I have Windows XP Pro with service pack 3. Yesterday, I got the Spyware Protection 2009 malware/virus which on its own automatically began to try and download/scan my computer with their software. I closed the program out within 5 seconds of it starting but then it kept bringing up pop-up warnings that my computer is infected and to dowload this software to stop it. I did not download it since I doubted its authenticity. Upon a google search I found out that it was a malware so upon troubleshooting recommendations I installed the free versions of Malwarebyte-anti-malware & SUPERAntiSpyware to clean/get rid of it. They found 4 infected files and removed them which seems to have done the job well. I used my PC for the rest of the day trouble free. Upon shutting down, Windows had some auto updates which I agreed to install upon shutdown. This morning after my PC started up, a “Microsoft Windows Geniune Notifications Wizard” popped up. I was told that Windows is cracking down on piracy and this was a normal thing that is dowlaoded with auto updates. Upon this info and the fact that my Windows software is legit, I followed through with the wizard and it thanked me for registering & all seems fine. All these things bring me to my question…I never bothered to have an anti-virus installed on my PC before (my ignorance/laziness) and after all these recent issues I really want to try to prevent future problems so I wanted to know…What is the best free anti-virus software to use with the Malwarebyte-anti-malware & SUPERAntiSpyware programs I already installed?
A complete regularly updated virus scanner that I believe to be better than most that you have to pay for today, is called Avast! Anti-Virus. I use it in correlation with Ad-Aware and there is no contradictions between them. They work perfectly and I was supremely thankful to actually find a pair of good free anti virus and spyware programs.
I have used AVG Anti Virus, Zone Alarm firewall, I have recently added super anti spyware and malware bytes. They are all free for personal use and I have had no trouble with Viruses Trojans Hackers etc. I have just upgraded to AVG free 8th 0 and all seems good so far. Zone Alarm Allows a lot of personal configuration unlike the Windows Firewall. They can all be downloaded from http://www. download. com / I also use Windows Defender from the Microsoft site. It is safe to use two anti-spy products but never use more than one A / V as it can cause conflicts. You should run A / V and anti spy weekly. Hope this helps
i use Avast on I’m pleased. They also have a helpful forum