Computer help please

[Songman]

NOD32 is the best anti-virus going. It takes up very little memory, very fast, and catches things that the others won't even look at. Not free, but worth it.

[WEC4104]

I'd like to throw in a word of caution about running multiple Anti-Virus/spyware/registery cleaners at the same time.   Many of these programs do not play well with others.  It is not uncommon for folks to load multiple programs on their PCs thinking that, if a little is good, more must be better. Then they start running into issues.  The programs wrestle for control over locking and unlocking critical files, and bump heads regularly.   Careful what you mix.

[TomCat]

^^ True dat!

Jay
87 SaftLiner

[Len Silva]

Len,

Don't for a second think that anything that 'pops up', is in any way going to be good for you or your computer.

It almost scares me that you feel it's legit.

You have a Trojan or Malware that has installed itself.


Jay
87 SaftLiner

Jay,  There would not have been a question if it were not for my occasional memory lapses.  I thought there might be a possibility that I downloaded it myself based on someones recommendation.

I went to their website and it appeared legit though I questioned it's effectiveness.  I had no problem uninstalling it.
Thanks for the help,

Len

[Songman]

I'd like to throw in a word of caution about running multiple Anti-Virus/spyware/registery cleaners at the same time.   Many of these programs do not play well with others.  It is not uncommon for folks to load multiple programs on their PCs thinking that, if a little is good, more must be better. Then they start running into issues.  The programs wrestle for control over locking and unlocking critical files, and bump heads regularly.   Careful what you mix.

Absolutely true! Not to mention the fact that all of these competing programs are also eating up needed memory and slowing the computer down. Pick one good program of each and stick with it.... Just make sure none of them are Norton!

[white-eagle]

i use the premium AVG small biz version.  all of the paid versions have a link scanner.  it's also built into ie7.  it scans everything that has a hyperlink or that you type in on the address bar to make sure it's not reported as a problem.  all of that checking takes time, so you wait.  just disable the link check.

another good, free spyware is microsoft windows defender.  works well, low maintenance, not intrusive (ala norton).

and as someone said, don't run 2 anti-virus or spyware scanners at the same time.  it's ok to have spybot, AVG and windows Defender.  pick one, leave it run, but occasionally turn it off and scan with one of the others.  One scanner is good, 2 is better, but not at the same time.

The paid version of AVG should be purchased if you have a business or use the computer for business.  That's AVG's legal license even on the free stuff.  but like anything else, if you like it support it.  it's relatively cheap.

Microsoft now also has an anti-virus, anti-problem, anti-spyware software that should be good since they know most of the issues.  it's also at a bargain price .  i think it's called onecare.

[wrench]

  You can open an account with logmein, (an email & password for that application only), install the software(free version), & then forward the email, password, & access code to one who know how to con fig
PC & he can log on to your PC & assist you while you watch(with vocal explanation or chat window) & learn/remember.  After the session you disable the software & you're on you own. If you need assist later you re-active the software & call the assist friend/tech & give it a shot again.
  It's lot cheaper then having one to drive to your place to solve problems when it can be done remotely.
    I am doing it with 6 PC, & it work wonderfull because I don't have to sit there & watch the upgrade process on the screen, I can do something else & monitor the process once in a while.
  Here a video (in french) but give an idea.(will make one in broken English when time permit).
http://s442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/metricwrench/HELPER/?action=view&current=installationdelogmein.flv       
wrench

[WEC4104]

I just spent a bit of time poking around various websites looking at reviews of Internet Security software. One thing that kind of caught me by surprise were the discussions of the new Norton Internet Security 2009 product.

Let me state up front that I am not a big fan of the Symantec suites, and based on my past experiences with them, if anybody wants to take a shot at them, I'd be the first to hand you the shotgun.

HOWEVER, the 2009 product does sound like it is significantly different, and much improved.

I am always sceptical of website software reviews from unknown sources because you never know who was paid to produce the glowing review.  I choose to go to industry magazines and known independent organizations.

PC Magazine gave it and editor's choice, stating: "This is definitely the slimmest, most unobtrusive Norton ever. Its protection is top-notch where it counts, though antispam and parental controls are still weak. As the best all-around security suite yet (I'll be installing it myself), it's our new Editors' Choice."

CNet also gave it high marks and said: "Norton Internet Security 2009 hits all the right security notes and its superior protection technologies might even win back some jaded anti-Symantec folks..."

Lastly, I read through a whole bunch of user comments submitted to PC Mag and CNet.  There were quite a few Symantec haters that had some nice things to say about NIS2009.

Again, I have no deep love for the Norton products, nor a personal interest in defending them. Just trying to pass along so recent info.

For any busnuts who might happen to be running Norton 2008, I believe they have a free upgrade to 2009 that is valid for the duration of your 2008 subscription.  Basically, if you have 5 months left on your 2008 subscription, you can upgrade and run 2009 for your last five months. Sounds like it would be worth checking out.

Wayne
 

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Guy's,

Just a note about SpyBot. There are many impersonators of SpyBot now. Make sure you are only downloading it from SAFER NETWORKS..

I use Spybot on all my comps and have reccomened it to many but, some have downloaded it from bad places and got in trouble.

Good Luck
Nick-

[gus]

I agree with Jay, I would never open anything that pops up on my computer. There are enough problems with programs I actually download!!

Unfortunately, some of the free "anti" programs actually load malware you are trying to eliminate!!

I also agree with all the neg stuff about Norton. It used to me my favorite but it is now overpriced and a space hog. I have deleted everything Norton on my computer. Most of my programs are free and work much better than Norton.

My browser, Firefox actually does a better job of eliminating most malware than the independent programs.

I also use SpyBot and Ad-Aware to clean things up a bit. They aren't outstanding but they are free and do a good job.

The best place to get free programs is through a PC magazine website, that is usually assurance that the programs are legit.