Best free anti-virus software for a new laptop?
I just bought a new Toshiba laptop, what is the best antivirus software to get, seeing as I want to put it on there right away.
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Filed under: anti virus software
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
Hi ! I think you should get Avast Anti-Virus ! its totally free just google seach it and should come up !
AVG, or Fsecure, i suggest avg because you even get web protection
Avast http://www.avast.com
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!
Good security requires a multi-layered approach, and the least important layer by far is running some kind of anti-malware program (in fact, if you take care of all the other layers, you don’t even need an anti-malware program using up extra resources).
In order of importance:
1. Create and use almost exclusively a limited user account instead of the default administrator account Windows sets you up with
2. Read up on social engineering and how to avoid it
3. Don’t download illegal copies of software, music, or movies
4. Set Windows updates to install automatically
5. Make regular backups. If possible, back up your entire installation (using Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image)