AVG used to be free but no longer...does anyone know of a good free program one can download...trying to save money thanks...

I still use AVG just dont do the updates and it still works the same just doesn't have the fancy updates,i also use Advanced SystemCare 5,and its free and works pretty good..hope this helps!

Thanks for the info and hope it does as well...when your ISP is suppose to be screening for viruses makes me wonder why we need even more protection but then I am quite an old lady and a novice to this stuff...

dont do the updates

Not certain what you mean by this - if you're not updating the anti-virus program itself, that might be okay, but if you're not letting it update its virus signatures (and I'm not certain if the two are seperate in AVG or not), then it's probably not doing you much good.

Microsoft Security Essentials is free...you could try it

I have had this Laptop for 4 or 5 years now,i have had the same Anti virus protection programs on here and it still runs great..i also defrag as well as both of the programs i mentioned in my first post..

Windows 7 and earlier -> Microsoft Security Essentials

http://windows.microsoft....s-download

Windows 8 -> nothing, it's built in

anyone else have experience with Microsoft Security Essentials??

I think it's what I use - I'd have to check when I get home to be certain.

howdy wrote:

anyone else have experience with Microsoft Security Essentials

Security Essentials is highly rated. It's pretty much the best for the desktop. Also, it's basically the same thing Microsoft has now integrated into Windows 8/RT on forward.

I just downloaded free AVG the other day , it is still free

ok installed the Microsoft Security Essentials and I thank you so very much for all suggestions...Feel safer already LOL...

My wife just bought a Dell all in one computer that came with Windows 8 but she says it came with free McAfee antivirus. Why would it come with McAfee if Microsoft Security Essentials is built in to Windows 8? I must be missing something.

Art

Marketing.

McAfee probably pays Dell a small fee to have a trial version of its anti-virus software pre-installed on new Dell computers. McAfee hopes you renew your subscription to McAfee Anti-Virus. Dell likes the little bit of extra money (profit margins on PC hardware are small). Dell probably also hopes customers think it's an upside of buying a Dell.

Had AVG on a computer once ended up with about 240+ trojan horses on it. Free just wasn't worth it.

Avast still free I use it on a couple of my computers. I also have Malwarebytes all would like you to buy but have free version.

I use Unthreat Antivirus, it's a free antivirus and I'm happy with it. It runs smoothly and doesn't slow down my computer when scanning it. Haven't had a virus since I got it, I totally recommend it!

Maybe try SpyBot.

Now that I have windows 8 do I have to install this as you mentioned it is included on Windows 8 RT but I don't know if my version of windows 8 is an RT whatever that is?? thanks in advance for your help...

Windows 8 and Windows RT (two different operating systems) each include the new Windows Defender built-in, which replaces Security Essentials. You shouldn't need to install anything else. In fact, I don't believe the installer will allow you to setup Security Essentials on those platforms, since it is irrelevant to them.

OK, will do nothing then and thanks...it had a McAfee program on it "trial version" and I deleted it as I have never liked McAfee...Just seems to be too complicated for a novice like me...thanks again for the advice...