My Antivirus and a lot of questions help

[Sheila4467]

First, I'm a complete idi*t when it comes to computers. I turn them on. Period. Anything harder than that, and I'm lost.

OK, well not exactly that bad, but not good either, so be patient with me.

I have had Norton 360 for over a year, it just expired. I look for new store versions, and they are cheaper than upgrading or downloading what I need for another year from them online.

I have no idea what to do about Antivirus programs.

Most friends I talk to don't pay as much for their programs as I do, but I never really thought of it until now.

How do I know what is NORMAL to pay for a good program.

The upgrade is about $69 I think, is this all right or what? Do we pay that each year?

Last, the Norton I have saves my computer information, and I don't like that. How do I get GOOD protection, without the add ons?

Thank you,
Sheila

PS We also used to have McAfee before Norton 360

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

There are a few FREE antiviruses.

In my experience, they offer MUCH MORE protection than Norton 360 by a mile.

These three are highly recommended on our forums:
Avira, Avast and AVG Free.

http://www.free-av.com/
http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
http://free.avg.com/

[Sheila4467]

Oh my goodness! This is wonderful, I will check them out.

I sure didn't expect to find out that these were available to me too!

I know friends that use free software, but none of them told me I could get it too.

I guess they figured I would hunt for some myself, not knowing I wouldn't even know where to start.

Boy, I have only been here a few times, and already I have had so much help.

Thank you, and Bless you!
Sheila 

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Heh, I know what you mean.

Glad to be of assistance.

[Sheila4467]

I've looked these over, and I'm considering AVG. I was also wondering, should I remove my Norton 360 before installing AVG?

Should I upgrade from the start, or should I just do the free for a time first?


Thank you,
Sheila

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Get rid of Norton 360.
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,34939.0.html

Not only is it almost useless, you don't need it.