Recommend anti-virus/spy/firewall for home?

[Upgradable]

Would one or two of you experts chime in with a recommendation for an anti-virus/spyware blocker/firewall software for home computers? Both our Dell desktop and HP laptop have such bad infections that I think they both need to be wiped and then reloaded with good blocker software. I just have no idea which way to go! And I know that some of our cut nuts are also tech geeks, so please help a clueless sparkly sister out??? Thnx vry much!!!

 

[strmrdr]

1: use a hardware firewall/router, if you are sharing 1 connection to all those computers you likely have one.
2: use windows built in firewall in addition to the hardware router.
3: I like avast for antivirus and anti-spyware right now.http://avast.com/
4: use firefox for surfing the web not intternet explorer, add the noscript and addblock plus add-ons from the tools/add-ons menu.
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
5: do not use file sharing applications.

 

[allycat0303]

Oh I had this awful problem two weeks ago. I had downloaded an utorrent and I am completely computer illiterate.

I went on PC world online and got the antivirus/spyware (they have a list of the best of the best) in their view. I figured they must know SOMETHING. So I bought Norton (because it was number 3 on their list and on sale for 25.00 at best buy). It is supposed to slow down the computer horrnedously, but I''ve had no issues with the computer being slower.

I still download stuff....utorrent today...but I sideclicked and scanned it with Norton before opening it.

I second the suggestion of using firefox. One of my friends who is computer-sauvy said the same thing. Except I really don''t like firefox...something about the format I dislike, so I am still on internet explorer.

 

[Erin]

I like PC-cillin.
Do not get Nortons. eta because my computer started to lag - a lot!

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 12/1/2008 5:40:41 PM
Author: strmrdr
1: use a hardware firewall/router, if you are sharing 1 connection to all those computers you likely have one.

2: use windows built in firewall in addition to the hardware router.

3: I like avast for antivirus and anti-spyware right now.http://avast.com/

4: use firefox for surfing the web not intternet explorer, add the noscript and addblock plus add-ons from the tools/add-ons menu.

http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/

5: do not use file sharing applications.

I tried firefox and it is super fast! Thanks

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/1/2008 5:46:26 PM
Author: allycat0303

I second the suggestion of using firefox. One of my friends who is computer-sauvy said the same thing. Except I really don''t like firefox...something about the format I dislike, so I am still on internet explorer.

Same here.

 

[strmrdr]

Those that tried firefox and didn''t like it was it 3 that you tried? it fixes a lot of the display issues with 2.
Try it again and see if you like it better.

 

[Deelight]

Date: 12/1/2008 5:52:41 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 12/1/2008 5:40:41 PM

Author: strmrdr

1: use a hardware firewall/router, if you are sharing 1 connection to all those computers you likely have one.


2: use windows built in firewall in addition to the hardware router.


3: I like avast for antivirus and anti-spyware right now.http://avast.com/


4: use firefox for surfing the web not intternet explorer, add the noscript and addblock plus add-ons from the tools/add-ons menu.


http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/


5: do not use file sharing applications.

I tried firefox and it is super fast! Thanks

Firefox rocks mah socks I would never use IE again.

 

[AprilBaby]

I have been using Firefox since it came out and no problems..can''t even navigate IE anymore. Use Norton Antivirus and Internet security for the last few years also and no infections. Consumer Reports recommends the avast.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 12/1/2008 5:47:03 PM
Author: Starset Princess
I like PC-cillin.

Do not get Nortons. eta because my computer started to lag - a lot!

pc-cillin is good and $50 a year for 3 computers isn''t to bad.

http://us.trendmicro.com/us/products/personal/internet-security/index.html

 

[pennquaker09]

I use Firefox also and we have the McAfee suite of products.

 

[luvinlife]

Try AVAST. com. Its free, highly rated, and works well (imho). Also, AVG grets great marks and its also free!

 

[Diamond*Dana]

I have used AVG (free) for over 2 years now and have been very happy with it!

 

[strmrdr]

AVAST and AVG are only free for one computer per household.