Question about Anti-Virus software .... Please help

[zaranvalesasterix]

I used to pay £60 a year for Norton until I realized it hadn't been working for a few months. I did download McAfee and it totally disabled my computer, and have since used the free AVG.
I assume it works, it tells me that it has protected me from something or other every now and again.

[cheaver]

I rarely use a Windows OS but when I do I use MSE (Microsoft Security Essentials) - free.
On Linux, my main OS, no AV necessary in 7 years.

[squern]

I used Norton for a long time, but got tired of annual renewals, and it seemed to slow everything down.

I have used AVG for some years (free version), and that seems to cover everything. I was told that computer-professionals use it.

[victorfrank]

I use Avira (free) and have not had problems with it. I know others who use Avast and are equally pleased with that.

[suesjools]

I use AVG antivirus free version plus MalwareBytes (for spyware, also free), recommended by my puter guy a few years ago and haven't had a virus or spyware problem in years, knock wood.

Oh and my laptop is from 2007 and yes, it does run verrrrrry slowly when AVG is running. I typically put it on pause til I'm done with what I'm doing then let it finish running.

Best wishes for many sales to all,

[billsstamps]

I'm frustrated with Norton Internet Security. Won't go into the long story. What kind of anti-virus software do you use? The computer that I'm using is a PC purchased in 2006. Any recommendations? ... (other than to buy a different computer)

If I was running a computer bought in 2006, I would have to acknowledge that it was not fast enough to run an antivirus programme in the background. Not all slow your computer as much as Norton used to, but all have to run in the background.

My option is to use Ubuntu (Linux) instead of Windows because it has few virus issues and so runs faster for longer than Windows XP. It is not for everyone because it is more intermediate technology, and you can't get all programmes to run. If it works, it is great.

[iwiw60]

I use System Mechanic Professional...have for years. Best one I've ever had.

[FirstGreenIsGold]

Thanks everyone.

I'm just having my first cup of coffee and will have a good read on this thread.

Yes, I'm running XP.

I've got so much old Norton in my computer that there is some kind of weird glitch where "trial versions" are expiring and the paid for version isn't due until August 2014.

This is the second time that this has happened.

I uninstalled and downloaded again and tried to figure it out, but still get these messages. This computer is the only device that the Norton is used on and there are issues with running out of downloads on paid software etc. Says my key codes aren't valid etc.

It's confusing and gives a headache. Really don't feel like trying to deal with Norton support.

It's not that it slows down my computer so much .... that's not the issue. It's this darned renewal business.

Hubby had a nightmare time with McAfee as well on one of his old laptops. He's converted to a MacBook now, but I still prefer a desktop PC (and then use an iPad a lot as well).

[Tiskets]

I ran Eset uk on my old computer with windows XP. I also have it on my new computer with Windows 8 and my laptop with Windows 7. I have an old tower solely for Ubuntu/Linux... so obviously don't need it on that.

The nice thing about Eset is that they are available and very quick to contact technicians in your own country. It is very different in the way it interfaces, but I have never had a problem yet. To me, it is worth every penny.

[crafters_corner]

I ran AVG free on my old computer but found it slowed everything down too much.

My new desktop (Windows 7) came with MSE and that is what I am using.