Expert: Brian Benosky - 1/31/2009

Question
I am looking for a decent anti virus program. I basically use my computer for surfing the web, downloading music & gaming, etc. But I get alot of malware that takes over my computer trying to sell me a anti virus program. I have to wipe the system clean by re installing the OS. When I scan the things I download before opening them, Norton never finds anything. I open them and I get stuck w/ one of these malware things. I am not very computer literate, I just want a decent security program that will find these hidden malware programs.

Answer
Hi Charles

I find that it is almost always possible to clean a machine of infection using the right tools, rather than to do a clean install.  And of course preventing the infection in the first place is very important.  And, as you have found, Norton is very weak at that task.  The best free virus program is Avast! 4 Home.  I use Avast, alongside Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware and Comodo Pro Firewall.  Running the three together provides you with a complete security suite for free.  See the links at the bottom of this page.  There are many other good free programs out there which provide excellent protection.  Have a look at Freeware Replacements For Common Commercial Apps here:

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic3616.html

Hope that helps.  Cheers!

Brian

http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html
http://www.download.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-18510_4-10804572.html?par...
http://www.personalfirewall.trustix.com/whycomodofirewall.html

Brian