Subject: Anti-virus software opinions wanted.

Date: Sat Jul 21 12:38:15 2012
User: hotnurse
Message:
I have been using Webroot for the last few years and I suppose it's done a good job since I have not had any virus problems. Now it's time to renew my subscription and I am curious as to what's out there. Better options? Better price? I am currently being asked to pay around $50./yr for renewal. Any ideas???

Date: Sat Jul 21 12:40:12 2012
User: firenze
Message:
Malwarebytes.

Date: Sat Jul 21 12:41:38 2012
User: hotnurse
Message:
Oh, I have Windows XP Home and use Google Chrome; if that matters. Thanks fir, I will check that out.

Date: Sat Jul 21 12:49:12 2012
User: mrbuck
Message:
ClamWin, it's free and has been quite effective so far. mrbuck

Date: Sat Jul 21 12:52:20 2012
User: Gulbis
Message:
I use Microsoft Security Essentials and Windows Defender (on Windows 7), nothing else, and I haven't had virus problems in years. Of course, you also have to observe basic security guidelines to keep your computer safe, like not clicking Yes to every prompt that pops up without reading it first and not open suspicious e-mail attachments and such. If you don't think MSE is good enough, you can check out Avast or Avira, they're free. I wouldn't pay money for antivirus software because I think the free products are good enough.

Date: Sat Jul 21 13:04:34 2012
User: hotnurse
Message:
Thanks amigos. Free is always good, so I will try what Buck suggested. If I am not happy with that then I will go for the Windows Defender. Question; what's the dif between Windows CCleaner and an antivirus program? I do the CCleaner about once a month but not sure why I even do it since I also have antivirus.

Date: Sat Jul 21 14:07:59 2012
User: BuzzClik
Message:
McAfee. NEVER! No! Not! We are forced to use McAfee at work. On my laptop, when McAfee begins a scheduled scan (the timing of which is beyond my control), the computer cannot do anything. It takes 45 minutes to complete the scan, and the laptop is absolutely worthless until it finishes. Worse yet, if my laptop is off during the scheduled scan, it will not try again until the next scan, and then it will scan twice. Ninety minutes of futility. The whole point of virus software is to avoid situations where you computer gets bogged down as a slave of some malware that has infected your machine. McAfee IS malware.

Date: Sat Jul 21 14:10:58 2012
User: firenze
Message:
I had McAfee a few years ago and found it way too intrusive and controlling of my laptop. I deleted it one day when it lit up during a Freecell tournament.

Date: Sat Jul 21 14:30:02 2012
User: Gulbis
Message:
"Question; what's the dif between Windows CCleaner and an antivirus program? I do the CCleaner about once a month but not sure why I even do it since I also have antivirus." CCleaner is not an antivirus, it doesn't protect your computer. What it does is clean it up. In the normal use of a computer, there are things left behind - like temporary files, unused file extensions, some stuff is usually left behind when you uninstall a program or upgrade to a new version. CCleaner removes it for you. It can also remove internet history if you want it to. I'd also suggest cleaning the registry. However, running it once a month is maybe too much. It doesn't make the computer faster, it just cleans up a little bit of space and diminishes the possibility of some kind of program conflicts inside the system. I run it maybe once every 6 months.

Date: Sat Jul 21 14:43:21 2012
User: hotnurse
Message:
Thanks Gulbis! I appreciate the info.