Virus Removal Tool

Stay away from AVG ( In my long time at helping others, I have found it more defective than helpful ), it may be free but it has hiccups like too many false positives (good programs treated as virus).

Two errors even made the news recently on CNET, the first time it said that Zone Alarm (a firewall) was a virus and the second time, it advised to remove a key component of Windows causing those who did to lose their Windows system (they had to issue apologies publicly for this one).

Instead go with the Antivirus/Firewall COMODO Internet Security found here: http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/ , take the one on the left (the free version), I have been using it for a while now and I have no complaints.

Over at Matousec (a security testing site), they made tests and COMODO Internet Security (Antivirus/Firewall) came out in second place (but was first if you only consider the free ones): http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/results.php

Do not use more than one Antivirus on active mode (it is OK to have one active and others in passive (manual scan) mode), one Firewall (no options there as war between them will shut down your communication system if you have more than one), one good cleaner and two or three Anti spyware/Malware (they each detect something that the others have not seen) but have at least one of each (for security). There is no excuse to leave yourself wide open.

So to round out the selection with a free cleaner and two free anti-malware/spyware, I suggest Glary Utilities ( http://www.glaryutilities.com/gu.html ) to remove junk files or remnants of installs (there is always some), Malwarebytes’ Anti-Malware Free version ( http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button ), a good choice that has gotten many people out of jams and Spybot Search and destroy ( http://www.download.com/Spybot-Search-amp-Destroy/3000-8022_4-10122137.html ), another good scanner.

( A word of caution, with programs this powerful, be sure to read all instructions and help files completely so that you can apply fixes right the first time ! )

So here we have it, I hope this will help guide you to a better protected machine

Ciao

QD1956

AVG, or Fsecure, i suggest avg because you even get web protection

AVG, avast, and for backup checks for spyware/virus use spybot search and destroy…Also get a copy of CCleaner which is invaluable and also free (it cleans your browser and HD when you have finished browsing) Go to filehippo and download at least 2. All the ones on that site are freeware or shareware, don’t d/l any that say 30/60 day trial as you will have to pay if you like and want to keep them (Did that myself with Zonealarm Pro – but worth every penny as it is Firewall, anti spyware and anti virus) Good luck and remember, you get what you pay for, but the above are worth a donation if you like them!