So, I've had my new computer for 2 months now. All the trials it came with are expired and there are some programs I had downloaded that were for the same thing as far as antivirus/spyware etc... All the IMPORTANT stuff. I didn't realize until todat that my computer shows a 1 out of 10 protection level. Uh-oh! So, before I get a virus or have mu computer crash, what softwares and stuff should I buy? I totally clueless since i've always had my Dad do it. Is McAfee better or Norton? How many programs need to be downloaded for full protection? Any help is appreciated.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 - 11:16 pm:

We use McAfee and have been pleased with it. We bought the yearly renewable package that we just download online. It was like $70 or so for Privacy Service, Virus, Spamkiller, and Firewall. We also recently purchased McAfee Anti-Spyware. After a year, it automatically renews and our cc is charged. We also get updates almost daily.
I recommend no doubt about it a firewall and virus protection. We've been infected with spyware twice (a major life complication!!!) because we didn't have any protection. We've had NO problems since getting all of that.
Lots of people use some free protection fron the internet though, and I'm sure someone will post about those here. I just kind of go by the old saying that "you get what you pay for". Just me though. Good luck!

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 07:14 am:

I am a Norton fan - Norton 2005 is GREAT, IMO. We have tried numerous anti virus programs over the years, and there are even still some free ones you can download, but we like Norton the best. Our Norton (2002 or 2003) just came up for renewal, so we bought Norton 2005, for something like $49. They often have $20 rebates too. Also run Adaware and Spybot, or some similar programs regularly to ensure you are adware/spyware free. The $15 or $20 annual renewal on virus protection software is a small price to pay and SO worth it.

By Kittycat_26 on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 07:45 am:

We're Norton (anti-virus & firewall) fans here too. My DH swears by it and recommends it to everyone who comes up with problems on their computer. He also keeps Adaware updated and that seems to be working for us so far.

By Trina~moderator on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 07:46 am:

DH works in IT and we use Norton.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 09:57 am:

We use AVG. http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1

By Jann on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 11:01 am:

I was a McAfee customer for years. Loved them, but decided to quit paying the money if I didn't have to.
I use all free....AVG, Zone Alarm, Adaware, Spybot and Spyware Blaster.
Just to double check my protection, I download Trend and Norton's free check and always come clean.

By Insaneusmcwife on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 03:21 pm:

Good Luck, I have something fishy going on with my computer. If I use the Explorer to go on line when I hit exit it tells me there is and error. So I have figured out that I can use AOL for now until I have time to figure out what the problem is. Let me know what you decide because I think we are coming up on time to make the big McAfee Vs. Noron decision.

By Reds9298 on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 04:54 pm:

We also use Spybot which is just extra protection.

By Emily7 on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 06:38 pm:

I also is Zone Alarm, AVG, Spybot, & Yahoo's Antispy. I don't pay for any of them & have not had any major problems at all. In fact I had more problems when I used McAfee.

By Boxzgrl on Thursday, July 21, 2005 - 08:09 pm:

I'm thinking of downloading Norton. Reds, if I buy the full version, is my computer totally protected? Right now the only program I have is AdAware. Will I need anything else with Norton?

By Dawnk777 on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 12:01 am:

We have free Zone Alarm and paid-for AVG. We have three computers, so bought a 5-site license for AVG. We never get viruses. I also run Adaware occasionally.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, July 22, 2005 - 06:09 am:

Melissa, I got Norton Internet Security last year - around $60-70, I think, though I'm sure it is discounted at, for example, Best Buy. It gives virus protection, spam sorter/protection in email, a firewall, popup and ad blocker. And if you need popups (for a game page, in my case), you can turn it off for that page. I truly think it is worth the cost, and the annual renewal fee, which is minimal. If you combine that with blocking unwanted cookies, and keep your antivirus protection updated at least weekly, you should be home free. One warning, if you have Windows XP you have to turn off the Windows firewall in order to have the Norton firewall. I prefer the Norton firewall because it not only blocks incoming attacks (which the XP firewall also does), it also blocks anything going out of your computer without your permission (which XP doesn't), which means if you get a Trojan, it can't mine your computer for information and send it out, or use your computer to send spam. (If you have cable or DSL internet connection, that service may have a firewall. There are also some compatibility issues, I believe, with Norton's firewall and cable or DSL, but there are work-arounds.)

If you want to know how to block cookies, see one of my earlier posts:
http://www.momsview.com/discus/messages/41/31581.html#POST184916

Personally, I would not feel "secure" on my computer without a full-fledged anti-virus program like Norton or McAfee. I prefer Norton for ease of download and use, but a lot of people swear by McAfee.