To think that we should not have to pay £40 for computer antivirus protection ?

[redandblacks]

I have been quoted around that amount for this year. There are free downloads available but someone with my lack of IT ability would find it impossible to cover all bases. Is it not possible to install a few free products which will also cover online shopping (my main use of the computer)?

AVG
Avast
Spybot
Malwarebytes

all free

I just use Microsoft Security Essentials, it's free. Tbh in my experience all of the paid antivirus software bogs down the computer with all kinds of rubbish. I shop online/play games/kids surf and have never had any problems.
windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows/security-essentials-download

AVG is great. Free and very good.

I suppose a lot depends on what you are getting for your money. Software needs to be written and programmers expect to be paid for their time.

There are packages like AVG or Avarst lavasoft which are free, but the free versions offer limited protection. I think a lot depends on the level of risk you are prepared to take. There are personal packages that cost £15 a year. If you install too many free products then it will slow down your PC.

Virsus writers work hard to get around anti virus software free or even commerical. The best way to avoid being a victim of a virsus is eduation.

ie. Don't open emails with attachments from people you don't know.

sbinfocanada.about.com/cs/management/qt/avoidvirusts.htm

Avast used by a guy I know who clears viurses for fun
( he does use a lot of other techie stuff tho)

www.avast.com/download-software

AVG
free.avg.com/gb-en/free-antivirus-download

Though I wouldn't use both AVG and Avast as they can clash
Both Avast and AVG can be set to run and update automatically

Spybot
www.safer-networking.org/private/

update and run at least once a week to check for spyware

Malwarebytes

download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?part=dl-10804572&subj=dl&tag=button

again update and run at least once a week

You need to be careful while downloading your antivirus - make sure you only have one of them as if you have more than one you will end up with them blocking each other and then faffing about with settings to uninstall them and start again (having just had to clear my mums computer after her deciding she needed a few for more protection)

The free ones are basic but cover everything you need for a basic home computer. Avast and AVG tend to get the best reviews of the top ten - personally I find avast to be most user friendly though they both do the same job.

Of the paid versions, Kaspersky tops the polls and I would avoid Norton like the plague. Kaspersky used to be available (not sure if it's still offered) to Barclays bank customers free of charge.

Failing that, if you don't want to pay an annual premium for anti virus but want more coverage than a free version offers - buy a mac (though you'll be paying a premium for a mac)

Honestly - stick with the free ones - they do the job!

Get yourself a chrome book (says dh)! It doesn't need antivirus software.

Oh and with online shopping - make sure the site you are buying from has the locked padlock at the bottom of the screen - this indicates a secure transaction. All the major retailers offer this but do check if it's an unknown source you're buying from.

use avast. i've had it on my laptop for three years or so now and i've never had a virus. if i go on a "bad" website, it alerts me annd stops me going on the page, and i've set it up to do a minor scan once a week and a full scan once a month, which just run in the background while i work waste time on the internet.

if you bank with barclays and use online banking you can get kaspersky internet security free

I pay about £50 a year for mcafee. It keeps my computer well protected, but I do wonder if I pay too much. I suppose I do.

fakebook £50 a year - bloody hell, get a free one and treat yourself with that £50

I know I should shouldn't I? . Tbh, they just renew it automatically each year as they hold onto your card details. I couldn't be bothered to cancel it as it was doing a good job. This year my card was renewed in February so they can't take the money without new details, and I cba to provide them either.

Thats the trouble, they rely on people being too busy with everyday life to look around for a better deal. Honestly - you're £50 could be much better spent and you'd still get all the protection you need from one of the freebies.
I've just overhauled pretty much everything in the house to get better deals - thought i was losing my touch as Sky weren't for giving in to me but I got what I wanted in the end
its amazing what you can save (to splash out somewhere else) just by looking at your options.

I use AVG...haven't ever had a virus and I download a lot.

I have been using avast for years my computer nut brother uses it and I can even install and update it myself, my normal computer usage is mumsnet, facebook and shopping I am not a computer nut.

AVG for years and years, never had a prob with it.

I thought my computer had a virus because it was running so slow. Turned out it was the virus protection slowing it down. (Norton)

I suspect many of the viruses (Viri?) are created by the protection software companies to keep the business going.

I use Kaspersky now, and it still slows it down when running, but not as bad or as constantly as previously.

with BT I downloaded something or other, McAfree or something.

If you're going for free stuff (which is ok) make sure you update regularly.

Microsoft security Essentials is great. They have updates every 2-3 days which in my mind is good and I havn't noticed it slowing down my computer. Norton has a reputation for slowing Down computers

Norton is awful. £50 a year for mcafee

DH is a tech geek and developer, even he uses AVG on his personal computer. He often as his tin foil hat on about vulnerabilities and whatnot so if he is happy using it then so am I.

*'as' should be 'has'

I use Avast and Malwarebytes, both free and excellent at what they do.

I have an fb friend who works for Norton, and he won't use Norton. Says it all I think!