Why do I need anti Virus

[muffers]

A few weeks ago I went ahead and installed Advanced Systems Care I really like it and purchased it. I am now wondering if I need an anti Virus program with this or does it cover everything.

[Martin]

You should have some kind of protection. I don't think Advanced Systems Care stops viruses. Why don't you install the free version of AVG?

[noel]

It doesn't stop viruses and yes you need antivirus but I wouldn't recommend AVG if you have Vista as web printing doesn't work. I had used it for yonks but had to change when I upgraded my PC, to Avast which is also free.

[muffers]

Noel and Jim when I downloaded the free version of Avast it went through the process of finding a virus but then when I told it to remove them It asked me to subscribe which meant paying 29.99. otherwise it would not delete. The only other way to get it for free was to subscribe to one of a number of companies that had offers. Like coffee or free credit reports or many others but you had to pay them an amount so it is not really free. I still have it downloaded but not activated until I decide what to do.

[noel]

You've downloaded the professional version Avril, easily done, my son did the same. What you need to do is download the home version which is free for home use, and updates automatically.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

[Ant]

I have no anti virus software on my computer. I use firefox as my browser.

I once had one but it caused me more trouble than not having one.... Touch wood, I've had no issues without.

[jamieclarko]

I have used avg free for the past 3 years after getting wrid of that crappy norton, no probs since!

[anacortesdamp]

About 18 months back, I tried AVG Free. It worked fine for about 5 months and then started screwing up. I suspected it had a time of some kind that, if you didn't sign on for their "pay-to-play" version, they screwed up your computer.

I'm with an ISP now that has McAfee as part of its subscription. I also use Advacned System Care, Window Washer and Spy Sweeper.

I wish I could get ASC to not clean out all my cookies, but for some reason, I can't "unclick" the routine that cleans out your browsing history. It's a royal PITA to have to re-enter all my user names and passwords to the relatively innocuous web-sites (like this one) after using it. I'd like to just run the other features and not have it mess with cookies.


Frank

[davdo2004]

Ok,to start with,i am not a sponsor for Avast but i believe it is one of the best.I have no need for anti virus software,i have had a Linux operating system for 3 years and would never go back to Windows.My two sons have had Avast for a number of years with no problems.You just have to jump through a few hoops to get the free licence key.Many people have said to me."how can it be so good if it is free,how do they make any money"Well with 80 million users of the free edition i suppose they make the dosh from the business edition,i don't know.By the way,if anyone feels like trying Linux,it is fantastic,but,if you are a gamer,don't bother.Thankfully,i am not a gamer.