keeping computer virus free

Bob Z

I have a friend who has a computer but he doesnt know a lot about or have too much patience for computers. IS there anyway i can install antivirus anti spyware firewall etc without making him fed up with all these programs he has to run every time he uses the internet?

eightyfish

Try AVG, it's free and autoupdates in the background. The only thing I'd recommend is to disable the daily auto-scan and do it manually every 1-2 weeks.

cherryghost

i've had nothing but problems with AVG with its update service and inability to detect some trojans. On Avast! and Comodo now instead, havent had a problem with either since I installed.

Comodos probably a bit TOO secure for some things though

admiralofthefleet

avira anti-vir is an excellent anti virus program, and malwarebytes anti malware is good for spyware/malware

thebourke

you basically need to install anti spyware program..i use super anti spyware all the time for work and home purposes..you can download a free version from here
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-adware-spyware-scumware-remover.htm
http://www.superantispyware.com/

the most important thing to remember if always to update the anti virus and anti spyware programs other its pointless having them installed...

wolfric

+1 avg for free
soffice if you can pay

comodo +100 for advanced user. FAIL for someone who just wants it to work. Comodo puts the power of the firewall in your hands rather then guessing.

adaware i've heard is good. All it seems to find for me is tracking cookies which are cleared anyway when i close my browser each time so who knows.

No matter what your anti virus the main part is the user: You can use a program to create an image of your hard drive and restore it later. Like having a reset button. I have imagine drive which works well. The image can be stored on a partition and the cd will do all the work for you.

Use firefox for security. Run some good plugins like noscript (although might cause headaches with novice users as it blocks everything-not just bad things)

Use sense. Don't download exes from unknown sites. Big major sites like fileplanet and download.com are mostly safe. Install patches asap (windows update and browser updates being the most important)
You can set it up in control panel -security center to automaticly download updates and install them. (xp) i can't remember for firefox but somthing similarly named.
Don't download free games/programs that are illegal, they're mostly shoved full of trojans.

ARGINITE

Linux -> Ubuntu, easy to use and virus free. It is also free.

On the other hand give Avast a google.