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| ANTI-VIRUS & ANTI-SPYWARE SOFTWARE |
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Please note that there are several really bad virus/trojans out there. If you notice a dramatic slow down on your machine, difficulty getting on the net, or your virus program turns itself off or won't open, you are in trouble
Run your antivirus program immediately. Maybe it will catch it. If you still have problems, BACKUP YOUR DATA and get some help. These latest ones are really a pain to get rid of. (3/3/09)
These two different types of problems are beginning to overlap as time goes on. Both of these categories have many subcategories.
In Windows systems, you have to deal with more than 100,000 programs that are out to get you. Put this in perspective... The Linux operating system has between 100 to 500. Mac have very few as well.
So if you run windows... get ready or regret it.
Free Anti-Virus Programs
This is the most popular free anti-virus program out there. It is used by millions successfully. However it is certain nowhere near bullet proof.
For an average user, with dial up, or no always on the net, this will do fine. It protects email, etc. But if you are online a lot (like me), then I have to tell you to get one of the commercial programs.
Avast is not as recognized as others, but Cnet rates it better than AVG! Interesting... It certainly is making progress of the last couple of years.
This is a newer product that is getting great reviews. I've not used it myself yet, but it is in all the recommended software lists. Give it a look-see.
Normally, AV programs are run in the background and are on all the time. This is great if you have the resources. But, can strain low end machines, and those with only a little memory.
Clamwin IS NOT RESIDENT. To scan you must do so manually. It has a fairly high detection rate. So, it might be a nice BACKUP program to keep when you are not sure the regular program is working.
And there are others. Google "free antivirus software".
FREE ONLINE SCANS
There are SEVERAL scans you can get free online. It is a great way to double check your installed AV program. I've used them many a time.
When you look these up, read carefully to see if they actually FIX the problems, as opposed to just telling you they exist, though it is nice either way.
These all require some downloading to your machine, so if you are on dial-up (shudder), then prepare for a marathon session.
Here are a few:
And there are others! Google "free online Virus Scan."
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What commerical program should you use? The most effective program is Kaspersky Internet Security. But there is always all the rest, Panda, Computer Associates(CA), Trend-micro, System Suite, and others. All are good , none are perfect. But if your program is not attacked... so much the better. What do I use? Kaspersky Internet Security Its done very well. It even has an effective anti-spyware! What I like is that it's license covers 3 computers. McAfee always stuck me for $40 for each machine. Can I get by without a an Anti-virus program? Sure... for a while. It could be OK for a few minutes to a few days, maybe weeks. I guarantee you if you are on the net, you WILL be hit. A "good" virus will cost you your data, make you do a reinstall, and drive you crazy. A lot of people spend a lot of money because they thought they could "get by".. AN EMERGENCY FIX McAfee.com
has lots of free information about the viruses and such. They also has
the STINGER program that you can download and use for free. |