As Dr. LJ: virus software

[dancingwolfgrrl]

Is there functional free (or shareware) virus software that I want? I've been using McAfee for a few years, but it is expensive and I am striving to be cheap. Thanks, internet!

Comments

[nacht_musik]

I am completely ignorant of this myself, and recently asked around in order to pass advice along to my dad. Here's what I was told:

The biggest simple thing you can do to help keep things under control is to install Ad-Aware, and then use it to scan your system for spyware and malware. Here's the download page for the free version of Ad-Aware:
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

AVG Free is a good option for free Windows antivirus software. If you're willing to pay money, F-Secure and Symantec Antivirus are both good, but they're $40-100.

You can download AVG Free here:
http://free.grisoft.com/ww.download-avg-anti-virus-free-edition

[dancingwolfgrrl]

We use AVG free in an office I work in and it seems to do the job. I do use Ad-Aware already, but should totally run it. Thanks!

[sungo]

For windows? I suggest http://clamwin.com. It is free software (in all senses).

[dancingwolfgrrl]

Thanks!

[dancingwolfgrrl]

Thanks!

[viashno]

AVG's free software is just the previous year's paid software, and is pretty good, it's what I've been using. I also suggest using Spybot S&D for getting rid of spyware, it's free as well.

[beah]

If you're going the free route, I agree, install several things. I had the best luck with AVG and Spybot, and less with ClamWin, and I've also been told that Panda is good. I'd put 'em all on if they don't conflict, and set 'em to auto-run.

[dancingwolfgrrl]

I might be able to run more than one anti-virus; I've found Spybot conflicts with Ad-Aware, although in a way that can be triumphed over if one can be bothered.

[dancingwolfgrrl]

I've used that, but that and Ad-Aware somehow fail to play nicely with each other -- I think they try to eat each other's (obviously evil) definition files. Go figure. Thanks!

[dancingwolfgrrl]

Interesting. Thanks!