[hi!]

I was using AVG free then they did that "AVG Network Scanner" which won't allow you to access the internet unless you allow it. I read that it traces where ever you go on the net.. who wants that? I try avira but when I did the updates IT slow down my computer like you won't believe it!! Then I try Avast but it says I have to regitster for it? Comundo don't let you run anyother spyware program like CC cleaner or advance system care which i like..

Please help!!! It used to be so easy to use these Free Antivirus programs now there is so much restriction or use so much resources it slows down the computer. Please help! I'm using Windows XP service pack 3 with 2.39GHz and 384 MB of ram I don't know if I have a 32 bit or 64 bit. Thanks!

[stantley]

First of all with XP and only 384 MB of ram things are going to run slow. You should bump it up to at least 512MB, better yet 1GB. Memory is pretty cheap now so that would be a quick way your make your system run faster.

I would give Avast another try. You do have to register, but it's free. Give them a email address and they'll mail you a free activation key.

[Gizzy]

Here's the page to register and get the license for Avast http://www.avast.com/eng/home-registration.php

[Jason08]

I would highly recommend you upgrade your RAM, as the minimum for XP I think is 512MB.

[raybro]

384MB of RAM sounds like an older type of computer built originally to run Win9x operating systems. If that is the case, your computer may not be capable of running XP properly. For instance, i have a Dell XPS-R400 desktop machine that runs Win98SE. The maximum RAM the mobo will hold IS 384MB. The machine runs OK with Win98SE, but it is definately NOT compatible with XP.

Could you post your computer specs (brand, model, processor, RAM type, maximum RAM capability, Hard drive specs).

Raybro

[hi!]

I was running ok with AVG with that low of memory. I know I need more memory but my company closed (10 years there!) and funds are tight.. I have a dell 2400 and it had less memory than that when I brought it!! I brought a memory stick back than so I filled up my two slots. It doesn't matter if I brought generic right? But I could only find cheap memory online and I like to shop at the stores.

avira was fine until I did the update and it slow my computer down. Will the memory upgrade really make a difference? If so which Free Antivirus should I do? And why do I have to register if it's free? What do they need my info for?

[raybro]

Still pretty sure you basic problem is related to the amount of RAM you have installed. I went to the Crucial site and found you Dimension 2400 can hold up to 2GB of RAM. ! stick of !GB ram costs $42.99. You can get 1 stick of 512MB for $24.99. Understand the economic difficulty and you have my sympathy (not that that helps any).

Can't say for sure why everything changed for you suddenly, but my best guess is you were operation at or near the top of your current RAM capability and some additional load pushed it over the top and into virtual memory usage. That's when instead of using electronic memory for routine functions, your computer now has to write data to the hard drive then retrieve it from there. Makes a major difference in the time required to complete a given operation.

EDIT: BTW, not only do your have to register to get an initial license form Avast, you have to repeat the operation after using it for 1 year and every subsequent year thereafter.

Raybro

[hi!]

ok, I'm giving Avast a try. But what is this "allow web scanner" to access from My Zone Alarm. If I don't allow it dont I can't access the Internet. Is it the same as AVG where it tracks where I go online? Thanks for your response.

ps. that little blue ball in my Right hand tray with the logo keeps on spinning around and around and is making me dizzy.. how can i stop that from spinning?

[E-7]

Yes, you need to allow the avast web scanner through the zone alarm firewall. In the Avast site's faqs, various issues are detailed relating to the zone alarm firewall and the Avast web shield

Q: After updating to version 4.6 my firewall warns me that “avast Web Scanner” (ashWebSv.exe) is trying to access the Internet. Is this correct?
A:
This is correct. Web Shield provides all Web access for the browser. For it to work correctly you must allow this access in the Personal Firewall configuration. Web Shield needs the same access rights as your browser - especially outgoing connection to the TCP port 80. If your firewall protects local communication you must also grant Web Shield process (ashWebSv.exe / aswWebSv.exe) the right to act as a server and accept incoming connection on port 12080.

http://www.avast.com/eng/webshield_issues.html#idt_6866