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Kind of a newbie question about anti-virus software

post #1 of 8
4/10/07 at 5:56pm
Thread Starter 
My girfriend just bought a Toshiba laptop on sale a few weeks ago. It seems to come with some software thats only a trial version (I guess they do this to lower the initail price?). One of these seems to be McAfee anti-virus.

Now McAfee pop-up ads appear, claiming the trial antivirus ware is about to expire, and saying she should sign up for [up to] a 3 year programme, for $149(!) Of course they have cheaper versions, but these offer less - say only 1 year of free updates.
This surprises me, and even looks like a bit of a scam. I bought my laptop several years ago, and have never had to pay for anti-virus protection, nor have I ever had a virus problem.

Firstly, doesn't Windows provide a modicum of virus protection in the operating system that is sufficient for basic security, and includes free updates?
Second, if she opts for Norton or McAfee software as well, why should she have to pay for the updates? I've never heard of this before.

[Sorry if this was a bit long..]

Thanks for any help!
Dave
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post #2 of 8
4/10/07 at 6:00pm
You don't have to pay for the updates--the subscription fee covers them. Those cheaper versions for McAfee might ask for a small fee every year or something...never heard of pay-as-you-update though.

A cheaper option would be something like Trend Micro antivirus, or free services such as AVG or avast! antivirus. Windows will not protect you without third party software.
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post #3 of 8
4/11/07 at 8:12pm
Thread Starter 
'Windows will not protect you without third party software'

Thanks, that's mainly what I needed to know. She signed up for a year of McAfee for $35, it seemed OK.

How good is AVG? I have downloaded it, but don't really need it yet. My SBC-Yahoo apparently provides some degree of antivirus protection. I also use Spybot. Had no probs so far. Knock on wood.

Thanks again folks.

Dave
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post #4 of 8
4/11/07 at 8:19pm
Personally, I use a combination of avast! antivirus and Ad-Aware. I used to use AVG but I prefer avast's interface, and have been told it works better than AVG. Don't rely on Spybot to remove spyware. It used to be a good program but nowadays doesn't measure up to Ad-Aware, or most other antispyware programs for that matter.
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post #5 of 8
4/13/07 at 3:38pm
I personal fovorite is NOD32 for antivirus. It works and doesn't get in the way. I also use the free version of adaware and run a scan every few days.
Quote:
Second, if she opts for Norton or McAfee software as well, why should she have to pay for the updates? I've never heard of this before.
Most antivirus companies do this, primarily to keep you spending $$$$. 2 years of NOD32 is 60$
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post #6 of 8
4/13/07 at 4:42pm
Active Virus Shield is a free version of Kaspersky Anti-virus (which I have), and is another good choice. http://www.activevirusshield.com
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post #7 of 8
4/14/07 at 1:20pm
Look man, A lot of people are going to think this is immoral but
I would download System Mechanic 6 bit torrent at btmon.com.
I recommend btmon because it’s a clean website.
The System Mechanic 6 bit torrent allows you to have a lifetime of
Definitions. I’ve been using it for over a year now and have never had
A Virus of any kind. I’m sick and tired of Norton, Mcafee and all the
other big guys failing in this game. Also
If your running Vista 64 bit or Windows Xp Pro 64 bit you can also download
NODE 32/64. This is about the only successful 64 bit antivirus program on the
Face of the planet. The main complaint about the program is that you really have to
know how Antivirus software operates. Its full manual but very powerfully.
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post #8 of 8
5/5/07 at 10:17pm
I know its been awhile since the question been asked but i hope you guys find this helps.

For anti-spyware software, try Hitman Pro. This is the link:

http://www.hitmanpro.nl/hitmanpro/in...&id=3&Itemid=9


Hitman Pro basically a software that download most every free anti-spyware out there and do everything from installing and unistalling them back after scan with a click of start button. The only downside is it takes alot of time but you can do it when ur idling or overnight. It takes a long time because it installs like 15 anti-spyware from the net and scanned ur system.
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