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gardengirl_nancy

need a new virus scan any suggestions

16 years ago

My virus scan runs out in a couple of weeks. Need ideas as to what to get. I have webroot now, and I don't like how it won't let me forward anything with a website address. My ISP says it is not them, it is the virus scan. I was looking at free downloads. I find Avast interesting, Kaspersky and another one, but forgot the name. Any tips on good ones and why you like them? Thanks, Nanc

Comments (12)

  • 16 years ago

    Avast would be my recommendation. Small foot print, updates with no issues, easy to use. Used by a lot of knowledgeable Windows people.

    Is this the Webroot version you are currently using "Webroot® AntiVirus with Spy Sweeper?" I ask because it offers Spyware protection as well. Avast does not so you would keep that in mind.

    Also what operating System are you speaking of? Vista offers Spyware protection using Windows Denfender.

  • 16 years ago

    Avast is very good. You register it when downloading (cost nothing) and you must reregister it every yearish (no cost) Never had a cootie after using it for the last few years. Just remember to completely uninstall whatever antivirus you have on there now before installing Avast or whatever new one you choose

  • 16 years ago

    Right that's why I asked for the exact version of the Anti Virus program , like a lot of Anti Virus programs there maybe a special uninstall tool to use and if there is we would want to use it. Uninstalling these programs when running can and do lead to issues...

  • 16 years ago

    I just went through web root removal and AVAST install on my sisters computer, there is not a removal tool on the net, you have to ask them to send you the tool it is a one time use tool and removes itself also in the process so no tool to be able to pass on. To fully remove it I would suggest using REVO uninstaller to try to get it all gone.
    I too use AVAST and like it. On the AVAST download page on the left are 2 pdf files I suggest you read to know how to download and install it and how to register and use it.
    This tutorial is also helpful
    How to Install, Configure, and Use Avast Antivirus

    I set the screen saver scanner up on mine so it scans for virus anytime the pc is not being used and the screen saver is on.
    Be sure you do move the slider to High rather than Normal for protection status.

    Revo Uninstaller there is a free version be sure you check to see which you are getting.

    no matter what other protection you put on the pc always add malwarebytes and spywareblaster.

  • 16 years ago

    What about something like Glary utilities (in addition to the above), or CC (crap cleaner)?

  • 16 years ago

    Thanks everyone for your help. I do have webroot anit-virus plus anti-spyware. I am running windows vista on a one year old gateway desk top. I do have windows defender too. This thing recently quit on me and I took it back to Best Buy for repair, Geek Squad said it was the mother board. I asked them what I would have to do to get rid of webroot, and they just said go to programs and delete it off. They didn't say anything about needing a tool from webroot. That has me a little worried. There is an uninstall feature under programs.

  • 16 years ago

    all of the major antivirus programs need a special removal tool to fully remove them. They have to get heavily into the system and the registry and that is the part that is rarely all removed when doing a simple removal through add remove programs. I am not surprised in the least by what Geek Squad said which is why I would never let them work on any of my machines, they probably do not do any other removal other than add remove programs and if that leaves remnants that cause problems well then that just means the person has to bring it back again later for that and they get to pay more. Then usually their standard policy is to reformat the computer.
    This is a link to Corrine's blog with info on various removal tools for antivirus products.
    Antivirus Product Removal Tools

    I would not worry I would just get the free REVO uninstaller and use it.

    this is the forum thread that discusses the webroot removal tool which this guy finally got from them.
    Solved: Spy Sweeper has me by the throat
    as you can see he did try using the uninstaller that came with the program as well as add remove programs.

  • 16 years ago

    I recommmend "Norton Security Suite". There is a version that can be legally installed and registered on up to 3 computers. I have the prime copy on my desktop, the second copy on my wife's lap top, an the third copy on an older lap top. There are other single machine versions of Norton at lesser cost.

    I have been running Norton for the past 2 years and have been satisfied with the result. Up to that time, I had been running McAfee, but began having difficulties after an update. Also, McAfee slowed my computer more than Norton.

  • 16 years ago

    I just bought a new computer and it came with Norton Internet Security but it expires and then I"ll have to make a decision on which one I want.

    Is Norton hard to remove? Do I need a special tool for the removal if I want to put in Avast?

    Is it difficult to install Avast?

  • 16 years ago

    http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

    Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

    really simple, really free

    Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

  • 16 years ago

    Norton is one of the ones that really invades the machine and yes you do need a removal tool but if you look at the link I provided the tool is listed there, there are specific instructions for Norton removal that must be taken but it is doable.
    I personally took off of my computers Norton and McAfee, both using removal tools and following the specific instructions with good success, I no longer use them because they are huge and use lots of resources and the detection rates are not great.

    It is not difficult to remove avast there is a removal tool for it on the list I provided also. It is the one I use on my windows machines.

    MSE is very new and I just posted about an issue some are having with it that it is not updating as it should in some cases entire weeks with out it updating it self. That is something to be aware of,other than that I have heard good things.

  • 16 years ago

    Like Mickie I run MS Essentials on my main machine. Fully automatic, set it and forget it - except I do like to look every few days to ensure it is still protecting me.

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