Posted by CF on 3/20/10 7:26pm
Msg #328209

Suggestions for Free Anti-Virus Downloads

I have installed Norton Security Suite after comcast prompted me to do so; and said that my free Macafee would soon expire. Ever since the download my computer will not load web pages correctly. I never had a problem with Macafee....and this is the only change that has been made to the computer....it has to be the Norton. I have re-installed Internet Explorer 8 and it is not the issue. The error says that I have connectivity issues but then runs a scan and says the connection is good and if I hit refresh a couple of times....I can get the web page to load.

I have XP....any suggestions of a good free Anti Virus program. Thank you so much!!!!

Reply by Julie/IL on 3/20/10 7:32pm
Msg #328210

My computer crashed last week and had a tech out to fix. He told me to download Spybot and Microsoft Security Essentials. Both are free. Seems to be doing the trick just fine. I always had problems with Norton. Good luck!

Reply by PAW on 3/20/10 7:41pm
Msg #328211

Microsoft products are big targets for those who like to generate viruses, sypbots, and trojans. I use AVG Free. It's as good as their commercial pay-for product.

Reply by CF on 3/20/10 7:59pm
Msg #328214

I had researched that AVG was a good one. Do you need to install any other spyware with it? Thank you!!!!

Reply by Grace Gully on 3/20/10 9:30pm
Msg #328225

Try Malwarebytes than Viper resue n/m

Reply by CF on 3/20/10 7:59pm
Msg #328215

Thank you -Julie/IL n/m

Reply by MikeC/NY on 3/20/10 8:12pm
Msg #328216

A lot of people have had problems with both Norton and McAfee; you would think that since you actually have to PAY for the software, it would work properly... Not...

I use AVG:

http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage

Stay away from Micro$oft Security Essentials, especially if you use Outlook or Micro$oft Word - I tried it, and it brought my system to its knees...

Reply by CF on 3/20/10 8:40pm
Msg #328219

Thank you! n/m

Reply by JanetK_CA on 3/20/10 10:50pm
Msg #328229

I had terrible problems with Norton Security, too, a few years back. I was trying to upgrade, but it just made everything worse, so I feel your pain... I used AVG successfully for a while, too, but when I replaced my pc I switched to ESET NOD32. I paid for it, but it's been very good and doesn't slow down your computer as much as some other programs.

Reply by Art_PA on 3/21/10 9:52am
Msg #328246

Avira free is highly rated.

Reply by CF on 3/21/10 10:22am
Msg #328249

Thanks to everyone!!!! I went with AVG and my computer

is running normal now. My computer did not like Norton that was for sure!!! Have a great rest of your weekend!

Reply by BrendaTx on 3/21/10 12:16pm
Msg #328253

Good experiences, not so good experiences.

My experiences with free AV software have never, ever been solidly good...not AVG, either.

I have had the best luck with Windows Live OneCare. That figures. It's been discontinued. Mine runs out in August and then I'll have to go with another one. I've been happy with OneCare since it started and I read about it on NR. At least 3 years. Never a problem on all three computers I've run it on.

Such is life!

Reply by jba/fl on 3/21/10 12:21pm
Msg #328254

Re: Good experiences, not so good experiences.

Bring out the products, work out the bugs, get a good client base, discontinue and trot out new product. Vicious cycle. But it works.

Reply by dickb/wi on 3/21/10 3:23pm
Msg #328274

make sure u uninstall norton and all of its parts...... n/m

Reply by dickb/wi on 3/21/10 3:22pm
Msg #328273

i would agree with all those who say they use....

AVG free.......i use it on all of my computors and love it......have been using it for about 4 years now.....also u might want to think about zone alarm free as a very good fire wall.....and then have malware installed so that if something does get thru u can quarantine it from working.......jmho

Reply by cadmonkey/CA on 3/21/10 5:08pm
Msg #328284

Re: i would agree with all those who say they use....

I use avg as well but I also use spybot for spyware that AVG does not catch sometimes.

Reply by MikeC/NY on 3/21/10 6:13pm
Msg #328297

Re: i would agree with all those who say they use....

Agree with you on Zonealarm - it doesn't only stop bad stuff coming in, it can stop bad stuff trying to get out that you might not know about. I've been using it for about 10 years on all of my computers; occasionally I come across a legitimate program that does not play well with it, but those are rare and can usually be worked around.