Avast - free, simple, and I have not had any trouble with it slowing down my laptop. Of course, since I'm comparing it to life with Norton and McAfee which bogged down my computer to snail speed while occupying vast amounts of the computer's brainpower, maybe all things are relative...

For my home computer AVG Free.

For work McAfee.

I work in IT.

Avira. Protects my machine and doesn't slow things down the way Avast does.

Run Microsoft Security Essentials. Turn on the default Windows Firewall on your machine. Use the security settings in your browser. Get the freeware AVG A/V program at http://www.avg.com

As pointed out, while no system is 100% safe, if you really want to make yourself less vulnerable and are not dependent on too many Windows applications, you can download the free CentOS or Ubuntu Linux OS's. While they are not 100% clean, there are significantly fewer viruses that have been adapted for those operating systems. And the latest Ubuntu is very Mac OSX-like.

Avast has worked great for me. But I'm also careful about sites that I visit and things I download.

Avast is ok as someone mentioned, but it really dogs your machine to the point where you feel like throwing it out the window. I agree with everything 13:20 said, including the part about MS Security essentials. I used to put Avast on the PCs of all the people bugging me for help, but now I've switched to that.

Macs are safer of course, and will remain so as long as they remain unpopular in the global market. That might change if they ever break 5% of all systems in use, but for now they just aren't worth a hacker's attention.

I was just searching for a new security suite last week as well, and saw that the free Avast version gets great reviews on CNET. I ponied up the $40 for the Avast upgrade since I do a lot of shopping and banking online, and wanted the extra security that suite offered. Google "best pc security software" and one of the first links should be to a CNET site, you can read reviews and figure out which one(s) are best for you. GL, OP -- it sucks when the computer isn't functional!

Avast
It's free and reliable.

I have the security software through Verizon (my internet provider). Works fine for me.

I have a Windows machine and am 100% satisfied with the free Microsoft Security Essentials. I have found McAfee and Norton to be almost as bad as the disease - insidious and almost impossible to uninstall.

That said, no package will keep you safe when visiting shady websites or clicking on links in emails/Facebook. By the by, Macs DO get viruses. They are safer but no perfect.

Macs do indeed get viruses. They aren't any less vulnerable than other OS options. Their increasing popularity has made them more of a target in recent years, which is why you didn't hear as much about them. Regardless, no anti-virus solution will be 100% effective, as long as a user is involved with the system. My best advice, after cleaning the computer, lock down all permissions so that no one has the ability to allow anything to be installed.

No seriously, buy a Mac - you won't need an anti-virus protection program.

OP here - as previously stated due to car purchase this past week and medical bills, buying a mac right now is NOT an option!


I would greatly appreciate anyone's advice for pc anti-virus programs!

buy an apple

Manic Monday it is: I don't know why I am plagued with virus problems, but this morning my laptop was infected again (I was only on msn.com). After some tears, anger, and frustration - I started praying that a friemd can make it somewhat functional and possibly retrieve some things for me. So the question of the day is: what anti-virus program do you love and swear by? I have used Norton and McAfee and have had virus' make my computer unusable with both programs. This is the 4th time in 2 years that this has happened to me. I know that Macs do not get viruses, but since I just got a car, I do not have $2,000 + to invest in one unfortunately. I would appreciate your suggestions on this!