Laptop security

[chrisv40]

Just had a second hand laptop arrive in the post and it has Avira anti virus installed and Zonealarm.

ARe these any good or should I go back to AVG which I have always used in the past?

Thanks for any help.

 

[FluffyChicken]

I don't like ZoneAlarm due to problem I used to have with it many years ago when I was into techy stuff. No idea what it's like now as I've not used it since and it's dropped from the techy must have lists.

I don't know Avira I use Avast! on most of mine now. Personally I would use Microsoft Security Essential on someone else's computer as it doesn't from memory nag you to register every now and again.

But if they are working, leave them be and see how much they annoy you.

Avira review seems to be favourable
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/reviews/inde ... id=3200394.

I'd still remove ZoneAlarm... though that may cause more problems than not if history is anything to go by though knowing the problems you had before, the more things the better.

 

[sylus]

the zone alarm freebee is probably just the firewall with avira taking care of the rest

for free i would normally use avg, with malawarebytes..caters for most everyday nuisances

 

[highlandsflyer]

I swear by Comodo. Regularly.

Kidding, it's great, highly configurable and for private users 100% free, and always has been.

http://www.comodo.com/home/download/download.php?prod=cis

 

[Andy B]

For spyware & other nasties I use Spybot Search & Destroy http://www.safer-networking.org/index2.html

I've used AVG, Avira & Avast but have no idea which is the best now as it was a while ago.

Also run CCleaner to remove crap that's not needed, temporary internet files etc http://download.cnet.com/CCleaner/3000- ... 47048.html

Both free and pretty good tools

 

[chrisv40]

Thanks for all the advice.

Think I will stick with whats installed for now, seems to interfere less than AVG to be honest.

C cleaner is already installed Andy so I will use that as and when needed..

 

[barry2017]

If you don't mind my saying, I would suggest a reinstall of the operating system is sensible on any laptop that's new to you. You can't trust any of the software installed on it.

 

[PhilStone]

Agreed - windows rot always sets in eventually, a fresh build, AVG or your favourite AV (I use McAfee VSE but I'm biased) and you should be fine, no need for firewalls or use Windows defender if you must..

 

[Skeelsie]

Find the uninstall tool for the existing anti-virus software and put MSE on it.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

 

[chrisv40]

Fresh install of XP just done by the seller.