[pkoryn]

Hi - I've just ordered a new laptop, which will be running XP Pro and will have it in a few days. In the past, I've always used Norton Antivirus - but I'd really like to get away from the Norton products. I'm thinking about using Avast or AVG (free versions) for antivirus. My questions are these (and I'm not overally computer literate, so bear with me please!)

1. Since the computer will be right out of the box, how do I go about downloading the AV program from the internet without getting infected in the time it takes to do it?

2. Same with a firewall program. I'll have the Windows firewall enabled initially but will want to use something else. I've used Zone Alarm in the past and have heard good things about "Comodo" - any thoughts on it?.

3. If I were to use my old computer to download the AV program, say to a thumb drive, how EXACTLY would I do that and get it installed on the new computer. Do I have to be on-line with the new computer to install the AV program?

4. Having asked all these question pertaining to free AV - what is the consensus on security suites? I've read reviews on alot of them, and they all seem to have some good points and bad.

4. Are there any other steps I need to take to get a new computer up and running that you have found useful?

Many thanks for the help!

[stantley]

Hi, welcome to TSG.

Most of the brand name computers you get now have a lot of software already installed, including anti-virus and firewall programs and it's usually trial versions of either McAfee or Norton. So when you first startup the PC, don't be connected to the internet and see what you have. If you have a pre-installed anti-virus then you can go ahead and connect to the internet.

However you made a good choice to go with either AVG or Avast and Zone Alarm or Comodo. So when you go to install them, first download the install programs, then disconnect from the internet, uninstall the existing programs and install the new ones before getting back online. Both McAfee and Norton have uninstall programs that you should also download.

The other thing to get is anti-spyware programs, Spybot Search & Destroy, SpywareBlaster and SuperAntiSpyware are all good. Read these to stickys for more info:

http://forums.techguy.org/general-se...elp-tools.html

http://forums.techguy.org/general-se...w-tighten.html

[bigjohn000]

try trend mirco internet security/pc cillin. has security, and antivirus. avalible at best buy, and on line at www.trendmicro.com

[Benny Bumble]

Hi, Trend Micro is VERY good. Mine came with it. BUUUUT it's a little pricey!
If you don't mind the cost, I'd recommend it, However Avast (freebie) is good also.

[lunarlander]

If you were to download the program onto your thumb drive, then you can copy it onto /users/public/public downloads folder and double click the install program from there.

[zonealarm]

Hi, this is Kevin with CheckPoint and I’m happy to hear that you may be considering trying out our products. I want to let you know Zone Alarm Internet Security Suite is currently available with a $20 discount that you can get at http://sweeps.zonealarm.com. Just click on the box in the upper right corner. Thanks for considering Zone Alarm and please let me know if you have any questions.
-Kevin