Best programs to protect your computer?

I think this is the right section to post this but please correct me if I am wrong.

I want to hear peoples opinions on what are some of the better programs to use in order to protect your computer from viruses and spyware/adware? In the past I have used Norton antivirus and Spybot Search&Destroy, aswell as a free antivirus program that was provided by my service provider directly off their website. I just bought a new laptop 5 or 6 weeks ago and it came installed with a free 2-month trial period from Norton and it has been working great up until now. The problem is that this trial runs out in about a week and I need to find another program to protect my computer, preferably free!

I read a great guide on Sythe here somewhere about protecting your computer from all kinds of intrusions and I downloaded Malwarebytes as a result. Loving the program so far Need some opinions on some good free antivirus programs though, or programs that are worth the cost if you must purchase them. I always try to be careful with my computer as I have had some bad experiences in the past... but ever since I started playing Runescape again 3 months ago, it seems that there is more exposure to viruses/keyloggers/RATS/phishing links and spyware than ever before.

Any thoughts or reccomendations?

 

Norton, AVG, Malware bytes.

 

Is there a free version of Norton? Or do you just have to keep downloading the trial version and re-installing it once the period is over? I would prefer to have something more permanent if possible. I also explained that I already have Malwarebytes... Maybe next time you should read the post.

What do you know about AVG?

 

AVG Is a bit akward for me its....different. But then again its free so i don't really care.

I also just restore computer when 60 day norton trial expires...yea cheap but is like 15 mins to just dload all my stuff again.

*I did read you had Malware i'm simply stating free ones.

 

I have AVG (free version) and it's great (make sure to install the web toolbar that comes with it, shows if link is safe before clicking on it on Google searches). I tried Norton 360 but I never really liked it.

 

Sorry. I mentioned that I was already using Norton and Malwarebytes and you repeated both programs in your reply so I assumed you had not read a word of my post

So far it sounds like AVG is a good program, and free! Sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Can anybody elaborate on some of the features AVG offers or how it compares to the other antivirus programs? I just want to make sure my computer is secure as possible. Also, Adrian - What did you mean when you said you find AVG a bit awkward to use?

Thanks for the replies so far guys, great info If I download AVG I will be sure to include the toolbar DMR!

 

So avg is the best free one? In 3 weeks mine runs out I might give it a shot

 

I personally love malware bytes, it just does the dirty work for you

 

Microsoft security essential or w/e + common sense.

 

I personally use AVG 2011. I have the full edition. I just downloaded the trial or whatever, then youtubed a serial for it. It's a really great AV, I've never been infected by anything but then again I have more common sense than most. It comes with tons of features that will keep you safe such as blocking common browser exploits and it scans links before you click on them to make sure they're safe etc.

 

I'm gonna get shit for this from those two.^^
I've been considering changing, but I haven't made any effort.
I use Norton because it's free from my ISP. I also have Malwarebytes.
They nailed it on the common sense though.

 

Spybot S&D

 

Enough for your protection ??? I included fews proxy software too.....the other half of the background is software that not relate to your question.

 

Kaspersky + Malwarebytes = Rape. They're both exceptionally good programs, there's nothing wrong with AVG though. However I do find Norton to be slow on occasions.

 

Haha, to each their own :3 lmao

 

I'd recommend MSE + Malwarebytes & Spybot S&D. All three are free yet useful programs.

 

I have the paid version of AVG and its actually very good. However Malewarebytes found threats that AVG couldn't find for me. I paid around $50-70 for AVG. So go with Malewarebytes since its free and has the strongest protection and powerful system out there.
AVG free isn't really that good though. You would have to pay for AVG to get the best outta it. For me though it basically has every feature out there including scanning your java just in case a drive-by gets misplaced.
Also, if you got extra $ to spare in the future, go for premium so you can have full protection 24/7

 

Common Sense/ Peerblock 24/7 (no google chrome/firefox)