A Women's RV Forum run by Women RVer's!

I know some of you use "free" AVG virus protection on your computers and as Norton Anti=virus seems to be the culprit slowing down my computer, I checked into AVG. From what I gather, it's 'free' if you use their limited version anti virus, 'need to pay' if you use the better version anti virus, and also need to pay if you want added internet security.

I guess my question would be, just how safe is everyone using the free version? And how do you really know how safe you are? Spyware is pretty sneaky?

I've been using AVG for about 5 years on our PC's and at first used the free version because it was recommended by the people who put in our wireless system. Then they suggested changing to the paid version a couple of years ago. They recommended NOT to use Norton or McAfee as the hackers go after the big ones first and they tend to have more problems.
I thought you had a Mac, the recommendation I got from Apple and the computer guy here was I didn't need virus protection for my Mac. Hope they were correct! What I need for the Macbook is a personal tutor I haven't been happy with it so far, plus in less than a year had to replace three times! Guess the Macbooks weren't their best effort! Glad I bought the service contract

I used the free AVG for years, then my computer guy recommended AVAST, which is
also free for the home version. It seems to get rid of the spyware as well. Have not
had any problems with either one. Only thing that pisses me off is when it updates,
and that is often, with AVG my computer was totally useless until the update finished.
With AVAST my computer slows down but I can still click away.

I use AVG on my laptop and like it. Have never heard of AVAST. I will have to check that out.

My semi geek daughter uses nothing on her laptop! Said she's never had a problem. Hmmm? Always the first time. But her laptop has slowed down considerably in the past few weeks. So I am after her to get something on here so that she can do a scan. When I get her talked into it we will have to go into town, maybe Borders for the high speed stuff so that AVG can be downloaded. Then of course run a scan. Gods only know how long that scan will take!!!! The music files on here are unbelievable!!!! Probably a good idea to run a scan on mine the same time too.

My daughter used to work for a coomputer repair place and she uses/recommends Avira Antivir (free). You also need malware protection for tracking cookies, etc. She gave me Malwarebytes (free) and a-squared (free). Go to www.hippo.com or downloads.com to find these programs and lots of other stuff for your computer. You also need to defrag your computer from time to time to keep it working faster.

Ernie suggests to check out Kim Komando's web site for the lastest and best anti-virus and spy ware stuff....

Last year I had AVG and it took forever to do the updates, but with their new version, still free, it works silently while I am still online. Me likee.

I use Avast, but recommend both AVG and Avast. Just happened to switch to Avast when a friend's IT guy at his company recommended it - and he was working on my computer. Both have paid versions - but it all depends on what you need it to do. If you want it on a business computer, you HAVE to pay with either one.

I've used McAfee for years without problems. When it scanned it was slow. Just bought an upgrade today for $40 - supposed to be faster while scanning. For years McAfee was provided free to Comcast Internet Subscribers, but we no longer have Comcast.

Karen is definitely right - don't forget to defrag every so often - should make your computer run faster.

i use AVAST now... ( free version ) but used AVG for several yrs... a month or so ago on one of their updates was a glitch, and i couldnt get it installed.. I also came up with a Trogan Horse a few months ago and AVG didnt catch it.. so I deleted the program and now use the ADVAST.. I will more than likely pay for it when the free yr is up..

We use AVG and have no problems.

As to the MAC question...yes you still need some type of anti-virus. I have a friend that has MAC's and all his have virus protection software. His pet peeve is when places till him that MAC/Apple are 100% virus proof. It is not true..it is harder for a hacker/geek to write a virus for Mac/apple, but it can still happen.

My SIL recommended AVAST so that is what I use the free version
sheila

What is defragging and how do you do it? My laptop is deathly slow lately!

Barbie

http://windows.about.com/od/maintainand ... agment.htm

Barbie, this link should help.