Genealogy Chat

Peter - I'm a little alarmed that you appear to be running 2 antiviruses together. Definitely NOT recommended as they could conflict and cause problems. You may have got round this, but the simple rule is: 1 antivirus only 1 firewall only (including the Windows XP one - turn it off if you have another) Do what you like with anti spyware. I've got A-squared, Spybot and Adaware SE personal. I took Microsoft beta off only because it never got anything when the others did. L

We have used the AVG 7 for over a year and during that time we have only had about 4 viruses. Wouldn't swap it for anything. Updates are really easy and you can shedule your scans when it suits you. Anne

I'm not necessarily recommending that you don't use windows firewall in XP. I'm saying that if you have another firewall installed the XP one must be turned off. If you are running XP with Service Pack 2 - you do this through the Windows Security Centre (Start > Control Panel) It would be foolish to turn off the XP firewall unless you are installing another. You cannot uninstall the XP firewall, it's builtin. You can only turn it off. For those wanting a free alternative firewall, I would suggest ZoneAlarm

hi there,,not seen anything about NTL pretection,,my norton has been up for renewal for a month..reading tips i removed it.. PC.. has worked faster since last night..i removed spy ware all so ,any comments..harold..

hi there,,not seen anything about NTL pretection,,my norton has been up for renewal for a month..reading tips i removed it.. PC.. has worked faster since last night..i removed spy ware all so ,any comments..harold..

We changed from Nortons to the free Avast about 18 months ago and have been very pleased with it. Last week I decided to download the trial pay version at work and they have been really helpful. As a non-profit making organisation we get 50% discount and it was really easy to apply & get it. AVG say they give discounts as well but it was very difficult to apply, in fact you can't if you haven't a Fax machine, plus they don't give discounts on the normal package but it is easily missed.

Harold. Your PC may well have speeeded due to uninstall of Norton, but regular anti-spyware treatrment is the real key to performance. That and a abit of routine maintenance - clearing temporary files and cookies can make all the difference. All users should be aware that they cannot assume that their software is completely up to date all the time. - You must make sure Windows Updates runs regularly - either automatically (best) or do it yourself manually via the microsoft website. - Ensure your Antivirus, is updated daily at a minimum (all major packages will do this, but check that it is enabled to do so!). Make sure sure antivirus performs regular (weekly at a minimum) FULL scans. Password protect you antivirus if you can to stop viruses hijacking it. - Update and run anti-spyware programs weekly. If you are having problems. Boot your PC in Safe Mode and run the Anti Spyware in safe mode. - Never turn your firewall off when connected to the internet. You always need something between you and the world outside! Joseanne - the free version of AVG is plenty for nearly all home users. So fax machines don't apply. Lx

Dump Norton. Use FreeAVG

This is a good site to check out free software : http://www.techsupportalert(.)com/best_46_free_utilities.htm Remove the brackets :0) Joan

Sorry Linda, I didn't mean to imply anything other than how helpful Avast were. For personal use I agree the free versions of AVG or Avast are all that are usually needed.

Joseanne - no problem! :o)

adding to find later peppa