A little security software help.

Hey guys,
I received my SXPS 16 a couple of days ago and opted for the McAfee Security "bonus". After reading around here for a good while, I've just read that McAfee sucks and won't help but disable your laptop. I've also read that it's like impossible to uninstall it. So um, can anyone point me to the best free, not only AV, but full protection software? It doesn't have to be one program. Also anyone who's uninstalled McAfee succesfully, can they explain how they did it?
Thanks!
Sorry if it's asking much I just want the best for the computer.

 

A format will remove it from your system and I would go with Kaspersky 2010 for the win and most protection

 

I've heard great things about Kaspersky, but I'd rather see if I can get free software. As you can see it says free on my OP.

Also, a format??? Death. So like wipe everything? Is there a way that doesn't make me do that? I don't care if it's harder.

 

Here's the uninstall info from McAfee

http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507

You'll want to note:

I suggest Avira or Avast

 

Ok Thank you. Does anybody else have suggestions? Oh and hiker is Avira or Avast just AV or is it full protection?

 

Avira is just AV, while Avast handles antispyware as well-http://avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

Both however, don't include protections that your McAfee suite did including Anti-Spam, Parental Controls, a two way firewall, etc.

Most of these are either replicated in Windows Vista (Vista has very comprehensive Parental Controls...a shame 7's pretty much neutered this feature) or simply not necessary in today's world. (Most people use their browser to access their email, not a client like Outlook or Thunderbird, thus making local Anti-Spam filtering worthless. Not to mention that when you do get your major email services mail in a client, the mail is usually filtered before it reaches you in Outlook, Postbox/Thunderbird, etc.)

As for the Firewall, Comodo makes a very good one. I myself use Windows Firewall (not the best choice but it works for me)

 

Sorry I must have missed the free part KIS 2009 is only $24.92 for a 3 user pack at Amazon.com. I have found that Mcafee leaves lots of junk behind and I would have that not so fresh feeling if I didn't do a format.

 

All right guys thank you. I think I'm gonna get Avast 4 and Comodo. But any other suggestions?

 

Het hijackthis and spybot.

 

Link please, if you don't mind just because there is like tons of versions + is it het hijackthis? het?

 

McAfee.

*runs and jumps off cliff just after dousing self in gasoline and setting self on fire

 

Read the Comodo manual and help files on their site/forum before installing it, if you don't have any experience with a HIPS.
Avast and Comodo (without it's AV) is an excellent combination.

 

I would also get Malwarebytes and SuperAntispyware to use as on-demand scanners. They're both free if you don't choose the premium versions.

 

http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis

I meant the not het sorry my bad.Dont use supantiapyware if you have win7 since its not compatible and will give you some nice bsods.

 

That's not tre any more. Avira also has a spyware protection.

http://www.free-av.com/en/products/1/avira_antivir_personal__free_antivirus.html

 

Ah! didn't know that! Thanks!