[Missy1110]

Since purchasing my computer a year ago I have used Webroot Spysweeper and Windows Live One Care and they are both ready to expire. My financial situation has changed and I really do not want to spend $100.00 on renewing these programs- do I need them or could I use something free out there? I have a wireless router and am the only one using my computer. Thanks!!!

[1002richards]

Hi and Welcome to TSG,

This link is from Security here at TSG and has free progs suggested:
http://forums.techguy.org/general-se...elp-tools.html

Also,well written reviews of free security (and other) progs at this independent site:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/pc/security-tools.html
Written in ways that help you choose what may suit your experience and needs.

Richard

[LoneWolf_53]

I use AntiVir PE from Avira for anti virus protection.

SuperAntiSpyware for scanning the system now and then to catch adware and accumulated surfing junk.

CCleaner for regular maintenance and cleaning the registry.

All are free and I've been very pleased with the performance and protection.

Bear in mind that nothing will surpass good computing habits when it comes to protecting your system so if you use the above and conduct yourself wisely you'll be fine.

Your router is another level of protection so just ensure that you have the wireless security properly configured so that people can't pirate your signal.

[blitzkreig]

Dear Missy1110
My advice to you would be to use AVG antivirus free edition, offers good protection when it comes to dealing with viruses
http://free.avg.com/

When it comes to spyware... I personally would recommend super antispyware free edition
http://www.superantispyware.com/

If u wish to use a firewall you can use comodo personal firewall
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Remember to update these products atleast 2-3 times a week.

[JamesFrance]

Originally Posted by 1002richards

Hi and Welcome to TSG,

This link is from Security here at TSG and has free progs suggested:
http://forums.techguy.org/general-se...elp-tools.html

This list seems to be very out of date, there are much better firewalls than those shown available now for example.

[1002richards]

JamesFrance,
Which ones are 'better'? How evaluated?
I'm asking out of curiousity, I'm not starting an arguement!!

[JamesFrance]

Hi Richard,

Better just as a firewall was probably the wrong word to use, but there is no mention in the free firewall list of OnlineArmor, Comodo or PCTools, which seem to be the most popular ones today and have other features giving strong outbound control.

The Antivirus section only seems to be for online scanners, none of the good free avs are shown anywhere that I can see.

I would have liked to see also a list of good free anti-malware scanners, i.e. A-Squared, Superantispyware, Malwarebytes etc.

Gizmo's site is constantly updated, so I would think much more useful.

[1002richards]

Thanks for clarifying ... I see what you mean.

[LoneWolf_53]

Originally Posted by JamesFrance

This list seems to be very out of date, there are much better firewalls than those shown available now for example.

I agree that is very out of date.

AntiVir PE is one of the best rated free antivirus options out there and it's not even mentioned.

I've always been impressed with how configurable it is for a free product as a lot of the options it has usually are only available in paid versions.

This product has a real time scanner and can be set to do regular full system scans and updates on its own.

In many reviews it's also been shown to find things that other products didn't.

Speaking only for myself I've also never had any conflict issues with it whereas not so long ago a number of people were having issues with AVG and other software that they had.

[Jason08]

Although I use McAfee and it's not free, I do also use Windows updates, which are obviously free.

[Gizzy]

That link has been said by cookiegal to be in need of updating...

I believe the lists in the library are more up to date though they can still use some updating as well -> http://library.techguy.org/wiki/Category:Security

[perfume]

Dear Missy1110,
As said above, Avira Antivir is an excellent anti-virus with spyware protection embedded and it's Free!

Super Anti Spyware (SAS) is available as both Free and Pro versions, and SAS Free is good! Kindly google the site and download.

Malware Bytes Anti Malware (MBAM) is again available as Free and Bought versions and the Free ware is very good! Regarding a-squared(Free)anti-malware i have serious reservations(strictly a personal view) since it comes up with many false-positives!

I saw a post in this thread about Ccleaner. It's top class as far as clearing the .temp files,but it's best to leave the"Registry" untouched!

[Byteman]

The Library is more updated use this link then go to what you want help for, Antivirus, Antimalware etc

You will see most of the current top scanners and tools that unfortunately we do not have in the Security Help Tools section. Yes, it needs updating. We will probably switch all that to just the Library as soon as we can.

Also, I have just now put a link to this Security section of the Library in the Help Tools lists....

http://library.techguy.org/wiki/Category:Security