best free anti-virus?

[Transfusion]

Have you checked the Windows Firewall (Control Panel>Windows Firewall) to see if there is an exception made for Avira?

[Drd]

I think I mentioned in a previous letter that my Microsoft Windows Firewall is turned off altogether.  What about firefox, could that be blocking things on its own in anyway?

Dr. D'Elia

[soybean]

I think I mentioned in a previous letter that my Microsoft Windows Firewall is turned off altogether. 

So, you have no firewall protection, right? 

[Drd]

Not that I know of. Firefox does block some kind of things though. I'm sorry I don't more about this; I guess that's why I need help!  Anyway, as far as I know the only security I have right now is AVIRA free personal. I turned off my Microsoft firewall a while back.  There is a red shield always in the corner of my computer reminding me of that!

Thanks

Dr. D

[soybean]

Unless you use a router, which provides firewall protection, you absolutely should have a software firewall running.  I suggest you either enable Windows firewall or download one such as http://personalfirewall.comodo.com/free-download.html, and do it immediately.

[Drd]

Hi: What's a router. Sorry to sound so uninformed. I do use a proxy sometimes, is that a router? I remember there was a reason for turning off that firewall, but I don't remember what it was.  So, is a proxy a router?

Thank you
Dr. D

[soybean]

A router is not a proxy.  A router is a hardware device used in computer networks.  Home users who want to use multiple computers on one Internet line can use a router to achieve this.  The router connects to the modem and then the computers are connected to the router, not the modem.  Routers provide firewall protection.  So, for that reason, they are beneficial even where only one computer is being used on an Internet connection. 

[Drd]

HI I have something called an ADSL router. That's what's written on it. It is by "billion". My computer connects to that and then it connects to the phone line.  Is that a real router. Does that have a firewall. Would I need to have the ADSL provider open up to having the updates allowed?

Thanks. WE may be getting closer!

[nickgr5]

HI I have something called an ADSL router. That's what's written on it. It is by "billion". My computer connects to that and then it connects to the phone line.  Is that a real router. Does that have a firewall. Would I need to have the ADSL provider open up to having the updates allowed?

Thanks. WE may be getting closer!

Check below or behind your router for any sticker(s) that display the model, part no. etc.
Whether your router got a built-in (hardware) firewall, it's of vital importance that you have a software firewall up and running. You can use Zonealarm or Comodo.

[Drd]

OK. I turned on my Windows firewall, but I'm back to my original question:  Now that I did install Avira, it won't update automatically, even though I'm online it says there is no connection.  I get the same problem, actually with my Adobe automatic updates and Java too. Something, somewhere is blocking all this. Maybe I should open a new topic for this?

Thanks

[nickgr5]

OK. I turned on my Windows firewall, but I'm back to my original question:  Now that I did install Avira, it won't update automatically, even though I'm online it says there is no connection.  I get the same problem, actually with my Adobe automatic updates and Java too. Something, somewhere is blocking all this. Maybe I should open a new topic for this?

Thanks

Have you checked the Windows Firewall (Control Panel>Windows Firewall) to see if there is an exception made for Avira?

Since the windows firewall is now enabled, make sure to add an exception. Do it for each application which can't connect to the internet.

[reddevilggg]

Best anti virus is quick heal.. i use this.. its good.

If you're going to buy an Anti-virus, there are better to choose from, and from what i've read has more bad reviews than good

http://quick-heal-anti-virus.en.softonic.com/comments

[rthompson80819]

Maximum PC magazine just did a rating on av programs.  They rated Norton as best of the paid programs with a 9+ rating and all of the free programs rated from 6 to 8.  Based on that you usually, but not always, get what you pay for since McAfee was rated a 5.

Since Comcast is my ISP I get Norton for "free" and it's worked fairly well for me.

And I know if you get 10 people to rate anything you will get 10 different opinions.

[computercorner]

I like to use a combination of free software because I have noticed that what may get detected by one program may go undetected by the other and vice verse. Either way the following is a pretty good place to start:

Microsoft Security Essenitials
Avast
Avira Anti-Vir
MalwareBytes
Super AntiSpyware
PC Tools
Kaspersky (Yes they to have a free tool that is full functional)
Emisoft Anti-Malware
AVG
Dr.Web CureIt!

I have left the links out but they will all show up in a search no problem.

Another worthy note, the difference between most paid and free antivirus or anti malware programs is on access protection. For example, with MalwareBytes you have to get into the habit of updating the program and scanning unless you use the paid version which comes with on access protection and automatic updates. Microsoft Security Essentials has on access protection, and also detects low level Rootkits (like TDSS) all for free though.

[Dan Ashl]

I'm also using Microsoft Security Essentials - no problems. Has detected and removed quite a few threats.