Account deleted by request

I installed XP on my folks pc last night, removing windows 2000, all done (even impressed myself as computer knowledge isn't that good!!!)

what downloadable virus proctecter would people recommend??

Thanks


chop

mike1210

if they use the net a lot it might be wise to have an internet security suite if it doesn't already have a firewall of some sort, if defo needs one, norton internet security, mcafee, zonelabs and f secure have complete security suites which will help protect the PC, the best one really is down to experience with the ap for example, some people love norton, others wouldn't touch it.

If its just a virus checker youre after you can AVG for free from here

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1

jowl

Personally, I use AVG7 - there's a free version and a paid for version.

I use the free one and have never had a problem (well, only self inflicted and AVG spotted and removed it)

And I wouldn't put Norton on anything I use, own or see.

jowl

Kerio is a good firewal too - google for it or it might be on the AVG site.

You also need..

SpybotS&D
SpywareBlaster
Ad-Aware


..to prevent / remove spyware

mike1210

Ive heard great things about outpost as well

http://www.agnitum.co.uk/home.htm

link for kerio below

http://www.kerio.com/kpf_home.html

Account deleted by request

Really appreciate advice peeps - they only really use computer for the net. I have put on the standard window firewall (from the xp service pack 2). Guess this is ok?

I quite like AVG but will look into other recommendations.

thanks


chop

Graz

Another vote for AVG free edition. Been using it for sometime now, never had problems with it or a virus.

BlkKnight

The XP's built in firewall is fine.

I like the fact it doesn't warn you every time something (automated) scans your machine.

It's easy enough to configure to open ports for service apps - like bit-torrent

jowl

Agreed. I use Kerio on my main machine.

But If I'm building for other, less technical people (Ie, my technophobe dad!) then I leave Windows XP Firewall (SP2) - the lack of constant warnings is a help in this case.

class_A

Free AV: Avast!
Pay AV: NOD32
Free Firewall: Sygate Personal Firewall

AVG's detection rate is horrible.

Chris L

Anything is better than nothing though! The XP firewall is surprisingly good - certainly good enough for the casual surfer. It's been credited with a significant reduction in the number of successful hacking attempts and zombie machines present on the Internet. Microsoft's anti spyware package is also worth having (free d/l aswell).

Account deleted by request

Thanks fot taking the time to do that mate

class_A

No probs. Sygate Firewall is quite nice in the extra features it offers but the XP firewall seems to do the job.

Also, make sure your day-to-day account is not in the Administrators group; that will stop some spyware/trojans straight away.

Scooby Soon!

another vote for Avast, I have tried EVERY virus program, Avast runs in the background and doesnt slow your computer down, mcafee and norton will slow your computer down to snails pace even if you have the latest spec. AVG misses out loads of virus's wouldnt trust it one bit.

Avast does the job and as an automated voice that says "YOUR VIRUS DATABASE HAS BEEN UPDATED" which is the only thing to remind me its running.

Daz34

Kaspersky has been 100% effective and totally stable for me and is exceptionally highly regarded.

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Anothe vote for kaspersky, cheap to buy, simple to use and far less resource hungry than Norton and Mcafee.

class_A

Yep, Kaspersky is very good too and they have a nice online scanner as well.

Beefy

I always recommend the following to anyone looking for free security/virus/spyware protection:

Clamwin (antivirus) - see www.clamwin.com

Zonealarm (firewall) - http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html

Spybot (Spyware) - http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Its also worth considering Lavasofts ad-aware which can be found at:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/fil...id,7423,00.asp