I've been using av freeware so far, but I had some issues recently on my computer and I figure it was virus related although my freeware stuff didn't alert me to it or anything. It took just too much time to find out what the problem was and since I need my pc at home for work related things, too, it's quite important that it's virus free .

So, any suggestions of proper antivirus software for my Windows XP system?

Welcome to PCHF jamesframes.

I have used AVG (www.grisoft.com) for 6 years and it has never cost me a penny OR let me down.

Hello James,

There is of course more to protecting your PC than just anti virus. Perhaps you have had other types of malware infect your PC which would not be identified by your Antivirus software.

Can you please tell us what you are running?

Also, read the article in the link of my sig, Protecting your PC.

Look forward to your reply,

TTFN

T

Actually, while the former is right (there's more than just virii out there), the latter (av software doesn't identify mal- and spyware) isn't. At least not with the av app that I'm using, which is Norton Antivirus. The newest version of that one actually incorporates malware and spyware removal into the antivirus scanner. Personally, I think that one was loooong overdue because the two fields are so closely related and all. So, it was just a matter of time before an av app came up with adding spyware, adware and malware removal to their features.

It's nice not to have a second app for malware protection anymore. Until recently I used to scan my system regularly with Spybot and Adaware. I did so several times after I upgraded to Norton AV 2006 and since the two didn't come up with any malware anymore, I stopped scanning with them completely now and leave it all up to NAV.

:smiley: Hi Chipper,

Thank you for attempting to help the users. However, you are incorrect in your assumptions. I myself use Norton Antivirus, which I returned to after trying the new Suite, which I must admit, I was not as impressed with as you seem to be. To each their own.

First of all while Symantec's newest suite does also check for malware, you are mistaken to put all of your faith in one program regardless of it's capacities and are in fact leaving yourself open to malware infections.

Here is the bottom line; in order to protect your computer you need to have one Anti Virus, one Anti Spyware and one Firewall running at all times. This minimizes conflicts and gives you the best attempt at protecting your PC. However, you cannot expect any company to be able to keep up with the enormous influx of new malware that is foisted upon the public daily.

It is very common for different companies to have different response times to fixes for new malware, both viral and ad/spyware. In order to fully protect your computer, it is recommended that you run several anti-spyware programs, such as Spybot and Adaware, as well as a couple of on-line virus scans regularly. Optimally every week, acceptably, every other week. It is also advised to have a blocking program such as Spyware Blaster which should be updated weekly to keep known malware from getting to you in the first place.

Look forward to seeing you in the forums.

TTFN

Lady Green Witch
Technical Staff

May i reccomend Avast Anti Virus, been using it for a while now, and it hasnt let me down. http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html You will need to register, for a code and this code entitles you to 14 months worth of free updates. after that you have to re register again to obtain a new code.