Expert: Keith Davis - 3/14/2010

Question
I have NIS 2010 installed.  I would like to supplement Norton with a free real-time malware program.  Can you provide me with a program to download?  I know two virus removal programs shouldn't be installed at the same time but having NIS & another malware program should not conflict.  The reason I ask is that recently my system was infected with XP internet Security 2010.  Norton didn't pick it up.  However, I was able to remove it completely with a program from Microsoft.  I do not blame Norton as I know thousands of threats are developed every day & on occasion one can slip through.

Thanks,

John

Answer
If you paid for Norton's, keep it. If you did not I would recommend you download and install the latest version of AVG free anti-virus. You can get it here: http://www.filehippo.com/download_avg_antivirus/
For anti-malware I have used many different programs. I have used Spybot Search and Destroy and Spywareblaster for real-time protection. For manual detection and removal the very best program I have ever used is malwarebytes. (www.malwarebytes.org)

You have your choice.
Spybot S and D- www.safer-networking.org use it without the "tea-timer" option.
Spywareblaster- www.javacoolsoftware.com manually update with the free version, auto-update with paid version.
Malwarebytes is the same as spywareblaster; pay for it and it updates automatically, manual updating with the free version.

Let me know if I can help further.

Keith