hey guys
i was reading through your many advises and came across this one that says "SECURE YOUR COMPUTER FOR FREE" posted on March 5, 2008 by KevinS.
My problem is KevinS says that "with all of these programes installed you now have a free, fully functional, security suite."
XpUser4Real replied by saying that a certain programe is better than one. No problem there.
I would really like to know if there will be a conflict at any time later and also how many free antivirus can one download.
Oh do they (FREE AV) have expiry dates or do they just keep on updating.
Norton will expire on my pc within a few weeks and as such would be glad for some light at the end of the tunnel. lol.
brian

Brilliant people fail their exams because fools ask more questions

Read this one, but not all of it, just the first three responces should be enough.

http://www.computing.net/windowsxp/...

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.

I would never run more than one antivirus program at the same time. Though many on this forum will tell you to stay away from Norton, you can usually find program like Norton Internet Security for free with rebates. frys.com often has that deal. I use Norton Internet Security 2008 and I think that it works well. But again, if you decide to go with AV, please completely remove Norton.

In my opinion a good Firewall is even more important than an anti-virus program.

That's a great responce, aegis, I was wondering about that.
I mean, is'nt prevention much better than cure?

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.

These are the programs I recommend. They are among some of the "top" (FREE) programs many use;

Primary Protection
===================
Comodo Firewall
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo....

Avast Anti-Virus
http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home....

SpyWare/MalWare Tools
======================
Cool_Web Shredder
http://us.trendmicro.com/us/product...

SpyWareBlaster
http://www.download.com/SpywareBlas...

BOClean (Comodo Anti-Malware product)
http://www.comodo.com/boclean/bocle...

SpyBot Search & Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/...

Ad-Aware
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products...

It's a good day when you learn something

>> In my opinion a good Firewall is even more important than an anti-virus program. <<

The problem is a firewall will not stop a virus. You need both a firewall and an anti Virus. Two different applications for two completely different problems.

Will the "free" version of Norton Internet Security you will find they stop working after twelve months and you need to buy a subscription to maintain your virus definitions.

Stuart

"I mean, is'nt prevention much better than cure?

Yup Brillser, but an anti-virus is still needed. They can help prevent intrusion by emails and stuff you download.
Firewalls main use to to prevent intrusion through your modem by nasty web sites and kiddies who like to put trojans in your system.

I prefer Clamwin.

You should understand and use best practices. The more you use the safer you data will be.

Best practices are an entire group of ways to do things and programs that you can use. Simply running as a limited user account would prevent many issues, a good host file would help more, a soho router configured correctly would again help more. You get the idea. Best practices are little things that add up to security. They are limits.

Your best defense is using live cd/dvd's on the net. Second would be to get a junky computer that never has any important data.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

I see, Just thought I ask.
Sorry for the interuption omar amin.

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.

"Will the "free" version of Norton Internet Security you will find they stop working after twelve months and you need to buy a subscription to maintain your virus definitions." True, but I just purchase a free version of the next year's program. Using upgrade rebates, etc., you can avoid paying for Norton forever, it seems.

I got both Firewalls and Norton, my friend installed them for me.

"Oh do they (FREE AV) have expiry dates or do they just keep on updating?"

To my understanding you can continue to update them, FREELY.

The limits of my language are the limits of my world.

The programs listed here do not expire and they will keep on updating. All four programs are compatible with each other and together they make a great alternative to Norton and McAfee.

I have a small computer repair shop and I install all of those programs on customers' computers. They seem to enjoy it much better than Norton because it is easier to use and it does not slow their computers down.

You can't fix what is not broken!

If Norton has kept your system clean and safe stay with it. Get all the updates.

Internet habits come into play. YES?

Norton is a bit of a resource hog, but if you have the resources flaunt it....

I use Norton, Avast, Fprot, and McAfee.....just one at a time.

I also use AVG,Spyware blaser,A-squared,spybot windows defender, Ad Aware and Spyware Doctor.

Internet habits....lol!

Just a bet....Avast will cost when they have a good percentage of the market.

If Norton is working for you, why change?

Note you have to get a special file to uninstall.....duh! They seem to be working on keeping the program from being corrupted.

Just my opinion......grain of salt?

ok guys
thanks a lot.
there was only one time i had a problem with norton, it was after i did a system restore the auto protect was disabled but i managed to do what they told me to.
i had to run the norton removal tool and then reload the AV (norton) and had it reactivated with my account.
so much for that and thanks for the goodies.i will decide what to do as i still have some time with norton left. hope i am not rude.lol
brian

Brilliant people fail their exams because fools ask more questions

I myself use Nod32/eset AVG internet suite and spyware terminator. Not all at the same time but I Usually keep nod or avg up nod32 will scan active processes running and downloading files. Sad thing is nod32 is not free.