I need to purchase some virus protection for my computer, which ones work the best?

Question

I don't want to spend a whole lot, but I want good protection.

Answer 1

Who told you that you have to buy it? There are legitimate anti-virus programs that are completely free.

I recommend AVG.

There are also some excellent anti-spyware programs out there too:

Ad-aware, Spybot search and destroy, and Spywareblaster are my top picks.

Do yourself a huge favour - get a firewall and move away from using IE (Internet Explorer aka the blue e).

Zonealarm is a good firewall (keeps hackers out), and Firefox is a very cool IE replacement - pop-up blocker built in, customizable, sleek, faster, more secure.

The links for the programs mentioned are below.

Answer 2

I would recommend you use AVG Free combined with Spybot: Search and Destroy, or my personal favorite AD-Aware (easy to use and update).

You can purchase a fancy subscription service like Norton or McAfee, but these programs are often hacked and have viruses/malware specifically written to circumvent their technology. In addition, McAfee and Norton may slow down your surfing speed. I actually had to have McAfee unstalled because of this. Open Source (free, community based) software is often more innovative and effective than pricey subscription software.

Here are the links for AVG Free and Ad-Aware (or alternatively Spybot):
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html
(Spybot is for more advanced users. Use Ad-Aware for a simple and effective experience.)

Also make sure that Windows FireWall is on: Start ---> Control Panel--->Security Center---->Windows Firewall.

Using AVG Free, Ad-Aware, and Windows Firewall, you should not have any protection problems (unless you like visiting hardcore porn sites everyday). I've used this combination for over a year and haven't had any problems to date.

Also make sure you update IE often, or switch to an alternative program like Firefox (free). I use Internet Explorer, but many people like Firefox.

http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/
http://update.microsoft.com/windowsupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

Even if you don't use IE be sure to check and make sure other aspects of your Windows Operating System are up to date.

Answer 3

www.avast.com

download the home edition, it's free and it is awesome. It needs no configuration and will update itself every time you connect to the Internet and once a day if your connected 24/7. It will require yearly registration, but aside from that its totally free. I'm a network security professional and I use it on several of my systems and have never been infected.

Don't forget spy-ware protection:
adaware & spybot are both good.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I use a free version of AVG. You can download it here at the link provided. It works great for me. I'll never buy anti-virus software. The people who makes viruses are the ones who make the cure...Didn't you know that? :)

Answer 5

microsoft staff use this and many (isp) servers
looking for a the best anti virus look no more having avg/nortons/macfee /they cant stop
anything
try zoneAlarm internet security suite
it does what it say's take the test with
zoneAlarm internet security suite
all in one firewall/anti virys/anti spyware

set the anti virus/anti spyware to full system scan
zoneAlarm internet security suite
all in one firewall / anti virus/ anti spyware
no1 auto virus killer that will kill off a virus
as the virus try to download on to your system
when you open your explorer and search on the net
there are virus on websire that will auto download
this all in one firewall/anti virus/anti spyware
will kill the download link fast and auto kill the virus
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/

Answer 6

microsoft staff use this and many (isp) servers
looking for a the best anti virus look no more having avg/nortons/macfee /they cant stop
anything
when on the website click on home/office
and
try zoneAlarm internet security suite
it does what it say's take the test with
zoneAlarm internet security suite
all in one firewall/anti virys/anti spyware

set the anti virus/anti spyware to full system scan
zoneAlarm internet security suite
all in one firewall / anti virus/ anti spyware
no1 auto virus killer that will kill off a virus
as the virus try to download on to your system
when you open your explorer and search on the net
there are virus on websire that will auto download
this all in one firewall/anti virus/anti spyware
will kill the download link fast and auto kill the virus
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp

Answer 7

I think Norton Antivirus is the best out there. A good one for free is the AVG antivirus.

Answer 8

I use a free program, but if you must purchase, then Norton is great. This is the link for the free one: http://www.grisoft.com/doc/289/lng/us/tpl/tpl01

Answer 9

they very best is mcaffe make sure to get the one that says internet suite it has everything on it. spam,pop up blocker, virus scan and anti hacking. that is all we will use.

Answer 10

AVG and Windows Antispyware works fine for me I've no problems so far :)