Antivirus/Antispyware Programs

[Colliemom]

I know this isn't RV related, but we all have computers in our home and our RV's and there are a zillion things out there that can cause a lot of trouble if they get into our systems.

I need a new Antivirus/Antispyware program for this computer and wondered what you folks out there use in your computers. Right now I have a 25% off deal available on Norton 360. Anybody use this one? I've used Spyware Doctor with outstanding sucess on my old desktop but it doesn't get along with my new laptop here, so had to cancel it out.

So fire away ladies, and tell me what you are using and what you hve good luck with.

[JoanE]

At the recommendation of my computer guru, I have used the FREE versions of both Avira and AVG at different times both with good results.

[AlmostThere]

I get the professional version of Norton Anti-Virus free with my Comcast Xfinity subscription.. Before that I still used Norton. I have never had a virus on any of my computers.

[longdog2]

I use Microsoft Essentials. It's free and I haven't had a single problem in two years.

[cpatinjones]

I am using the paid version of AVG.

[Travelinana]

I had major work done on my 5 year old Dell, replaced Vista with Windows 7. He installed Avast and that's all I know. He liked it and it is free.

[Bethers]

Because I have a business, I use the paid version of AVG. I highly recommend the free versions for those that don't have a business of either AVG or Avast.

I do not recommend Norton or McAfee - both are hogs of resources. But I've used both.

Having these programs will not stop some viruses from getting through - must come through because you click something you shouldn't - but will stop the majority of anything.

[Acadianmom]

I have used the free version of AVG recommended by my computer guy for about 6 years.

One of the RV Blogs I read is Rick & Paulette's RV Travels. He talks about removing a virus in his blog December 7 and 9. He recommended Malwarebytes Anti Malware. I think it is a free trial but I downloaded it. It found 246 problems on my computer. I don't know that they were viruses or just things this program didn't like. The main problem I was having was with my mouse working and not working. It seems to have fixed that. Beth knows a lot more about computers than I do so see what she says before you try anything I do.

Martha

[Bethers]

I have used the free version of AVG recommended by my computer guy for about 6 years.

One of the RV Blogs I read is Rick & Paulette's RV Travels. He talks about removing a virus in his blog December 7 and 9. He recommended Malwarebytes Anti Malware. I think it is a free trial but I downloaded it. It found 246 problems on my computer. I don't know that they were viruses or just things this program didn't like. The main problem I was having was with my mouse working and not working. It seems to have fixed that. Beth knows a lot more about computers than I do so see what she says before you try anything I do.

Martha

That's a good program, Martha. Most of what it removed was malware - which isn't a virus, but can slow your computer down. If you get rid of cookies, etc regularly, it wouldn't remove as much. That's mainly what it finds.

[JudyJB]

I have used Norton AntiVirus for years and have never had any viruses. Considering that I spend a good 4-6 hours online every night interacting with students and hooked up to a college site, this is pretty good.

There is a Norton Internet, but all it does it set things like parental controls so you don't need that. It is more expensive, also.

I am sure the free versions are good, but I have just never trusted them considering the work I do and how much time I spend online.

[pattyk]

I also use the paid version of AVG.

[retiredhappy]

I use the free version of AVG.

My computer guy says Norton is a waste of money. The disc you buy in the stores is already out of date cause lord knows when the disc was made. He also says why pay when you get stuff that is just as good for free. I also use the antimalware program that is free. It always find stuff that AVG doesn't.

[JoanE]

There is a lot of free software available through CNET. I also have Superantispyware and Antimalware on my computer as well as CCleaner. All installed by my computer guru when I bought a new computer. He also recommended the ASUS computer that I purchased (not from him). I am completely happy with his recommendations. Previously I had Dell computers and then a custom made computer that I acquired from a client.

[Nasoosie]

There is a lot of free software available through CNET. I also have Superantispyware and Antimalware on my computer as well as CCleaner. All installed by my computer guru when I bought a new computer. He also recommended the ASUS computer that I purchased (not from him). I am completely happy with his recommendations. Previously I had Dell computers and then a custom made computer that I acquired from a client.

A lot of good info in this thread! I am partial to the Asus computers, myself. I really do not like my McAffee virus program as it's ALWAYS updating itself which take up so much bandwidth that it slows me right down or freezes me up when it is working like that.

[Bethers]

I am sure the free versions are good, but I have just never trusted them considering the work I do and how much time I spend online.

I have an online business - and trust the free versions completely. Before I went on the road, I had my computer online all day, every day. They are every bit as good. Just sayin'. And I believe they are much better in not being resource hogs to the computers.

I'll reiterate - it's not how much time you spend on line, or what program you use - use whatever you want - paid or free - but be vigilant on websites you go to and link you click on. Viruses happen mainly because of something the USER did. The exceptions are the main viruses that target major businesses - who have the best antivirus software around, and get hit often - sometimes badly. One business doing contracts with the govt had over 70 percent of their computers hit by one of those. Made the news big time. They had something going for them we don't - IT people on staff to take care of it (one computer at a time!)