to do this for you. If the computer was that smart, you wouldn't ever have to worry about viruses. The best way to prevent infections of any kind, is to educate yourself, and take the advice of myself (an internet helpdesk professional) and others on this thread who have a large amount of collective experience.

The short answer to your question: Dump Norton. It's terrible. Get AVG (or Avast if you choose). They are just as good, in nearly every category.

 

i found Zonealarms basic firewall to be useful. not only is it free, but offers much better protection over windows firewall and it doesn't hog up system resources.

 

does AVG and Avast work in Vista?

 

Yes, they both work in Vista.
You can see the supported OS for AVG Free here and for Avast Home edition here (see page bottom).

 

I will be writing some REG edits and some ways to boost performance for XP i a few days from now and continue what this started.

Somethings include
Faster shutdown speeds
Faster boot speeds
automatic restart after systems crash
how to disable sending reports to XP..

 

There are only 3 security programs out there that I would classify in the "Never ever put this crap on your XP/Vista computer" category.

ZoneAlarm is one of them.
Norton and McAfee are the others.

It is NOT good. It is horrible. It is especially notorious for corrupting the TCP/IP stack on Windows XP and Vista machines. I fix this every day.

My best advice: Avoid any 3rd party firewalls for your XP/Vista machine. If you absolutely have more security than the Windows Firewall can afford...you only have 1 reliable alternative. Buy a router. In the long run the extra security you need will be there, and it will cost you less than a single year's subscription of a software security suite.

If you are running Windows 2000 or earlier, Zone Alarm will work decently and I recommend it. The ONLY reason I recommend it, is because it is your only real choice (without paying for software). That is the only reason.

This would be an interesting read. I'm sure most of this could be solved through MSConfig, though my only concern would be with all the proper software starting that makes a W3J operate as-intended (Wireless utility, Splendid, Power4Gear, etc)

The W3J does have a lot of startup apps, but I don't notice boot times that are unusually long. Still, the more speed the better.

Now THESE...I want to see! I would love to stop sending useless reports to Microsoft that they'll never pay attention to. Let us know what you come up with!

 

Great thread, I'm setting up my laptop at the moment (it's a Dell Vostro 1500) and I'm currently just using the security software that came with it ("McAfee Security Center") but I don't plan to continue using this.

Currently it's between Avast and CA Security. CA costing £20 for two years isn't a factor.

I am leaning towards CA because of some of the comments in this thread and other things I have read, but anything you guys want to add would be appreciated.

For my firewall I'm using my Belkin router.

Thanks.

 

I would personally urge you to give AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition a try. Since it's free, you have nothing to lose but a few minutes of download and install time. If you don't like it, you can remove it, and you've lost nothing.

As you've probably read in my previous posts throughout this thread, there are many reasons why I recommend this program. Almost everyone I refer to this program would never go back to anything else, paid or otherwise.

There's lots to know about staying safe. The best advice I can give is this; do NOT trust a computer program to keep you safe. That's -your- job. What you really need is the tools to do it right, and a little bit of know-how. To find out more, check the 4th page of this thread here.

I also highly recommend:
Ad-Aware 2007
SpyBot - Search & Destroy

These free anti-spyware programs are the best out there, bar none. No paid software that I've ever encountered (and trust me, i've encountered a LOT) even come close.

As for firewalls, your Belkin router will handle it all, and you don't need additional software. You should still leave your Windows Firewall turned on, because if any of your computers ever do get infected, your Belkin will not protect traffic between computers inside your network.

CA is not a bad product...but it's no better than any of the programs I've mentioned above.

To be honest, why pay for something when you don't have to? I can't think of a reason, and I put my money (even though I didn't spend any ) where my mouth is.
I would never recommend you a security solution that I do not use on my own PC.

 

i am currently using avg free edition, spybot, adaware free version, avg antispyware (goes free after 30 days), avg antirootkit, and because i cant get rid of it, windows defender. Unfortunately i cant find a decent windows vista compatible software firewall so i am using zonealarm until i do.

any suggestions on better freeware solutions?

 

I use
AVG Free edition
Windows Defender
PC Tools Firewall
Ad-Block(Firefox ad-on)
I like these because they do not scan constantly.
Is AVG Anti-Rootkit good?

that looks good batkinson001

 

antirootkit was suggested by another user for me to use in conjunction with avg since no av is 100% effective (yet), and sofar i haven't had any issues whatsoever.

 

batkinson001,

I have already addressed your question in my post on page 4. Here is an excerpt.

For all intents and purposes, the Windows Vista networking and firewall are really no different than they were in XP. They've spiffed up the GUI and tweaked a few parts, but it's more or less the same. Treat it just like XP.

Short answer: Unless you are running Windows 2000 or EARLIER, you don't need ANY 3rd party firewall software. Windows can handle it just fine.

 

Thanks for your advice (and your guide on page 4), same goes for everyone else in this thread. I'm using AVG and Spybot at the moment, but the thing that confuses me is that everywhere I go there are either people strongly recommending these products or dismissing them and advising something else. I don't know why the companies don't all just copy the pros of one another that they must've read about and then just leave it upto the consumer, rather than some being good at *this* and others good at *that* but oh well.

Reading the comments on download.com it seems that Ad-Aware 2007 doesn't really work on Vista?

 

Does Window Defender work for Vista? Is it worth installing if it is or is the inbuilt security of Vista, plus AVG Anti Virus, plus Ad-Aware and SpyBot enough to not need it?

Thanks

 

it seems to work, it comes with vista, at least on my laptop it did. everything you listed, i currently use, so it never hurts to have one more spyware checker.

 

I've just been poking around in Dell Support Center (I'm using a Vostro 1500)... how important is it to update drivers? I'm using the university halls of residence internet and it is SLOW, the download for my Nividia GeForce 8600M is 51MB (so it should be finished by sometime next week if I'm lucky)... is this needed? How will it effect me if I don't keep up to date with my drivers etc?

Thanks.

 

As far as Ad-Aware 2007 working on Vista.... It should, but bear in mind that Vista still has a lot of bugs. I wouldnt be surprised if people had trouble. It's the risk of having a brand new OS.

Windows Defender does indeed come for Vista, and it is backwards compatible with XP...though I've seen some machines not take it very well.

To be honest, AVG+AdAware+SpyBot really is all you need. You ask why they don't just copy the "pro" software.

The problem is... They do. You should visit www.spywarewarrior.com and see how many knock-off programs are ripoffs from AdAware and Spybot. The trouble is, most knock-off programs are also hoaxes, or downright nasty programs. I only recommend programs that are proven to work, and proven trustworthy.

Check the Most Popular Software list on Download.com. There's a reason AVG, AdAware, and Spybot have been on that list, week after week, for three years. They work.

(The dates change with new major versions of the program, but I've been referring people to that list to get them for the past three years.)

 

I have been useing ZoneAlarm Internet Secuity Suite. It is almost time to renew, and I was looking for something less intrusive, and decided to try the AVG+AdAware+SpyBot combo.

I've spent several hours since yesterday trying to get them installed, and am stuck.

All downloads were straight from "download.com", and my problems are as follows;

AdAware 2007...install complete....but unable to update settings.....error message as follows "SSL download failed"

AVG 7.5.....install complete.....but unable to download updates.....error message as follows "server connection failed: no additional information is available"

SpyBot search & Destroy 1.5.....unable to complete install.....error message as follows "error sending request, a conection to the server could not be established"

My system is a Gateway laptop, 7508GX, Mobile AMD Athlon 64 3400+, 2.19 GHz, 1.00 GB ram, XP-SP2 (Automatic Updates enabled).

ZoneAlarm is disabled at startup via msconfig, Windows firewall was turned back on, I have IE7 and Firefox.

I've tried downloading with IE7, Firefox, with the Firewall enabled and disabled, I get the same results.

I have absolutely no problems connecting to the net, I'm on a Wildblue sattelite with about 1,300 - 1,400kb download speed.

I am at a loss as to how to procede, there is a setting somewhere that is blocking these programs from accessing the net, but it is way over my head.

Any ideas??

Thanks to all in advance.

 

Okay, I see three potential problems, SFCBush.

1) ZoneAlarm is still installed on your computer. ON or OFF, it can still cause problems if it's a subscription-based version, and it's subscription has already expired.

2) You could already have a spyware infection on your computer, and potentially causing problems for your direct connection to the update servers. (they use different protocols and ports, which could be affected)

3) WildBlue (or any satellite internet service) has high SPEED, but speed is not the real problem here. Latency is the problem. Latency is the round-trip-time it takes your data to reach the intended internet server, and return to you. No matter what you do, you cannot get around the laws of physics. Even if your internet signal could travel at exactly the speed of light (which it can't), it will still take longer to travel a further distance, than a shorter distance. You must understand that your WildBlue sends your internet through a satellite, and that is a LOT further than any phone line, cable line, or fiber line. You have, and will always have, higher latency.

This is a direct quote from WildBlue's Q&A page:

Simply put, some things just don't work well on a satellite provider. It all depends on the program/application you are using.

You can test your latency by performing the following procedure:

Start->Run->
Type: cmd
Ok->
You will get an MS DOS Prompt.
Type: ping www.google.com
Press Enter->
You are looking for "Approximate round trip times in milli-seconds:"

This is your Latency. Many programs that automatically connect, do not like it when there is high latency (large numbers of milli-seconds) between you and the server. Some don't care. I have seen many programs react badly to this latency, even when similar programs work just fine. (Frontpage, for example, reacts very badly to high latency for uploading to a server...even when an FTP client to the same server works fine)

It could even be a combination between 1), 2), and 3).
You obviously can download files from the internet (hence installing the programs), so you are not out of luck just yet.

Firstly, I suggest uninstalling and then re-installing Spybot, but do not try to update or run any kind of automated checks. Do not install browser protection or TeaTimer, just to be safe.

Secondly, go to the following websites, and download the update files manually.

- http://www.grisoft.com/doc/32/us/crp/0 <- AVG Updates

- http://www.lavasoftusa.com/support/securitycenter/blog/ <- Ad-Aware 2007 Updates

- http://www.spybot.com/en/download/index.html <- Spybot Updates

You can then load these updates manually, to get the programs running. This is an important step. I then suggest that you run these programs, just to make sure you do not have any spyware infections already on your computer. If you have never used Ad-Aware or Spybot before, I am willing to bet you have at least -something- on your computer.

If you continue to have trouble, please feel free to PM me here on these boards. I'll be glad to assist you in any way I can.

 

ChetKabak;

Thank you for the reply. I will sort thru your post and give a shot at the possible remedies. It will be Thursday evening before I'm at the home computer again.

I understand the latency issues with my sattelite, I thought it was unusual just just these 3 programs were affected, I've never had any issues before with other programs updateing. I am going to try the ping test, I'd like to see what it says.

My Zonealarm has not expired yet, I've got a few months to go. I think I should uninstall it prior to trying anything else, after running a system scan one last time to see what it might find. I've got it on CD if I need to reload it.

Thanks again.

 

ChetKabak,
This is my first post but I wanted to say thanks for all the time and effort. My question is this:
If I was to buy an anti-virus and anti-spyware system in one, which one would you recommend? 2 reasons for this. 1 Convenience. 2 Because I kinda believe in supporting good people and good products if I can. Kinda like why I buy a Toby Keith CD rather than download the songs. Actually, anyone can reply I appreciate all the help.

 

FuriousJonesy,

If you want to buy a good Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware combination, then you need look only as far as Grisoft (the makers of the AVG Anti-Virus free edition). There is also an AVG Anti-Spyware program that is rather good. The reason I do not include it in my regular remedy is because most people are not interested in spending money when they do not have to.

I have found AVG Anti-Spyware to be a moderately effective program, though I still recommend that you have Ad-Aware 2007 and SpyBot installed on your machine at all times, just in case. Also, the AVG Anti-Spyware program is not the same type of product as AdAware and SpyBot. It actually does full system scans only, which takes a very long time. These scans can be scheduled much like your Anti-Virus scan, so that is a bit convenient, but for actual Cleanup procedures (where you scan, reboot, rescan, reboot, etc) it makes the process woefully slow.

Still, if you want to purchase the products, and support the company, by all means go for it. It keeps them rolling along and providing us all with their awesome free versions.

You can reach their website at:
http://www.grisoft.com/

The Internet Security suite is $52.95 US Dollars. In my mind, it is a far superior product than Norton or McAfee. Grisoft has a history of making solid, well-working, easy to use programs. IF you're going to lay down your hard earned cash, why not go with a company that works as hard as you do, and gives something back to the community?

In truth, the only thing you are really paying for is to keep the company in business, and the technical support. I personally have never seen anyone need Grisoft's tech support, since their products simply work, for the most part...but if their attention to quality is any indicaton, I'm sure it's good.

As with SFCBush, if you have any issues (his being the first case of it's kind I've encountered in 4 years of Tech Support), feel free to post here, or PM me. I have this thread subscribed, and always try to reply to questions.


SFCBush,

I highly recommend doing this, as your first step. Just be sure that your Windows Firewall (Start->Control Panel [Classic View]->Windows Firewall->) is activated after you do. Let us know how it turns out.

 

Thanks ChetKabak! Rock.

 

ChetKabak

My problem was my satellite connection, no doubt the latency issue.

I have a Verizon Broadband access card for my laptop that I use on occasion when I'm in town. Today I sat down in downtown Phoenix and had all 3 programs loaded and updated in 30 minutes.

Thanks!

 

SFCBush,

I'm glad you were able to get AVG, AAW, and Spybot successfully. If you have any trouble with running them, or getting rid of something, feel free to give me a shout.

 

i just read all the sugestions on spyware and AV...i just got my laptop two weeks ago and im already seen some of the slow down issues,i havent downloaded any photos or personal stuff yet,is still all fresh from factory....however the laptop came with mcafee...internet security trial,im geting updates everyday......what i have to do at this point to get rid of the mcafee and successfuly update to AVG and spyware or and adaware....

i have belkin N1 router,windows vista ultimate and mcafee internet security and all the bloatware it came with since i dont know anything about laptops and what i can uninstal or instal


Toshiba Satellite x205 s9359

Thank you for all your help and have great holidays

 

le2xtreme,

I would start with doing exactly as you mentioned, and removing McAfee, and installing AVG, Ad-Aware, and Spybot. If that doesnt solve your slowdown woes, scan with each of them to make sure you have no infections.

Beyond that, Bloatware can be a real pain. No one can tell you exactly what you need, but from personal experience, you should keep any software associated with any special hotkeys or buttons your laptop has. If any of these buttons or keys trigger something like a wireless utility or DVD or anything like that, you should keep that associated software. Most of them are proprietary and designed to work with those buttons.

Other stuff, though, remove at your leisure. Just have your reinstall disks handy, in case you accidentally remove something important. Sometimes it takes a couple tries to get it the way you like it.

 

ChetKabak,
I too will be getting a new XPS m1530 ( on sale) soon but comes with Vista Home Premium and No anti-virus protection. I believe that the anti virus protection is still on the HD so a uninstall will be done.
For the Vista OS what do you suggest being firewall, AV etc.
Thanks to you and others help on this thread!!!

 

anyone back from the holidays?

 

As far as firewalls go, I use Zone Alarm. Its simple to use and doesn't hog system resources like some others I've used.
I also use Avast! and Spybot, and had no viruses or serious spyware problems so it must be working well enough for my needs.

If anyone knows of a better set up, I'd be interested to know aswell.

 

Sygate is even quieter and has no incompatibilities to speak, but it's XP only (Symantec bought them out, thus removing a competitor to Norton's in-house firewall).

 

Hi Chetkabak. I have some problem with Spybot. I tried to turn off my laptop after running Spybot but I got an error message (I forgot what it said but I will double check tonight). I have an Inspiron 1520 with Windows XP.

 

Sorry it took me so long to respond, everyone.

FLHX07,
Vista Firewall is fine. You don't need a 3rd party firewall.

Absolut1on,
ZoneAlarm can corrupt windows XP/Vista TCP/IP stacks. If it works for you, great. I don't recommend it. Windows Firewall is just as good, and easier to fix problems with.

Avast is alright, but I personally find AVG easier to use and less intrusive. It's not a bad product. I just think AVG is a bit better. Personal preference.

Glad you have good luck with them though. As the old saying goes. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

dave932932,

This is why I will NEVER use sygate again. I hate Norton with a firey passion. They can die in a fire for all I care.


calvinc,
If you find me an error message, I'll be glad to help. Many times though, Spybot removing infections CAN cause your system to act wierd, as the spyware that was in your system is no longer there. I like to call it the 'finger in the dam' syndrome. You took the finger out of the Dam, now it's starting to leak! Keep scanning, and make sure nothing is still in there.

If your errors continue, post them and ill respond.

 

The article below deserves a bump, thanks, Chet !

I have my Dell Vostro 1500 arriving tommorrow, hopfeully. I used to use McAffee on my prior laptop, so still have that software and would just need an update, but reading some of the posts here, including Chet's post below, it seems there are better alternatives to download . Should I continue using McAffee (since it's paid for, I do have to buy the update)?

As I understand, I need to d/l and install AVG, Ad-Ware, and Spybot. I see some info on Zone-Alarm and Window Defender as well.

The laptop will have zero virus protection from Dell, so how d heck can I assure myself I won't get a virus downloading these items? Is there one I should d/l before the other?

Any changes in what to d/l since the writting of said post?

I basically don't want my laptop bogged down in the resource dept and be protected.



tks