need some advice-antivirus

Reply #10

Todd — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:43:34 GMT

Not trying to minimize the importance of a secure network. But it's just that the chances of getting a hacker in your network are miniscule next to the chances of getting infected via e-mail or download link. Even a basic router with no extra settings is secure enough for most people. Anyone who wants to strengthen their security with MAC address filtering, etc., is certainly not doing any harm.

Reply #9

nymesis — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:09:26 GMT

If i can just add my two cents. I got called to clean out a friends computer about three days ago and found adaware and hijackthis to be extremely helpful but i always use those tools. CWShredder is another one. I ran across one particular hack called Purityscan that poses as a security or virus protection suite that i couldnt remove yet(i get frustrated easy lol) and it kept seeding itself in the machine after every wipe. So yes Hijackthis is still a free service and there are sites out there t... [ More ]

Reply #8

LottoChica23 — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:42:55 GMT

I realize that about the MAC address Todd, which is why I said that router security measures along with software measures and safe surfing make a good combination.

If a hacker could get into your computer/network, he or she could deposit malicious software (trojan, virus) onto your computer or obtain information on your computer without your knowledge. Then you may have a virus or some other issue to deal with. If such router security ability exists, one would want to lock out intruders vi... [ More ]

Reply #7

Todd — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:18:08 GMT

I'd agree with the ZoneAlarm comment. It's the best free firewall out there. They keep making the free download links harder to find, but it's worth tracking them down.

LottoChica23, the one thing I wanted to mention about the MAC address thing and the router topic is that those measures are for keeping hackers out of your computer/network, but they don't have a measurable impact on viruses, because most viruses arrive through e-mail or by clicking on a download link. Those things are happ... [ More ]

Reply #6

LottoChica23 — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 16:01:32 GMT

I hope that you get rid of the on your computer. Everyone here gave excellent advice. It would help you tremendously if you would block intrusions at every point possible that is available to you.

You didn't mention how you access the internet. If you access it through a wireless connection and your router has Internet security built in, that is another access point that you can utilize to block out intruders. Some routers let you limit network access to PC's with specific MAC addresses (wi... [ More ]

Reply #5

Todd — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 15:34:30 GMT

Do a Google search on Avast. That's the best free one, IMHO.

Reply #4

colthmn — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 14:16:56 GMT

Lottomike, justxploring is absolutely right!!! I was hijacked about a year ago, and fumbled with trying to extricate a series of viruses and the perpetrator taunting me and threatening to take over my computer completely. So, I went to the microsoft site One care which at the time was free as justxploring says, and within 45 minutes Mr. Wang was assigned to me to walk me thru the steps using the Techie site Hijackthis!! Not only was I impressed with their response time, but the ease in clearin... [ More ]

Reply #3

justxploring — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 09:34:35 GMT

Sometimes I goof and stay online even when I'm out for hours. It's always wise to close your browser or shutdown, although I usually just use hibernate which is automatic when my laptop closes.

I also have been using AVG for a years, but it's only for virus protection. I run Microsoft's Window Defender anti-spyware, which is free. I use the Firewall that came with XP, SP2.

If you think someone has infected your computer, you might want to download run HijackThis. Does it seem as i... [ More ]

Reply #2

phileight — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 00:08:30 GMT

avg has good anti virus. Adaware has a good spyware. the off button is the best firewall when not using your computer.

p8

Reply #1

four4me — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:48:32 GMT

Aren't you on AOL. if you are they have free McAfee http://safety.aol.com/isc/index.adp? and aol has it's own spy-ware program.

need some advice-antivirus

LOTTOMIKE — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 18:18:47 GMT

i know i've asked this before and i'm sorry i never did do it because i was very busy and now i'm paying the price.i need to know a good free antivirus and spyware i can put on my computer.i think i'm being hacked and maybe more but not sure yet.i would really appreciate some advice on the best free antivirus and spyware.