Free Virus Scan & Free Antivirus Software?
- Thread starter champagne
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3mnkids1
New member
Re: Free Virus Scan & Free Antivirus Software?
I use AVG.. http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Vi...4-10320142.html?tag=mncol;pop&cdlPid=10983733 It scans everyday and I never notice it running. Im sure there are lots of others I just like this one because it was easy to use.
I use AVG.. http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Vi...4-10320142.html?tag=mncol;pop&cdlPid=10983733 It scans everyday and I never notice it running. Im sure there are lots of others I just like this one because it was easy to use.
Re: Free Virus Scan & Free Antivirus Software?
Need Computer help? Links, advice, etc...
http://www.sweepsadvantage.com/smf/need-computer-help-links-advice-etc-t8372.0.html
In the 1st post:
Commonly Recommended Software Links, Tips and SP2 info
Best of the Best Programs, Most are FREE - Updated 8/30/07
http://forums.g4tv.com/ann.jspa?annID=3
Need Computer help? Links, advice, etc...
http://www.sweepsadvantage.com/smf/need-computer-help-links-advice-etc-t8372.0.html
In the 1st post:
Commonly Recommended Software Links, Tips and SP2 info
Best of the Best Programs, Most are FREE - Updated 8/30/07
http://forums.g4tv.com/ann.jspa?annID=3
lidarkside
Active member
Re: Free Virus Scan & Free Antivirus Software?
Check with your ISP. Many supply the programs for free. I get mine throught my ISP which would normally cost $60.00 to purchase.
Check with your ISP. Many supply the programs for free. I get mine throught my ISP which would normally cost $60.00 to purchase.
champagne
New member
Re: Free Virus Scan & Free Antivirus Software?
momma of 3, actually this isn't free, i went there to try and download it and it says i have to choose one of their offers for it to be free... :scratch:
momma of 3, actually this isn't free, i went there to try and download it and it says i have to choose one of their offers for it to be free... :scratch:
Sorry to bring up the old topic. Recently faced a similar problem and this is what I want to say.
I never use antivirus apps, and I never get worms, trojans or viruses. A few common-sense rules to live by:
1- I never, ever use Internet Explorer. IE has more backdoor activity than the kinkiest porno and the hackers just love it. I use Firefox (kept up to date), making sure I've got the "Adblock Plus" addon installed and the Firefox security options set to safe levels. I even set it to clear it's cache automatically when closed, so if there's any crap in the form or cookies or other cached material, it's gone and can't be activated later. I also try to stay away from porn, warez and other sleazy-type sites. I even block Internet Explorer completely via the firewall mentioned below, just in case a piece of bad code somewhere tries to use it to phone out.
2- I never, ever use Windows Firewall. I've heard it's a joke. I use the free version of ZoneAlarm, setting it to block access both to and from every program except those absolutely necessary. It not only pops up a warning if any new program is trying to phone home, but also does so if a program is in any way altered (either updated or hacked).
3- Being a Outlook Express user, I make damned sure the "preview pane" is disabled, that way if I get an email from an unknown source (especially with attachments) and I want to check the properties, I don't inadvertently open it in the preview pane, loading any web-based content which could potentially contain malware.
4- I disable most of the windows services that are enabled by default. Some of them, I've read, are ridiculous security risks (provide back doors to a-holes on the web). Not only does this make windows safer, but it keeps pointless windows crap from loading into memory. It took me a while to learn what services I need and don't need, but it's amazing how microsoft garbage gets loaded that the average user has no use for.
5- I make sure Spybot Search and Destroy is installed. Not only is it an excellent malware scanner, but it also installs basic protection that can immunize your computer against malware. I don't load the "Tea Timer" protection as it's always running...I'm not even sure what it does but my clean PC tells me I'm getting by ok without it. And occasionaly, I'll unblock IE in order to do a free online virus scan at Symantec (doesn't work with Firefox unfortunately) and it always comes back clean.
6- If I want to download some freeware/shareware/trialware app, I try to make damned sure I know the site is legit. There are scumbag lowlifes out there who try to trick web-surfers into going to their malware sites by getting included in google search-results, sometimes even getting their sites to show up before the legit site in a search-result. If I'm not absolutely positive that I've got a link to the real site, I'll go to Cnet or Tucows or Filehippo or a similar reputable download site and try to find the app there.
There may be a few rules I'm forgeting, but it's not like I ever have to think about them. Most of it is done when I install a fresh copy of windows, and the rest is just good practice...that's it. A little common sense and it should be pretty hard to get a virus. I installed Norton's System https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-free-antimalware/ works once long , long ago, and was horrified when I saw how it made my computer perform like my old, slow and obsolete computer.
I never use antivirus apps, and I never get worms, trojans or viruses. A few common-sense rules to live by:
1- I never, ever use Internet Explorer. IE has more backdoor activity than the kinkiest porno and the hackers just love it. I use Firefox (kept up to date), making sure I've got the "Adblock Plus" addon installed and the Firefox security options set to safe levels. I even set it to clear it's cache automatically when closed, so if there's any crap in the form or cookies or other cached material, it's gone and can't be activated later. I also try to stay away from porn, warez and other sleazy-type sites. I even block Internet Explorer completely via the firewall mentioned below, just in case a piece of bad code somewhere tries to use it to phone out.
2- I never, ever use Windows Firewall. I've heard it's a joke. I use the free version of ZoneAlarm, setting it to block access both to and from every program except those absolutely necessary. It not only pops up a warning if any new program is trying to phone home, but also does so if a program is in any way altered (either updated or hacked).
3- Being a Outlook Express user, I make damned sure the "preview pane" is disabled, that way if I get an email from an unknown source (especially with attachments) and I want to check the properties, I don't inadvertently open it in the preview pane, loading any web-based content which could potentially contain malware.
4- I disable most of the windows services that are enabled by default. Some of them, I've read, are ridiculous security risks (provide back doors to a-holes on the web). Not only does this make windows safer, but it keeps pointless windows crap from loading into memory. It took me a while to learn what services I need and don't need, but it's amazing how microsoft garbage gets loaded that the average user has no use for.
5- I make sure Spybot Search and Destroy is installed. Not only is it an excellent malware scanner, but it also installs basic protection that can immunize your computer against malware. I don't load the "Tea Timer" protection as it's always running...I'm not even sure what it does but my clean PC tells me I'm getting by ok without it. And occasionaly, I'll unblock IE in order to do a free online virus scan at Symantec (doesn't work with Firefox unfortunately) and it always comes back clean.
6- If I want to download some freeware/shareware/trialware app, I try to make damned sure I know the site is legit. There are scumbag lowlifes out there who try to trick web-surfers into going to their malware sites by getting included in google search-results, sometimes even getting their sites to show up before the legit site in a search-result. If I'm not absolutely positive that I've got a link to the real site, I'll go to Cnet or Tucows or Filehippo or a similar reputable download site and try to find the app there.
There may be a few rules I'm forgeting, but it's not like I ever have to think about them. Most of it is done when I install a fresh copy of windows, and the rest is just good practice...that's it. A little common sense and it should be pretty hard to get a virus. I installed Norton's System https://thinkmobiles.com/blog/best-free-antimalware/ works once long , long ago, and was horrified when I saw how it made my computer perform like my old, slow and obsolete computer.
souza13alex
New member
These are excellent methods, but they require great care. It is good for a normal user to have antivirus.