Virus protection for computer
Sorry for starting a new topic - I found a topic recommending anti virus software a couple of days ago but can't seem to find it again.
Bought a new computer a few months ago. It came with a limited version of McAvee but it expired. I keep getting all sorts of messages about virus's infecting my computer and a couple of times I got that message that locks your computer and tells you "under pain of death" do not shut down your computer. Does anyone know of any free anti-virus software. Or any ones that are reasonaably priced. I read somewhere that if you have comcast they offer a free software but can't find any info on it. Any help wouldbe greatly appreciated.
Margaret Recommend AVG.COM. Using it for years, never a problem. And it is free.
As for those dire warnings you are receiving , just restart your PC.
EVV Margaret
Comcast used to offer free Norton security, but that benefit went away maybe 2 years ago or so(?). Hard to remember.
I know some people who have just used Microsoft's free security that comes with Windows and haven't had an issue, though others love AVG, as EVV mentions.
I subscribed to Norton after Comcast dropped them, since I'd been having fairly good luck with them. I do also use the free "Malwarebytes" and "CCleaner" downloads available at
https://download.cnet.com/windows/?sort=featured&price=free
If you go to the "more" link in the upper right corner, you can find comparison ratings, etc. of various software.
Those warnings are to keep you online, so that they can then download a packet, so as EVV also states, it's best to restart quickly, as that interrupts your internet connection with them.
Phil D. thanks EVV and Phil - I will look into your suggestions. Was a little hesitant to restart my computer the first time it happened - but once I realized it has no effect I just restart now. Thanks again!!
I use the paid version of Malwarebytes. Yes you can use the free version but you need to run the scans manually yourself.
not sack
LibertyThinker I agree ---- Defender is good enough and it's free. You can also pull down MSERT from microsoft. Choose either the 32bit or 64bit version based on your pc, probably 64 by now. This is not antivirus software, an application, or even a product. It is a tool, updated weekly, so you have to pull it weekly to get latest copy. It's where MS virus id's are found first. Sort of an emergency tool to fix a recent flat-tire in your pc. Being a tool, it looks kinda old fashioned, but trust me, its current. As it runs, don't be afraid if you see it finding things ----- most resolve out when it completes and that's where you see the actual conclusions.
BUT --- if you are really spooked, and also desire some ID protection, try AURA. Newish company, well rated, HALF THE PRICE of Lifelock.
Offers
1) id protection
2) virus protection
3) call screening, protection, and protection
4) dark web screening
5) will kill third parties selling your name and stuff
Not really pushing it, and for financials, I don't give em much but a small checking account. But not anything else. They also allow five family members (or anyone) to join on your account. Tell them it might not last as I expect they are buying market share and it will work and they will stop. But, for now..... Great US personal support too. It works well with defender and you can keep defender running periodic scans as an option. Cool stuff
The call stuff is fun, but I have it turned off since any service/delivery person seems to get spooked and either hangs up fast, or does not leave a message. Still playing with that ap, but if you don't like, don't use for anything they offer.
Has a free VPN application too so safer surfing for you!
Now ---- if you are really, really, spooked, I have "cooked" up a cocktail using AURA as the base, but also a number of other applications too. If anyone wants, let me know.
babbit FYI --- one thing AURA did was track down the house I owned, apparently in Maryland, apparently with my Mother who was also my wife. I had tried for years, Lifelock was useless. I also tried to sell it, that did not go far :>)
They found it, told me how to clear it, and now, alas --- it is not mine.
I immediately shut down my tablet.
But I have to tell you. Those red alerts may be coming from McAfee, as an ad, so you will sign up with them for protection. Even though they scare the cr** out of you when they pop up, take a second to read them or examine them. I was getting a lot of them and they were all from McAfee.
Still I immediately shut down and restart.
Lonesome Dove I also agree on as mentioned. Paid version of Malwarebytes. I have tried all the free offers over the years and gave them all up. Since I've used this not an issue in three years. https://www.malwarebytes.com/for-home
zentravl Also stay away from the Internet Explorer web browser which is junk ! I use nothing but Firefox or Chrome and never have a virus/malware problem with free anti-virus and Adblock and Ghostery free add ons .
My friend's Macbook just died after 8 years and he still won't buy anything else . He paid over 1500 for his new Macbook so why worry about viruses ripping you off when Crapple does it at the time of purchase !
97XBAM Most certainly get off IE --- it was MD'd years ago I think. IF you mean the MS Edge browser, frankly, it looks like the tables have changed. One difference is Chrome gathers a lot of crap about you, uses more resources to work, and is slower.
So, according to many, and starting with worse to best, it's
Internet Explorer ---- Chome ----- Edge.
I think this is a factor of time in that Chrome can out to kill IE, and Edge came out to kill Chrome.....
In 2017 I stopped paying for anti virus and just use windows defender. maybe that crazy to some but I’ve been fine.
Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I'll look into them and decide which one to go with.
Consig: I agree, might add maleware bytes free version, but probably sufficient.
Decently there was a comcast breach of stuff including ssn’s. They did not inform immediately. Shortly thereafter, I got a call from a comcast tech who knew everything, claimed he needed router access, he was just like previous legitimate comcast tech security calls I have and I screwed up and let him screen share for about a minute.
I immediately disconnected, dumped my data files, wiped the laptop, wiped my backup laptop, brought the backup online, reinstalled the data files, and then initiated my extreme protection cocktail, some noted above. I am more worried about id protection than viruses.
At some point I will bring back my other laptop, but getting some perk time for now. Plus, the Windows reliance on cloud storage and sharing between devices is driving me crazy because it keeps coming back. And now they added some whack sw authentication program that can be triggered by legitimate sw outside their scope. Problem is to let it in. You take down the authentication program and now you can’t re-establish without another wipe. I get it, it’s a good feature, but what a pita.
So yeah, your way makes sense, you still need id protection more than virus protection, and I am extreme, with good reason.
Bitdefender is one of the best. There is a free version. Otherwise, uninstall McAfee and Microsoft Defender will become active. It’s pretty decent good. The messages you’re getting trying to scare you are just from web sites. They’re not harmful and are meant to trick you into calling numbers and getting scammed out of money.
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