Sr. Citizen Question On Which To Use ?

[Robert11]

Hi,

Am in my 70's now, and not all that sharp with this (anymore) ?

Will be getting a new PC with Windows7.

My present one with XP, I have been using AVG Free.
Seems to have worked, but does one really know what, if anything, it's blocked ?
Not too sure. PC now runs really, really, slow, so perhaps something has gotten thru ?

Anyway, I read that MS now offers a free anti-virus program also.
Just can't remember it's exact name, but you probably know what I'm referring to.
BTW: what is it called ?

I read the Posts, and it seems like most of you folks are using AVAST (free).

Sure don't want more than one anti-virus on system. Would like to use one of the free offerings, of course.

So, between AVG-Free, AVAST-free, and the MS offering, which would you advise that I use with Windows7 ?
Why ? (are they all just as easy to configure and use ?)

Much thanks; appreciate the help,
Bob

 

[Tews]

Hello Robert11 and welcome to the Forums!!

The program that you are talking about is MSE .. Microsoft Security Essentials ... they are all equally easy to use in my opinion...


http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

 

[Creer]

Hi,

Am in my 70's now, and not all that sharp with this (anymore) ?

Will be getting a new PC with Windows7.

My present one with XP, I have been using AVG Free.
Seems to have worked, but does one really know what, if anything, it's blocked ?
Not too sure. PC now runs really, really, slow, so perhaps something has gotten thru ?

Anyway, I read that MS now offers a free anti-virus program also.
Just can't remember it's exact name, but you probably know what I'm referring to.
BTW: what is it called ?

I read the Posts, and it seems like most of you folks are using AVAST (free).

Sure don't want more than one anti-virus on system. Would like to use one of the free offerings, of course.

So, between AVG-Free, AVAST-free, and the MS offering, which would you advise that I use with Windows7 ?
Why ? (are they all just as easy to configure and use ?)

Much thanks; appreciate the help,
Bob

Hi Bob,

about opinions which AV is better - it depends, the best thing you can do is go to the AV-Comparatives - Independent Tests of Anti-Virus Software - Main-Tests site and have a look at their latest tests results.

 

[patrickt]

In my opinion, if you never had a problem then your anti-virus and your personal security measures have been adequate.

I am 68 and not a geek but I like an AV that doesn't nag me a lot. I'm using MSE now and am quite happy with it. It never pesters me. It doesn't consume enough resources to effect how I work. And, so far, it's free.

 

[Dinesh]

Hi Robert, as a home user, Avast or MSE will do the job for you and as both are free, you can use each antivirus and see what you like. In my opinion, I prefer Microsoft Security Essentials; easy and effective.

 

[Robert11]

From OP: Thanks, And A Quest. Re Firewalls

Hi,

What great Forums.
So glad I found you all
Thank you, everyone, for all the help.

Guess I'll just keep AVG Free on the old XP PC, and go to the MS program
for the new Windows7 one coming shortly.

BTW: not all that clear regarding Firewalls.
Does the MS program have a Firewall ?

If so, should I use that, or the one that I believe is incorporated into Windows7 ?
Where do I go in Windows 7 to enable it, or is it automatically enabled ?

Thanks again,
Bob

 

[Tews]

MSE is an anti-virus only application... For what you want to do, the windows 7 firewall will serve you well... You may wish to read Brinks tutorial on enabling the firewall -=> here