My paid AVG Internet Security is about to expire. I'm looking into free software and am overwhelmed with all the choices. I'm using Firefox as my web browser with Windows 7. I've Googled questions and can't determine what I need and what conflicts with what. I'm running around in circles trying to figure what to do.
If I use Microsoft Security Essentials is that all I need? I'm reading good things about Avast and Spybot Search and Destroy and from what I see both can be used at the same time. Can they be used with Microsoft Security Essentials? People are saying we need multiple protection, but some software can conflict and cause computer freezes. My AVG subscription runs out in four days and I don't want to put out unnecessary money. I want to know what software my ThriftyFun friends are using to protect their sensitive information.
By Betty from Lubbock, TX
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You can get a free version of AVG, it you like it. My computer guy told me to never buy security programs, because he said as a whole the paid ones aren't as good as the free versions.
Try askbobrankin.com for advice. He tells you about the top free down-loads for security of all kinds. He lists the best, tells you what is good about them, and not so good. That way you can choose the ones you want. He also says what he uses himself.
My daughter was having major problems with her computer. She tried everything over a period of weeks, to no avail. I told her about this website. She chose to download Avast entirely free, Well, it fixed things for her. I have a friend who uses free downloads to keep her computer running well, and is very satisfied. I have Defender Pro 15-in-one, and love it. But when it expires, I will download free programs from his lists. He gives a lot of good computer advice.
I use AVG free version and have for years. I am very happy with it and no problems.
DAW Realtor in Virginia.
Thank you for your suggestions. Since posting my question I called a couple of computer repair shops and the advice they both gave me was Microsoft Internet security. It's free also. Any more comments?
I am using AdAware for free for years, with Essentials as a backup. No problems on this end.
I have used the free version of Avast plus SpyBot with Internet Explorer as web browser for more than 10 years with no problem.
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Install and activate Malwarebytes. It has saved my reinstalling my Operating System! Even if you get a virus you can boot into safe mode, activate it and remove the offender. I would also install free AVG. I have used Norton and full Symantec and free Avg is smaller and works very well.
By Linda Jones from Brooklyn, NY
Malwarebytes is awesome!
I would like to offer an extra precaution suggestion though. When you download it be sure to click 'save' and save it in your documents folder before clicking 'run. I have a folder I named 'Program Downloads' that I save all download installations in. After you've clicked run and have installed it be sure to create a desktop shortcut of the installation downloader that you saved.
The reason I suggest this is because there are a few viruses out there that highjack all security programs including Malwarebytes and are actually taking over your computer even more while the (used to be good) security program is scanning. I learned this the hard way a year ago.
Anyway, then to be on the safe side if you get a virus definitely shut down your computer and start again in safe mode using networking. Once in safe mode completely uninstall your current Malwarebytes, go to your desktop, reinstall Malwarebytes (this is why you'll need safe mode using networking)and immediately run 'perform quick scan'.
You will see the virus having been caught within the first minute tops but do not be tempted to stop the search, just let it finish (sometimes up to ten minutes) and then immediately after that send the virus to quarantine. I go a step further after that and open quarantine and remove it completely.
Thumbs up for your tip of using this great program!
I've used the paid version of AVG for two years and had had nothing but problems with it. It is impossible to get in touch with the company when problems arise, which they continually do.
