What's the best anti-virus software for someone who isn't tech-savvy at all?
I recently purchased a Toshiba Satellite Touch & I’m already having a lot of pop-up issues. It came with Norton but I was advised to get rid of that asap so I did. In my ignorance I just did a quick search of top rated security programs & got the free trial of the one at the top of the list. Mcafee. Now I’m regretting it. Every time I go to internet explorer I get a screen full of shady looking pop-ups telling me to update this & that. Since I am absolutely clueless as to what to do from here I figured there are probably quite a few people in the collective who could advise me on these matters. Please be aware that I am the epitome of novice when it comes to tech. I need software that keeps my computer safe from everything, including me. I try not to go to high risk sites but from what I understand a virus can be put into pretty much anything. Is there software that doesn’t cost an arm & a leg but gets the job done? What software should I get?
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It might help if you give us some details on what you plan on doing with this pc. For example, are you planning on just browsing the web and email?
What other things might you do with this? Do you install software frequently?
Also, you’ll likely find that the first recommended order of business will be to stop using Internet Explorer immediately, and start using a modern web browser (Chrome or Firefox).
I agree with @hominid. I avoid Internet Explorer like the plague. It’s truly awful. Chrome and Firefox are your best bet to ensure compatibility with most everything. There are some other browsers out there too like Torch and Opera that I like to use from time to time because they are fast, but not always reliable or compatible with other sites.
Also, each browser offers extensions that will take care of your pop-up problem, and help you navigate through the web safely by letting you know which websites you can trust. Many of these are free and some of my favorites are WOT (Web Of Trust), AdBlock Plus, Ghostery, Pop Up blockers, etc.
Now to the original question… I have always used the free version of Comodo Firewall, which is so much more than a firewall, as it offers antivirus protection and real time sandbox. It has never let me down. Along with Comodo I have been simply using MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) and both of these programs can run together in real-time with no problems in my experience. I don’t feel like I need a big fancy anti-virus software with Comodo, MSE is more like a supplement.
I also have some scanners downloaded that are freeware versions so I don’t use their real-time protection (If I did I would have conflict issues). I just use these scanners every now and then whenever I feel the need to clean up my computer, or if something doesn’t seem right, and they have been incredible resources. My favorites are Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, SUPERAntiSpyware, and Spybot Search and Destroy.
In addition, computer cleaning programs such as CCleaner and 360Amigo System Speedup have been very effective at keeping my system running smoothly and efficiently.
You can get all of these programs that I have mentioned for free at www.filehippo.com.
Good Luck!
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