Buy a Mac and you won't need any.

Super AntiSpyware.

Here is a link that might be useful: Superantispyware.com

Idee, do you use that?

Spybot is not an anti-virus program.

We've never had a virus on our home computer, although was warned about a "worm" and did detect that with a stinger before it did any damage.

Sounds like your surfing is getting expensive. I use Microsoft Forefront and Malware Bytes.

I'm aware that Spybot isn't an anti-virus program.

A friend of mine suggested downloading Malware Bytes, so I'm going to do that.

My computers last about 6 years until they get a virus.

I used both Malware Bytes and Super Antispyware to get rid of the awful fake antivirus warnings that McAfee never ever catches. The last one I got knocked out both McAfee & Malware Bytes. Fixed it with Super AntiSpyware, then ran Malware Bytes to catch the residuals.

I agree with Natal, get a Mac. Haven't had any problems since we did that and I love the Mac!

I use more than one. In addition to those already mentioned, I like AVG.

Awn, back when I first got a virus, McAfee wouldn't even pick up on it. At least the Norton I had on the old computer would pick up a virus but told me it couldn't fix it.

Right now we can't even download a new virus program, that's how bad it is.

oakleyok,

Have you tried posting on the computer forum. There are very computer savvy people that hang out there. They have helped me a few times with different computer problems

Mom just gave me some Consumer Reports magazines and in the June issue, they rate free and paid security software. They recommend the following: (please note that I have no vested interest in computer software or in Consumer Reports, I just happened to read about this topic a few days ago!)

FREE software:
1. Avira AntiVir Personal (free-av.com) Top rated and recommended. Overall score of 65 out of 100 (this ties for the top score of all those tested). Does NOT appear to have anti-spam features.

2. AVG Anti-virus Free Edition 2011 (free.avg.com) Overall score of 60 out of 100, and again, does not appear to be anti-spam, only anti-virus.

PAID software:
1. BitDefender Internet Security 2011 (bitdefender.com) $50. Scores 65 out of 100. All of these paid software programs appear to be anti-malware AND anti-spam.
2. ESET SMart Security 4 Home Edition (eset.com) $90. Scores 64/100.
3. Avira Premium Security Suite (avira.com). $72. 61/100.
4. Norton Internet Security 2011 (norton.com) $70. 61/100.

The two free programs are the ones recommended (not the paid ones).

Folk, those numbers don't look great. If I had to replace two computers due to viruses I'd be seriously shopping for a Mac.

I know people who own Mac's love them, but I'm going to keep with what I know.

I also know they complain many times over certain things because of their Mac's. But I guess it goes both ways.

Natal, how old is your computer? Replacing a computer every six years doesn't seem out of the ordinary.

It's just this time I want to get a general consensus from as many people as possible about what virus program to install.

Right now we're sold on Norton (the new one) and Malware Bytes.

We have 4 computers & a laptop. (long story) But it's always MY computer that gets the viruses! lol. We think it's because I do a lot of research, shopping, and overall goofing off than is done on the other computers.

I don't think 6 years is bad for computer life. Technology changes so fast that many change computers often even if nothing is wrong with the old one.

But, have you had the computer looked at? See what it would take to have it fixed?

We have a desktop system that is very rarely used. Hubby has a laptop and I have a netbook. I love my netbook (small laptop).

I like Apple products. We both have Iphones and I use an Ipad. However, at work we use Dell and MS programs. I also do hubby's contract work bookkeeping, some of which goes on to the accountant. The accountant uses MS. So, no Mac for us. My dad is crazy over his! I don't think though that you have to go with a Mac to avoid virus problems.

You don't open email attachments unless you know what they are - right? I'd be curious as to where you're picking up the virus.

Natal - you'll soon be living in a fool's paradise if you don't get some anti-virus on your MAC, due to bragging that they don't get any and their market share rising, MACsbnow too are now being targeted.

I used to use free Avast(still do on XP) and I've heard that it's great on older machines because it takes up the least space to operate.

On my Windows7 laptop I'm using free Microsoft Security Essentials from Microsoft.
BTW - do you keep your computer current w/Microsoft updates?

Oakley, download an anti-virus/malware program from another computer on a portable device and install it that way.

I also use Microsoft Security Essentials. Also AdBlock, although that's not security related, but I couldn't function on a computer without it.

If you go to CNet, you can read reviews of many types of security options. They have reviews of both free and paid options, and you can download safely direct from CNet. It's a site you can trust. I use them to check reviews for just about anything technical from cameras to cell phones to software. Just plug Security into their search option.

Here is a link that might be useful: CNet

I use ESET NOD32. It was recommended by someone at a computer repair shop when they cleaned all the junk out of my computer. It seems to work very well.

Oakley, do you have a decent computer repair shop that can clean your computer up? If you have a decent computer, it might be worth your time and money to have it de-virused.

I have used the free AVG anti-virus (at the recommendation of my computer tech). I was willing to buy the best and that is what he recommended. The only time I have had a virus is when I got busy and failed to download the new version (shame on me for clicking on "remind me later" too many times.)

Tuesday

I just had my computer fixed last week and he put on the free MSE, same as dlm2000 and chium.

We had our last computer for ten years and never had a virus.
I used Norton for years then switched to Avast. I also used Spybot Search and Destroy and Spyware Blaster.

We bought a new system this spring before the old one crashed or gave out. Now, I still use Avast and Spyware Blaster and Spyware Search and Destroy but have added CCleaner.

DH put bitdefender on our home computers after he researched it.