My folks puter has had some virus's get to it possably, and I'm wondering how to help them out (sorry, they don't want to buy a Mac now Puck).
I've got them Firefox, but I'm not sure what else to run that's worth a crap. I used to have some programs on my old puter like Hijackthis and Spybot. Maybe try them out again?
I've got them Firefox, but I'm not sure what else to run that's worth a crap. I used to have some programs on my old puter like Hijackthis and Spybot. Maybe try them out again?
I'd use those same programs. Plus, check and make sure they have up to date antivirus software running.
That reminds me, I think their Norton's anti-virus ran out.
Are any of these anti-virus programs better than the others? Norton? McAfee?
Are any of these anti-virus programs better than the others? Norton? McAfee?
AVG, which has a free version for home users
I can't stand Norton or McAfee.
I can't stand Norton or McAfee.
I've had great success with Norton, but McAfee is a real P.O.S.
If you go with Norton, just make sure to only get the anti-virus product (around $20 at Wal Mart), not the internet security that has the firewall and all that other jazz built in.
For spyware, try spybot search and destroy, adaware and Windows Defender (all free).
Also, make sure you run Windows Update and apply all critical patches. If they have Microsoft Office products, upgrade Windows Update to Microsoft Update (there's a link on the Windows Update page). Microsoft Update just combines system updates and office app updates.
If you go with Norton, just make sure to only get the anti-virus product (around $20 at Wal Mart), not the internet security that has the firewall and all that other jazz built in.
For spyware, try spybot search and destroy, adaware and Windows Defender (all free).
Also, make sure you run Windows Update and apply all critical patches. If they have Microsoft Office products, upgrade Windows Update to Microsoft Update (there's a link on the Windows Update page). Microsoft Update just combines system updates and office app updates.
My only real problem with Norton is that it is too memory/CPU hungry, especially for older systems. AVG is basically as good with much less of a footprint on your system.
Plus, of course, it's a waste of money to pay Symantec every year to re-subscribe when AVG is free and just as good (or better).
Plus, of course, it's a waste of money to pay Symantec every year to re-subscribe when AVG is free and just as good (or better).
sk, do i need to downlaod the avg trial that's linked on the upper right? http://www.grisoft.com/doc/1
and on a side note, why am i holdong down the shift key while typing a leter and not getting a capital letter? probably hit a wrong button, doh
and on a side note, why am i holdong down the shift key while typing a leter and not getting a capital letter? probably hit a wrong button, doh
Bobo said:
:ha:
I'm at a loss for words then
(but I never get tired of hearing of people's struggles with AntiViral programs and how they are complete CPU hogs .... and they still can't keep you secure from infestation. Some virus' adapt and no Virus program can keep up with the new ones that are being coded until AFTER the software companies learn of them and update their code)
just tell your folks that if they want a computer that won't crash, won't get viral sickness, don't need defragmenting, don't need registry cleanups, etc.. - thy name is Macintosh :brow:
Starkiller said:
Norton definitely uses up more system resources than some other solutions, but if you only use the av software and not the "system" package it is usually pretty manageable. I've never used AVG before, but everything I've read on it indicates that its detection rates are much lower than commercial packages.
Looking up some stats on AV software I kept coming across this one. Anyone ever use it? It gets a lot of good buzz from some techies. I'd never even heard of it...
http://www.nod32.com/home/home.htm
http://www.nod32.com/home/home.htm
I've heard NOD32 very good (haven't used it myself), though not free. Though I have to question any software named after Neil O'Donnell... :ha:
As for AVG, the detection rates are supposedly a bit below Norton's, but not signifigantly. And certainly not enough (in my opinion) to make it a lesser choice that Norton for home users.
As for AVG, the detection rates are supposedly a bit below Norton's, but not signifigantly. And certainly not enough (in my opinion) to make it a lesser choice that Norton for home users.
Starkiller said:
Yeah, I think anything named after a backup quarterback has to be in question.:ha: I think it's about $40/year which is on the pricey side.
I've got an old desktop that my 4 year old uses to play games on nick jr. and playhouse disney, etc. and the Norton just ran out on it. I might give AVG a go on it and see how it works.
I use Avast for virus. does a good job and free
Mozilla Firefox for browser is good.
I use Eudora for Email to make sure stuff designed to hit MS Outlook doesn't get me.
For spyware I use adaware and spybot search and destroy.
There's a pretty good summary of programs at download.com with evaluations of the most popular stuff.
Mozilla Firefox for browser is good.
I use Eudora for Email to make sure stuff designed to hit MS Outlook doesn't get me.
For spyware I use adaware and spybot search and destroy.
There's a pretty good summary of programs at download.com with evaluations of the most popular stuff.
Puck said:
You should hear the abuse I take for being a Mac user from the recording forums :ha:
They claim that Macs are too expensive, and then talk about all the downtime they have trying to stop the PC madness and losing client audio files. Now just how expensive is THAT?
One guy just spent more money on another motherboard after his burned up than I did in my entire system.
Every time I read a post whining over all the things you listed above, I really tick 'em off by posting the Name Game:
Apple Apple mo mapple
Banana fanna bo bapple
Fee fie foe fapple
Apple!
Macs are much cheaper from the date you buy it. Here's an article that compares the total cost of ownership of Macs versus PCs...
http://www.networkworld.com/best/2006/022706bestbreaker-schwartau.html
http://www.networkworld.com/best/2006/022706bestbreaker-schwartau.html
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