Expert: Doug Woodall - 1/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: I bought my first computer in 2006 and still use it (Toshiba Satellite A105-S4164).   The sales person then recommended Windows Live OneCare, which I have.  I received a notice that my subscription expires next month and OneCare can no longer be used.  I don't have any knowledge about the products that are available and don't know what to use instead.  As a user, I'm very basic - I use the computer a few hours every day but only to do e-mail and surf the internet.  What are my options when I lose OneCare?

ANSWER: Hi Vicki,
There are a few great great free AntiVirus products out there. AVG for one.
I usually recommend this site for reviews and let the person decide.

http://anti-virus-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

Whatever product you pick, make sure you have your AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and Firewall configured properly. Learn to use the product, dont take it for granted its set up correctly. Read the help sections.

Hope this helps,
Doug

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

QUESTION: I looked at the website that you recommended and will spend more time checking out their info.  I did their questionnaire and they recommended something called Bit Defender Internet Security.  Like with so many products, the more choices there are, the more baffling it can seem.  You mentioned having AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and FireWall - are all of these things usually in one product?  That sounds easiest.  With the limited knowledge I have, it seems that viruses will make computers malfunction.  But what is SpyWare for?  Are there "spies" trying to access things like credit card numbers?  And I don't remember what a FireWall is.  

Meanwhile, my Live OneCare gave me a message that I need to renew, which I thought was strange since it's being discontinued.  I searched for more info.  It said that users can have a free 6 month extension while they look for a new product.  I may do that for now while I figure out future options.  

And it also said that Microsoft offers something called Security Essentials for free.  If something is free, is it of much value?  Why would it be free?   It said you can download it but I didn't understand if it's used along with OneCare or if it replaces OneCare?  Oh, I just re-read your message and you said that something called AVG is free and it's great.  I wonder why some are free?   Is AVG just antivirus or does it also have firewall, etc?

And I just received an e-mail from Fidelity Investments saying that they are offering MacAfee at a discount.  Is that something I could use?

Is it wrong to have multiple products?  If you try to install a product do you have to delete any others?  Do they sometimes interact and cause problems?  

Answer
Hi Again Vicki,
My Family all use BitDefender, and have so for the past 3 years. Before that we used Avast which was just AntiVirus vs a all-in-one like BitDefender.
Most security products today are all-in-ones, AntiVirus, AntiSpyware and Firewall.
You should not run multiple AntiVirus or AntiSpyware or Firewall products as they can conflict and cause errors in their results when running.

What online provider are you using? Some like Comcast provide you with free protection you can dnload. I think AOL and ATT do the same.

Hope this helps.
Doug