Help with new puter

[BASS fisherman]

Hi folks!   I'm back..........

I recently purchased a laptop and a broadband card so I can go online anywhere at anytime.

I need the name of some really great free virus protection software.  

Would  I be better off buying it?  

Thanks ya!

[CFFF 1.5]

www.free.grisoft.com AVG Antivirus

www.spybot.com Spyware/Adware Remover

[Dan:]

Would I be better off buying it?

Depends which one you buy. I really don't like McAfee or Norton. I use Kaspersky because it scans EVERYTHING and has really good detection rates. For Spyware, I like Webroot Spysweeper.

If you MUST get one for free, I would also go with AVG for viruses and Windows Defender for spyware.

[Glenn]

Buy it.  Get TrendMicro's PC-cillin.

Also get Adaware and Spybot - these are anti-malware programs, not anti-virus programs.  Both have free versions.

[Long Mike]

Help with a new puter?  What's a puter?  I've heard of a putter.  I have one that I use very badly.  I've never heard of a puter.  ;D

[jeremyt]

I use Avast and have not had any problems, its free and you only need to update your info once a year. It has a background scan and regular updates as needed. It was recommended to me from a guy who runs a saltwater fishing site.  As Glenn said use adaware and a spy bot or you will be sorry!

[Hookemdown.]

I'm currently running Norton and have not seen any problems.

[fishinfiend]

I am a big fan of AVG and spybot S&D.

[done]

I have gone through McAffee, Norton, and a few others with mixed results. Have been using Microsoft's OneCare for about a year now with good results.

They have a free 60 day trial you can use to test it out if you want to look at it.

[Dan:]

Buy it. Get TrendMicro's PC-cillin.

Another good suggestion. PC-Cillin also has very good detection rates and reviews.

[burleytog]

AVG pre-8.0 was a quality AV program.  8.0 is a bloated piece of junk.  

[njbassguy]

I have been using AVAST for two years now and it checks and updates as well. I was skeptical being an IT guy , but it works.

I would load lavasoft adaware another free product and scan your machine once in a while to clean cookies unwanted stuff etc