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Hi Everyone! After the events Dear Understanding spouse explained in her blog we found PC Shield (Our Anti-Virus provider) hit us with a 50 buck 're-new' charge for our two computers without notifying us of it. Being on a limited fixed income this is a BAD thing. Can anyone suggest another Anti-virus that doesn't take business lessons from the Mafia?
Hugs!
A Very Upset
Grover
Comments
AVGFree
AVGFree, as the names says, is free for personal use. It is available for download from various places on the web. Just Google the name. I've been using it on several computers for a couple of years, and not had a problem. Really, I like it better than Symantic or McAfee's programs, both of which I have paid for in the past.
They know they can survive
Link to AVGFree
http://free.avg.com/us-en/download
They know they can survive
AVG Free
I used AVG Free also, it uses much less of my computer's resources than McAfee or Norton.
Avira works well too, but it is whineware, It nags you everyday to purchase it, if you have the free version.
I'd go with AVG
Mr. Ram
Avira Also Has a Free Version
A lot of people like it. Poke around the Malwarebytes.org forum. There is lots of advice there about free security software.
Malwarebytes Forum: http://forums.malwarebytes.org/
CCleaner
This one is completely free and it works well. It found several issues that Norton and Malwarebytes didn't
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
The answers to all of life's questions can be found in the face of a true friend
The answers to all of life's questions can be found in the face of a true friend
Many Software Companies Do This Now with Annual Licensing
If you buy or renew your software online directly from the company (with your credit card), you generally automatically sign up for auto renewal (at full retail price) and have to take steps after the fact to stop it. Sometimes it can be quite difficult. What I do is buy my software (on sale) in a box from a retail store. In the US, Office Max is a good source because they don't use rebates. Their prices aren't always the lowest, but you walk out of the store having paid what you are going to pay (not having to wait for a rebate or worse getting stiffed on the rebate). About 3 months before my subscription is up, I start watching for sales of the software I need. I then enter the new license number just before my current software expires.
Anti Virus
I fully endorse the above comment.
In the past I used Windows, and one son still does. Whenever I've updated the Windows anti-virus I've bought it from a store. I have found that it can be cheaper than the renewal that they ask for online, go figure.
One major plus with doing it this way is that, should you have cause to re-install everything, you have the means to re-install your anti-virus as well. Try doing that after several years of renewing on-line, and then explaining to the Indian call-centre guy that your hard disk went west but there's still 11 months on your current subscription. Been there, tried to do that.
Penny
A very good point about what
A very good point about what happens when your computer goes bad. I use a paid for AV program (because I'm the secretary of a conservation club and keep personnel and banking info) and renew it on-line yearly, so I'd have to download the AV program to a new computer.
My standard practice when I renew is to print out a hard copy of the license information and store it in a fire proof box. IF there were any problems, I've got a valid license key I can just punch in to the new program. No hassle, no trying to understand punjabi...
Some days you're the pigeon, some days you're the statue
Free from Microsoft
If you are using Windows Vista or 7, Microsoft offers Security Essentials for anti-virus and anti-malware software at:
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/default.aspx?mk...
anti virus
If you have comcast internet service they give you free anti virus which is norton antivirus.
Otherwise use microsoft or clamwin http://www.clamwin.com.
Ww.comcast.net
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
Hugs,
Jenna From FL
Moderator/Editor
TopShelf BigCloset
It is a long road ahead but I will finally become who I should be.
Thanks Everyone
You've all given me good advice. Thanks everyone!
hugs!
Grover
One more suggestion...
One more suggestion... Avast...
http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download
It's free for home/Personal use. They make you re-register every year, but that's a quick thing. They constantly do virus db updates, and are often releasing new program updates too. Avast free edition along with their pay for suite constantly rank top in their respective categories.
I would pay for Avast before I paid for any other AV program, but I've never had the need to do so as their free version gives the protection I require :)
-P/KAF/PT
P.S. Here's a good Review/Article about Free AV software.... http://antivirus.about.com/od/antivirussoftwarereviews/a/fre...
Classmates did it too.
I had used them once for a month for $35 or something, and then they started charging me every month in spite of the fact that I had originally said NO. The solution finally had to be getting new debit card. :(
I like to buy on line with my debit card and now people are telling me that is a big no no.
Gwen
I use F-prot anti-virus. The
I use F-prot anti-virus. The home version costs around $20/year. But that covers up to *five* computers in your home.
Brooke brooke at shadowgard dot com
http://brooke.shadowgard.com/
Girls will be boys, and boys will be girls
It's a mixed up, muddled up, shook up world
"Lola", the Kinks