Loss of XP Lament
 

Well, like many others I had to get a new computer due to the loss of support for XP by microsoft. After a bit of research, I found a laptop running Windows 7 instead of Windows 8 or 8.1 and bought it. I've been very careful on visiting websites even though the new computer came with Norton installed. I installed Firefox and never use IE.

Recently, I began getting infected with Popups. Ran a Norton scan, which found a few infections, but they persisted. Installed Malwarebytes, and cleaned it all out. Two days later, they reappeared. Ran another scan (MB) found fewer infections, checked the "add-ons" in Firefox and found the malicious items.

Today, while perusing PP, I get a warning from Malware that a program is trying to load in my computer. I check add-ons and discover a new item that was just added, so I remove it. Check my quarantine file an see Malware has removed a PUP virus. All is good.

Here's my point. With XP, I used Firefox and Avast (free version) and never had any problems like this. Now, with Windows 7, I have much more active security and I still get infections. My assumption is, the infections are focusing on the newer operating systems because that is what everyone on a PC needs to be using. What a pain.

I cannot tell from where the virus are coming. The last one happened when reading a thread here on PP. The only thing was I had a streaming radio station running at the same time. Is this a source of infection? It's to a point to where when my free security programs expire, I will buy a subscription to one as I don't think free Avast will suffice.
Any ideas on the cause of the infections and the best anti-virus software would be appreciated.

I use firefox and AVG on my Vista unit and the wife uses the same setup on her 7 computer, we have very few if any issues

If you haven't already installed it, you might want to download Microsoft security essentials. I run that as my normal antivirus with Malwarebytes as my backup. Then I use Firefox for browsing. Haven't had any issues. The times that I have had issues, what security essentials won't resolve, Malwarebytes will and vice versa. I removed all factory installed virus software. Also I use the free version of CCleaner, seems to keep my PC healthy (Knock on wood).

By moving to a new OS you closed some security doors but opened new ones.. Moving to a newer OS won't prevent it more than before.
You also need to know that all Antivirus work with 60-80% success hit so even with the shiniest Norton or other brand you will not be fully protected..
Now the good news:
Create 2 accounts, one is an Administrator like and the other one is the standard or restricted user account.

Always use the restricted account for surfing so the Virus and crap can't propagate to the whole system.
Also you can install a Virtual Machine software ie. VirtualBox and in there run a WIndows XP or whatever you want, and that is the one that you use to surf porn or whatever websites that have the highest risk (ask your favourite nephew or IT guy for advise on how to setup)

You can always move to a higher protection but we're talking thousands here..

Anyway, if your computer is fairly new then just reset it to factory and change the antivirus. I use the Microsoft essentials or whatever is called.. So far so good.

Try this version of the Microsoft virus scan (is not an anti-virus, just a scanner), this is what the internal people in Microsoft use:
Microsoft Safety Scanner - Free Virus Scan with the Microsoft Safety Scanner

Good Luck!

I never have virus problems. Had a few popups like you describe after letting a visiting relative use my computer for a few days. I'm convinced it all comes down to browsing habits and caution.

Thanks a lot guys, lots of helpful suggestions.

I've been using Chrome with no problems so far.

Microsoft Essentials, Malwarebytes and Chrome do the trick....

and most importantly, keep your kids and/or grandkids off the computer :D