The ShadowMusic Web Community

I have just hooked my laptop up to the internet for the first time.

Obviously before I start to browse, use email, enter passwords and other sensitive information, I want to install some kind of security. Can anyone suggest some good free to download software?

I have found Total AV and it sounds OK. Has anyone else used it? Is it any good?

Thanks.

Hi Chris. If you are on WINDOWS I would use Panda anti virus and cloud cleaner (free).Keep the windows firewall it`s as good as anybody else`s.Also Malwarebytes (free) is a good cleaner.I also use CCLEANER (free) regularly this gets rid of the Rubbish and will keep your laptop running smoothly It also makes RESTORE POINTS so if you get problems in the future after downloading something you will be able to do a SYSTEM RESTORE which will get your laptop back up and running again.Hope this is of help to you.Cheers Phil.

Ta. Am using Windows 7 Professional. I didn't know there was a Windows Firewall on it. It has IE and Google Chrome.

Looks like Total Av is FREE to download, but to actually make it work you have to pay!!! Blimey. Not really FREE then!!!!


I was just reading this review of Panda Anti-virus and I'm not sure what to think...


THE GOOD
Very good malware protection
Simple, customizable interface
Useful process monitor
THE BAD
Many false positives
Tries to change home page and search engine
Can't opt out of system-data collection
VERDICT
Panda Free Antivirus stops almost all malware and is easy to use. But it returns many false positives, collects personal data and tries to hijack your browser.

Anti-virus software slows a computer down. It has to because it examines all incoming data and that takes time.

If you are careful you don't need it. Nasties only get in if you let them in.

Hi Chris. I use CHROME all the time you can set it as default search engine in SETTINGS.I have used PANDA for over 3 years without any problems.Please do not use your laptop without any antivirus it`s asking for trouble. Windows 7 will have a built in anti virus anyway in WINDOWS SECURITY ESSENTIALS. This is OK but not as good as PANDA.All anti virus programs collect DATA to some degree.Cheers Phil.

Since I use Apple computers I luckily never needed any antivirus software.

Thanks.

Yes, I am of the opinion that it's best to be safe than sorry, as it's all too easy to step on a landmine in the minefield that is the internet. It's true that one is more likely to become 'infected' by visiting the less than salubrious websites (er, apparently...) but I have heard stories about unsavoury characters 'hanging around internet ports' looking for unprotected machines to come online and then hack.

I wouldn't want anyone to steal my password to this forum and then come on here posting all sorts of rubbish! (Sorry, what was that?)

drakula63 wrote:I have just hooked my laptop up to the internet for the first time.

Obviously before I start to browse, use email, enter passwords and other sensitive information, I want to install some kind of security. Can anyone suggest some good free to download software?

I have found Total AV and it sounds OK. Has anyone else used it? Is it any good?

Thanks.

Among free anti virus software, Avast is generally considered as the best. But I prefer Kaspersky (not free).

Didier

Strangely enough, Avast was recommended to me by a friend who is far more tech savvy than am I. I have gone with it as it's 100% free. You also get a secure browser which enables you to watch Youtube videos (among other things) without those annoying pop up adverts.