free anti-virus program needed!

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:45 pm

I have tried to download tons that say free, only after downloading, scanning, then they tell me I must pay for them.:-5:-5

I have downloaded ad-aware, but my choices are to 'save file'.......saving does not download for me!:-5:-5

I hate VISTA!

please send me a link to free ones.

desperately seeking one asap.

fanks

Lon · Post by **Lon** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:00 pm

Odie;1108119 wrote: I have tried to download tons that say free, only after downloading, scanning, then they tell me I must pay for them.:-5:-5

I have downloaded ad-aware, but my choices are to 'save file'.......saving does not download for me!:-5:-5

I hate VISTA!

please send me a link to free ones.

desperately seeking one asap.

fanks

Try AVG.com Free version

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:13 pm

Lon;1108120 wrote: Try AVG.com Free version

thanks a bunch Lon, I'm on it now!

AussiePam · Post by **AussiePam** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 11:22 pm

I was just about to say AVG!!! Yep, way to go!!

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 3:08 am

List of antivirus software - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia lists what's available and what they each do and links to where to find them. Adaware isn't one of them.

What part of this is Vista's fault?

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 4:26 am

Lon;1108120 wrote: Try AVG.com Free version

Thats what i use,, and also Malware:D

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 4:50 am

kazalala;1108167 wrote: Thats what i use,, and also Malware:D

when I downloaded AVG, it then said I already had a virus program, so it would not complete it, meanwhile I have these signs popping up every 2 seconds saying huge threats everywhere from Anti-Virus Plus, but when I had continued with that one, they wanted me to pay!

I can't get rid of them!-

now when going to bookmarks, its says my server is temporarily down, what does that mean?

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 4:54 am

Odie;1108178 wrote: when I downloaded AVG, it then said I already had a virus program, so it would not complete it, meanwhile I have these signs popping up every 2 seconds saying huge threats everywhere, but when I had continued with that one, they wanted me to pay!:-5:-5

I can't get rid of them!

now when going to bookmarks, its says my server is down, what does that mean?

oh bum im not sure i know enough to help you here,,, the malware one i have helped me get rid of trojans,, and i definately have avg free.. hopefully someone else her might be better help,,, maybe you have to turn off your firewall to install it:-3 I have also started using firefox instead of IE as i was having problems quite often. so far so god with firefox but its early days yet:rolleyes:

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 5:04 am

Odie;1108178 wrote: when I downloaded AVG, it then said I already had a virus program, so it would not complete it, meanwhile I have these signs popping up every 2 seconds saying huge threats everywhere from Anti-Virus Plus, but when I had continued with that one, they wanted me to pay!

I can't get rid of them!-

now when going to bookmarks, its says my server is temporarily down, what does that mean?

In your control panel there's "add/remove programs". You need to remove every existing antivirus program you already installed - they fight each other, as you can see - and then restart the computer.

Then you can install AVG. You want the free version, not the pay version. The free version's at http://www.avg.com/filedir/inst/avg_fre ... 6a1400.exe

That will do a full scan and clean your disk and then it will continue to protect you as you work.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:21 am

spot;1108183 wrote: In your control panel there's "add/remove programs". You need to remove every existing antivirus program you already installed - they fight each other, as you can see - and then restart the computer.

Then you can install AVG. You want the free version, not the pay version. The free version's at http://www.avg.com/filedir/inst/avg_fre ... 6a1400.exe

That will do a full scan and clean your disk and then it will continue to protect you as you work.

HI!

found it and uninstalled one that I have found, now I will try avg and hope it works!

thanks Spot!

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:30 am

I have a spyware, so my tech is coming up, grrrrrrrrr!

thanks everyone for your help!

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:44 am

AVAST home edition is free it is simple and works you register it every 14 months. I use it on all my families PC's and Laptop. I'm not going to pay for antivirus software at home no need to.

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:48 am

It's a bit lighter on resource requirements too, Avast. I use that on any Windows computer with a processor under 1GHz or with less than 512MB of memory.

qsducks · Post by **qsducks** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:53 am

Odie;1108119 wrote: I have tried to download tons that say free, only after downloading, scanning, then they tell me I must pay for them.:-5:-5

I have downloaded ad-aware, but my choices are to 'save file'.......saving does not download for me!:-5:-5

I hate VISTA!

please send me a link to free ones.

desperately seeking one asap.

fanks

Do not download ad aware. I did and it polluted my other pc:mad:

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:00 am

qsducks;1108287 wrote: Do not download ad aware. I did and it polluted my other pc:mad:

There are millions of computer users who find Lavasoft's Adaware an invaluable tool for checking and removing advertising material that comes in across the Internet and tries to advertise products as you browse. I don't think I'd run it in resident mode but I'm convinced it's an invaluable and trustworthy stable tool for Windows users.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 8:06 am

Your right about that for the price it can't be beat. :wah: I'm just sick to death with the commercial ones they are bloated, space hogs, that do very little in the long run but take your money every time you blink. :-5

I have 3 products that run on all machines I work on. They make my life easier.

1. Home PC have AVAST

2. MALWAREBYTES to clean up those nasty trogans and other junk that sneaks on your machine when you least expect it and brings you to grinding halt.

3. On my works computer we have Symantec End Point Antivirus. Easy to work with and powerful.

[QUOTE]It's a bit lighter on resource requirements too, Avast. I use that on any Windows computer with a processor under 1GHz or with less than 512MB of memory.[/QUOTE]

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 2:23 pm

Don't forget anti-virus usually doesn't help with spyware. Get Spybot Search and Destroy and also Widows Defender. Both are free and good programs.......

The home of Spybot-S&D!

Windows Defender: Home Page

If you want a really good startup program try this........

BillP Studios: WinPatrol 2008

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 3:09 pm

FUBAR;1108752 wrote: Don't forget anti-virus usually doesn't help with spyware. Get Spybot Search and Destroy and also Widows Defender. Both are free and good programs.......

The home of Spybot-S&D!

Windows Defender: Home Page

If you want a really good startup program try this........

BillP Studios: WinPatrol 2008

thanks FUBAR, love the name, are you Canadian?

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 3:43 pm

FUBAR;1108752 wrote: Don't forget anti-virus usually doesn't help with spyware. Get Spybot Search and Destroy and also Widows Defender. Both are free and good programs.......They're also both runtime resident and the one major rule in using these products is not to use two, the performance impact is astronomical.

My own preference is to set my browsers to clear all private data automatically at the end of every session. I've also set Flash Player not to store anything. In the extremely unlikely event that I see a new toolbar installed - it can't, after all, be installed without my explicit permission - I'd deselect it. Is there anything else that Spybot Search and Destroy or Windows Defender do beyond those elementary hygiene precautions? I know of nothing.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 5:30 pm

when I search anything on the web, everything on that page is checkmarked, when I click something one, it goes back to the google page!:-5:-5

Post by **spot** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:26 pm

What are you searching with? What does checkmarked mean?

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:03 pm

Are you talking about "Google Chrome" browser??

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:14 pm

spot;1108871 wrote: What are you searching with? What does checkmarked mean?

I do all my searches on google, when links comes up on a page, they are all check marked to the right, which they never have been before.

A check mark is when something is complete, then you check mark it, like in grades in school.

When I click on one, it takes me back to the google page?

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 7:14 pm

CARLA;1108884 wrote: Are you talking about "Google Chrome" browser??

just google.

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 2:44 am

Perhaps you installed Protection from Adware, Spam, Viruses, Online Scams | McAfee SiteAdvisor and it's still there and running.

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:57 am

spot;1108809 wrote: They're also both runtime resident and the one major rule in using these products is not to use two, the performance impact is astronomical.

My own preference is to set my browsers to clear all private data automatically at the end of every session. I've also set Flash Player not to store anything. In the extremely unlikely event that I see a new toolbar installed - it can't, after all, be installed without my explicit permission - I'd deselect it. Is there anything else that Spybot Search and Destroy or Windows Defender do beyond those elementary hygiene precautions? I know of nothing.

I run both and no loss in performance, they stop anything before it even gets to my system. I also run Spyware Baster and Spyware Guard and still get along fine. They all look for different things but mostly for registry changes. I have never had any spyware or a virus at all so something is working. After each day I also run Cache Cleaner to clear everything out and check the registry.

It's not paranoid if they really are after you...........

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:59 am

FUBAR;1108964 wrote: I run both and no loss in performance, they stop anything before it even gets to my system. I also run Spyware Baster and Spyware Guard and still get along fine. They all look for different things but mostly for registry changes. I have never had any spyware or a virus at all so something is working. After each day I also run Cache Cleaner to clear everything out and check the registry.

It's not paranoid if they really are after you...........

And is there anything else that Spybot Search and Destroy or Windows Defender do beyond those elementary hygiene precautions I take?

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 6:22 am

spot;1108910 wrote: Perhaps you installed Protection from Adware, Spam, Viruses, Online Scams | McAfee SiteAdvisor and it's still there and running.

no, haven't installed those ones, its a mystery!:-5:-5

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:13 am

Odie;1108996 wrote: no, haven't installed those ones, its a mystery!:-5:-5

Have a look at SiteAdvisor Extension for Google

Is that picture the same as the checkboxes you're getting?

The checkboxes are there because something on your machine is putting them there, if it's not siteadvisor it's something else. You'll only get the checkboxes if you've something actively putting them on the screen.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:33 am

I say switch to "Google Chrome" or Firefox see if a different browser is easier to use. I don't use "Google" browser so I'm in the dark as to your problem and solving it.

Spot is correct something is causing the check until you find it nothing will change. Good luck..

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:39 am

:wah: FUBAR you obviously feel they are looking for you. I would call this overkill try malwarebytes.com it does it all and you control it. You can run it daily if you feel the need. It is by far the best one out there for FREE.

I have never had a virus on any machine I put AVAST and Malwarebytes on in tandem they work very nicely.

Just having that many spy programs on my machine would drive me crazy just updating them constantly would tick me off.

I run both and no loss in performance, they stop anything before it even gets to my system. I also run Spyware Baster and Spyware Guard and still get along fine. They all look for different things but mostly for registry changes. I have never had any spyware or a virus at all so something is working. After each day I also run Cache Cleaner to clear everything out and check the registry.

It's not paranoid if they really are after you...........

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:42 am

CARLA;1109032 wrote: I say switch to "Google Chrome" or Firefox see if a different browser is easier to use. I don't use "Google" browser so I'm in the dark as to your problem and solving it.

Spot is correct something is causing the check until you find it nothing will change. Good luck..

I have firefox as my browser, then downloaded netscape, which is crap!

everything keeps spinning!

is google chrome a web browser like internet explorer, firefox, netscape etc.?

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:48 am

Odie;1109043 wrote: then downloaded netscape, which is crap!What makes you think so? A lot of people put a lot of effort into building it. Rather like a lot of people put a lot of effort into building Vista.

Just because you can't make things work doesn't mean they're unusable.

I may be wrong but I think the last version of any Netscape-labelled browser expired and became unsupported eleven months ago.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:53 am

spot;1109051 wrote: What makes you think so? A lot of people put a lot of effort into building it. Rather like a lot of people put a lot of effort into building Vista.

Just because you can't make things work doesn't mean they're unusable.

like firefox, netscape crashes alot as well, everything keeps spinning until its says, close program.

now, because I have netscape, I do not have internet explorer and netscape is the only browser I have, can I uninstall firefox and re-install it safely?

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:56 am

Yes Google Chrome - Download a new browser check it out. Like Spot said Netscape isn't supported any longer try google chrome It is my go to browser now very simple and fast.

[QUOTE]is google chrome a web browser like internet explorer, firefox, netscape etc.?[/QUOTE]

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 7:58 am

I have been usuing firefox for the past couple of weeks i think now and it seems fine so far, I still have Internet Explorer if i want to use it though:)

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:04 am

Odie;1109055 wrote: like firefox, netscape crashes alot as well, everything keeps spinning until its says, close program.

now, because I have netscape, I do not have internet explorer and netscape is the only browser I have, can I uninstall firefox and re-install it safely?

How on earth did you delete Internet Explorer? I know it's technically possible but I've never seen anyone do it. For one thing it prevents Windows Update from running and you get no security patches.

If netscape is the only browser you have, how can you uninstall firefox?

I'm quite sure that you need Vista re-installing urgently, from what you describe.

Your first priority has to be taking a backup of any files you've created or downloaded which you don't want to lose. Then you need to find someone local who can put your computer and Vista back to its factory state.

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:07 am

oh bum! i havae just lost the sound on my computer!

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:09 am

spot;1109062 wrote: How on earth did you delete Internet Explorer? I know it's technically possible but I've never seen anyone do it. For one thing it prevents Windows Update from running and you get no security patches.

If netscape is the only browser you have, how can you uninstall firefox?

I'm quite sure that you need Vista re-installing urgently, from what you describe.

Your first priority has to be taking a backup of any files you've created or downloaded which you don't want to lose. Then you need to find someone local who can put your computer and Vista back to its factory state.

I accidentally uninstalled internet explore when I first bought Vista

my tech is coming Friday, will have him do that.

by having netscape, I can download firefox from there once its uninstalled, but I am going to leave it now.

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:14 am

Odie;1109065 wrote: by having netscape, I can download firefox from there once its uninstalled, but I am going to leave it now.

Out of morbid curiosity, if you click Help About, which version of netscape are you running?

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:23 am

You have to have internet explorer for Window Vista or any windows to update. Like Spot stated its a part of window operating system and is needed to keep your widows software current. I'm sure you didn't delete it entirely it usually rolls back to IE 6 if you uninstall IE 7. Removing the ICON from your desktop, start menu, or launch bar in Vista doesn't remove IE7 from your machine.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:51 am

thanks everyone, I will now wait for my own computer guy.

kazalala · Post by **kazalala** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:53 am

Odie;1109199 wrote: thanks everyone, I will now wait for my own computer guy.

Is your brain hurting?:-3:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl

Post by **spot** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 1:14 pm

I was quite honestly interested in discovering which version of Netscape you'd installed.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:37 pm

spot;1109307 wrote: i was quite honestly interested in discovering which version of netscape you'd installed.

8.0

K.Snyder · Post by **K.Snyder** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:54 pm

Odie;1108119 wrote: I have tried to download tons that say free, only after downloading, scanning, then they tell me I must pay for them.:-5:-5

I have downloaded ad-aware, but my choices are to 'save file'.......saving does not download for me!:-5:-5

I hate VISTA!

please send me a link to free ones.

desperately seeking one asap.

fanks

I don't believe there is any free effective anti-virus software available at all!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I could be wrong though...

:yh_wink...

I tried!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess all that's left is to give you :yh_kisses!!!!!!!!!!!!!...

:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl:yh_rotfl...

:yh_giggles...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_rotfl...

:wah:...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_wink...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

:yh_kisses...

Post by **spot** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:24 am

Odie;1109604 wrote: 8.0

That's what I wondered. 8.0 is an AOL-rebranded copy of Firefox 1.0.3 issued on May 19, 2005.

Security Advisories for Firefox 1.0 shows all the security vulnerabilities that were subsequently fixed in Firefox 1 which you've not had patched. Since then there have been the Security Advisories for Firefox 1.5 series for 1.5, Security Advisories for Firefox 2.0 for series 2 and Security Advisories for Firefox 3.0 for the current series 3. The fact that the Firefox team lists these vulnerabilities and discusses them openly is a good sign, not an indication of weakness in their product.

Security vulnerabilities lead to crashes both in the operating system and in the browser. You've not been getting the security patches from Microsoft (because you deleted Internet Explorer), you're missing the last three and a half years' worth of patches from Mozilla, you can't be surprised that browsing is a less than optimal experience for you. "I hate VISTA!" and "netscape, which is crap!" just indicate that you're unaware of what's going on.

Your absolutely essential first rule is to use a single free resident virus checker on a fully patched operating system with a current browser. You're screwed if you miss any of those conditions.

Your optional second rule is to occasionally run a spyware program if that makes you feel happier.

I suggest you print out this post and discuss it with your technician tomorrow, get him to try to explain why it's right and how to do it. He can reset the computer but he can't make it secure and stable if you don't understand and cooperate. At the moment you're like a hooker in brothel behind a truck-stop in sub-Saharan Africa who's never heard of condoms and wonders why she doesn't feel well. "I have downloaded ad-aware" is insufficient when it comes to precautionary measures.

Odie · Post by **Odie** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 6:47 am

spot;1109631 wrote: That's what I wondered. 8.0 is an AOL-rebranded copy of Firefox 1.0.3 issued on May 19, 2005.

Security Advisories for Firefox 1.0 shows all the security vulnerabilities that were subsequently fixed in Firefox 1 which you've not had patched. Since then there have been the Security Advisories for Firefox 1.5 series for 1.5, Security Advisories for Firefox 2.0 for series 2 and Security Advisories for Firefox 3.0 for the current series 3. The fact that the Firefox team lists these vulnerabilities and discusses them openly is a good sign, not an indication of weakness in their product.

Security vulnerabilities lead to crashes both in the operating system and in the browser. You've not been getting the security patches from Microsoft (because you deleted Internet Explorer), you're missing the last three and a half years' worth of patches from Mozilla, you can't be surprised that browsing is a less than optimal experience for you. "I hate VISTA!" and "netscape, which is crap!" just indicate that you're unaware of what's going on.

Your absolutely essential first rule is to use a single free resident virus checker on a fully patched operating system with a current browser. You're screwed if you miss any of those conditions.

Your optional second rule is to occasionally run a spyware program if that makes you feel happier.

I suggest you print out this post and discuss it with your technician tomorrow, get him to try to explain why it's right and how to do it. He can reset the computer but he can't make it secure and stable if you don't understand and cooperate. At the moment you're like a hooker in brothel behind a truck-stop in sub-Saharan Africa who's never heard of condoms and wonders why she doesn't feel well. "I have downloaded ad-aware" is insufficient when it comes to precautionary measures.

I had uninstalled netscape last night and printed this off today for my tech tomorrow, he will check my firefox and re-install internet explorer etc and he will check everything as he knows his stuff.

thanks!

Post by **spot** » Thu Jan 15, 2009 7:00 am

Odie;1109682 wrote: I had uninstalled netscape last night and printed this off today for my tech tomorrow, he will check my firefox and re-install internet explorer etc and he will check everything as he knows his stuff.

thanks!

I'm not trying to improve the abilities of your technician, he's a technician, I'm sure he knows more than I do. What's worrying is that you're not managing to grasp what's being said which, to my mind, means you'll end up back where you started in a month or two.

The danger of getting your machine into the state you got yours is that it's by then been turned to the dark side. It's sat on the Internet scanning for other computers with lax security upgrades so that it can inject a takeover the way yours was taken over. Each computer taken over tries to infect more, they build up into cooperative groups at the disposal of criminal gangs, an infected computer sends out hundreds of spam emails a day until it's fixed, the infected computers steal data and allow the gangs to successfully blackmail businesses. It's not what happens to your computer which matters so much as the havoc it wreaks on everyone else while you're online muttering at how slow it is compared to when you bought it and how it keeps crashing.