what's a good free virus killer download?

[john walker's workshop]

i keep getting a blinking yellow triangle and the message: your computer is infected with the latest version of trojan (worm_attck_v122.02a) recommend installing an anti-virus softward.

i tried a 90 day free trial of win-something that pretty much seized up my computer and i had to remove it.

maybe it's a hoax, because i was getting all sorts of warnings for a while, but they appeared to be come-ons from various companies. is there anything safe out there?

[widebody911]

I use http://www.free-av.com/ and http://spybot.com/

[VincentVega]

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1

[artplumber]

If it's a virus maybe you can find McAfee for a trial period. I personally use Symmantec, but I don't think you can find that for free.

If it is spyware, then Spybot and Adaware are free (donations)

[PeteBrown]

zonealarm is a great firewall for virus protection.

[RickM]

For Windows I like MS Defender.....It's free and works well on both Virus/worms/etc as well as spyware/adware: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=435bfce7-da2b-4a6a-afa4-f7f14e605a0d&DisplayLang=en

CCleaner is also a very nice free housekeeping tool: www.CCleaner.com

MS Malicious Software Removal tool: http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx

[Eric Coffey]

Excellent free virus protection:
www.avast.com

Download page link:
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

[layzee]

2nd on Avast. Used it for years on home free home licence and never had a problem.

[MysticLlama]

A few choices here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/wsc/en-us/default.mspx

I usually use the CA one because it works pretty good and it's 12 months of free updates.

I don't know if it sends any spam since I ususually install it for people by signing up for a throwaway hotmail or yahoo account, getting the activation code and getting it running. I put it on all the machines I build along with Windows Defender and they seem to work well together.

[masraum]

For spyware stuff the MS Defender is a great free option, I'd also recommend a firewall. Also, I'd just pony up and get Trend Micro. Symantec Nortan used to be the top dog, but because it had that rep it got lazy and is bloated and eats resources. Trend Micro is the current performer on the block.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I use EZ Antitrust AV - not free but it works well and seems to be compatable with every program I have loaded.

The same cannot be said with Norton or McAffee.

[masraum]

Originally posted by john_cramer
John,

Spend $60 and get Norton 2006, you can even download it so's you don't have to schlep down to the Mall.

If a virus wipes out your computer and you have to reinstall everything and restore from all your backups (you DO have BACKUPS, don't you?) I humbly submit that you would GLADLY pay $60 to have The Great Computer Hacker In The Sky to come down and wave His Magic Finger and put everything Right again.

Exactly, except that Trend Micro is better than Norton . You can download Trend Micro too.

[rcecale]

You could always go to Trend Micro's website and perform their free, online virus scan.

They also have a Free, on-line spyware removal utility.

Only problem with these is that they don't provide real-time protection.

Randy

[HardDrive]

John, I sent you a PM.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally posted by MysticLlama
A few choices here:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/wsc/en-us/default.mspx

I usually use the CA one because it works pretty good and it's 12 months of free updates.

I don't know if it sends any spam since I ususually install it for people by signing up for a throwaway hotmail or yahoo account, getting the activation code and getting it running. I put it on all the machines I build along with Windows Defender and they seem to work well together.

Rob,

Thanks for the CA plug. I'm a Director for the consumer division, that's my groups product.

I can tell you that we take opt-in and email compliance very seriously.

There are 31 of us in the core group so you are dealing with real people that are very protective of our customers.

We do send out emails with special offers from time to time and if you don't want them there is an opt out link and I personally gaurantee that we take everyone that wants off the list off the list permenantly. You can even PM me and I'll have it done personally. We scrub the email list before each and every mailing.

You do want to use a valid email so you get all the upgrade notices, if you don't get the upgrade notices your leaving money on the table. If you opt out of the mail list you still get product upgrade notices which I think you would want.

The upgrades are always free for the life of your subscription so as long as it's active you are entitled to them, no time limit whatsoever.

The difference between CA and the others is if Symantec have 5 features in their 06 product and introduce a new feature for 07 you need to buy the 07 product, you don't get the feature with your renewal. With CA you get the new feature as soon as it's released for free forever as long as you have a valid subscription.

Tigerdirect is running a free after rebate for our entire Suite, gets you Anti-Virus, Spyware, Firewall, Anti-Spam and parental controls in one box. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1882422&Tab=5

Or you can go to the CA store for a price break, not free but pretty close. http://store.digitalriver.com/DRHM/Storefront/Company/caconsum/staticContent/promotionsUS.html


Scott