Best free anti-virus software out there?
 

Ok, I finally have my beater Dell wiped clean again and Windows XP reloaded on there. I tried to transfer AVG 9.0 from the old hard drive to the new one, but it says the version of Windows I have (version 2002) won't support it. So I need to download something that my Windows can handle. I don't want to be online for one second before I have the right protection. But how to get it? Download it to another computer and transfer it to the formatted one? Anything out there more easily supported than AVG? Or can I just download all the Windows updates as soon as I get online and be somewhat protected?

malware bytes is great, but doesnt cover vs all threats they say.

But it does work vs 90% of the stuff youll run into.

Microsoft Security Essentials.

Mac OS 10 Snow Leopard - :)

His question was re: "free anti-virus", not "how do I become a leper in the computer world?"... ;)

Avast. I use to use AVG, but it would sometimes slow down the computer. No problems with Avast over the last two years.

I am running AVG (Version 9.0) on Windows XP - Version 2002. I think you have to be running Service Pack 3 on XP for AVG 9.0 to work with XP.

On that note: I have been running AVG with ZoneAlarm Firewall for years. When I updated to AVG 9.0 the internet access became so slow it was absolutely useless. If a screen loaded it all it might take more than a minute and often it just froze.
Using Google, I found many complaints about this but no real solution other than there was a conflict between AGV 9.0 and Zone Alarm. I killed Zone Alarm and activated Windows Firewall and all seems to be well now. YMMV

+1 for MSE. Microsoft has really done a good job with this program. It has a remarkably small memory footprint, scans very quickly, and is quite comprehensive. Give it a shot. If you don't like it for some reason try Avast. I'm just not to keen on all the silly animations and sounds it always puts up but it's a good anti-virus program.

Michael

This leper has run his business on Macs exclusively for 20 years. All networked, all connected to the internet. Never had a virus. Never. Same for my house that has 5 networked Macs.

Can I download MSE as part of the Windows updates as soon as I connect to the Internet? I am really worried about being infected as soon as I get online, but I know as soon as I do, it will start downloadind updates.

yes - at least for some of the updates MSFT will push them to your computer -- you can select 3 levels of approval for updating

I'd just go download MSE first thing you do

+1

I've been using Avast for years with zero issues. It is a much better option than AVG IMO.

I like avast as well especially on my netbook. It has a small foot print and doesn't affect performance.

What do you sell? Beads? Tie-dye t-shirts? Hemp products?

I believe he sells a service...

I switched to Avast from AVG. I'm happy with it. AVG slowed my comp down way too much.

I switched to MSE as well. So far so good.

If you want to load without going online. Download from a different computer and use a USB thumb drive.

I think that you should have no issue going online to get the latest MS security updates. Just don't hook-up that potentially compromised drive until you have protections in place.