Expert: Keith Davis - 11/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: I had two software come with my computer when I bought it for virus.  Trend anti-virus and spy sweeper.  It's time to renew them.  I was wondering if I need them both.  I renewed spy sweeper today, otherwise it would have expired.  Trend expires on the 15.

ANSWER: The following is what I do for computer security (this does not mean what you have is bad. The programs below are tried and true):

I use 3 different programs and have been virus, spyware, and hack-free for close to 6 years.
Believe it or not all of these programs are free and are rated higher than programs you pay for.

Anti-virus- AVG Free Edition www.grisoft.com

Firewall- ZoneAlarm www.filehippo.com/download_zonealarm_free/
Make sure you disable Windows Firewall (it is worthless anyway) because they don't work well together. Don't get aggravated with the program. At first it will really bug you because it will be popping up a lot. When it pops up read what is trying to access the internet. If it is a trusted program click the check box "remember this" and click allow. After a short while you will get it set where it only alerts you to things that should not be accessing the internet.

Anti-spyware- Spybot Search and Destroy- www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/
Download, install, update, then run a scan and remove all spyware that is found.
Setup the program like this: Go to "mode" (top left of page) and click "advanced". At the bottom left you will see "tools". Expand tools and click "hosts file", then click "add Spybot S and D hosts list"

A little more safe internet advice:
1. I don't use Internet Explorer. It is not as secure as other browsers. I use Mozilla Firefox. It is faster and very secure.
2. I don't use Outlook email. I use web based email like yahoo or hotmail. Outlook actually loads email on your PC. Web based email stays on a server and you just view it from you PC.
3. Only download free software from trusted sources. There are very few that I trust. Trusted: www.filehippo.com, www.majorgeeks.com, www.snapfiles.com

I hope this helps you out. Let me know if I can help you further.

Keith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I don't have any anti-virus on my computer as we speak.  I tried to use the anti-virus you mentioned but when I brought it up it said you had to pay for it.  What should I do.  Thank you
         Dennis Roling

ANSWER: My apologies. The AVG link I gave you has been changed and will only allow you to download the trial version. This link will give you the edition that is totally free to home users.
http://www.download.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition/3000-2239_4-10320142.html

Uninstall the other version and download and install this version.

Again, my apologies for giving you the wrong link.

Keith

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Keith
I had to go to this e-mail because the one I was writing from had to many follow ups.  I was wondering if I use the 20 free error fixes on the anti-virus protection and then delete the program, then reload it and get 20 more free if that hurts anything in my system.  I have done this and am down to 139 from 219.  Also I will be getting the free spy ware that you recommended if the other one give me my money back.  I just renewed with them before I begin e-mailing you.

Answer
Dennis,
Did you pay for Trend micro anti-virus or Spy Sweeper?
I've did some research on both and both are good programs. You may just want to keep them until the subscription runs out then go to the free programs I talked about instead of uninstalling and reinstalling.
You can keep from changing emails just by making sure you have your name on the question and naming the question slightly different. Just copy and paste previous questions and answers into the new question.