Best Antivirus Software?

[Jack_Dawson]

Well...let me back up. My computer only works for 5 minutes, then it freezes up. Can't even CTRL+ALT+DELETE. Need to manually shut it down every time, wait for it to reboot, then it's "back" - for 5 minutes.

Tech support in India tells me I have a virus, and I need to download the latest version of my antivirus software. My computer came with McAfee, but their "update" will cost me $60. Is there a good, FREE, update I can get anywhere, or should I just suck it up and purchase something and if so, which one?

Thx in advance...

[arissa]

1. Best anti-virus software?

clicking here will take you to it, and using it will solve all your problems ;)

[AndyP]

18. haha

I don't know how many people got that. :)

[onebigbadwulf]

2. Sounds like a heating problem

more than a virus.

[jmowreader]

21. Either heat or something intermittent in there...

but probably a heat-related problem.

Still, check for viruses; you can never be too careful.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

3. AVG

http://www.grisoft.com

On edit: Someone gave me a Compaq 466 Celeron on Saturday, which I am going to give to someone who needs a computer and cannot afford one. I used AVG to clean off 3006 viruses and trojans. Then I used Spybot Search&Destroy to clean off a grunch of spyware.

[Gman]

4. AVG is good and its free too

[trotsky]

5. AVG is definitely the best free solution.

But I agree with a poster above - it sounds like your computer is overheating. Most of them shut themselves off when the CPU has been at a certain temperature for a length of time. Is the fan on your power supply still blowing air? (Put your hand back there and feel.) Could also be a faulty temperature sensor.

[camero]

22. another AVG fan

It just killed one last night.

[Another Bill C.]

6. Try this first

Check out the little fan on your microprocessor heat sink. If it's not turning, the processor will overheat.

For a free anti-virus, check out: http://www.free-av.com/

[Jersey Devil]

7. Free online virus scan, but sounds like bad power supply

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

But this is not a substitute for good antivirus software that protects you all the time.

But your problem sounds like you might have a bad power supply or bad heat sink that is causing your CPU to overheat.

Try this if you are not afraid to, after running the online viruscan (assuming your computer runs long enough to let you run it) - take a household fan and aim it into the cooling vents of your computer in the back (or if you are really willing to risk it, take the cover off the computer and blow the fan right into it) and see if the computer runs without freezing up. If it is a power supply problem your computer should reboot by itself. If a bad heat sink then bring it for a new one.

[Jack_Dawson]

10. It's definitely not the power

The fan is still kicking. This all started when I downloaded Hyperion's 4-in-1 driver. They think I may have downloaded a virus with it. It's been a frustrating week to say the least.

[coltman]

8. best anti-virus

spend the bucks and buy norton last time I bought it it was $35

[loftycity]

9. Welcome to DU

:hi:
I like norton. I'm sure the DU'ers know where to go to get excellent downloads.

[pintobean]

11. windows or mac?

If windows, what version?

[Jack_Dawson]

13. Windows - 98 (ugh)

[pintobean]

16. Did you try starting in safe mode?

Pressing F5 (maybe F8) a few times per second during boot to get to the set up menu. Choose the start in safe mode option. It'll look really goofy, but it only runs what is needed. If it runs long enough, you should be unable to troubleshoot it. Download, install, update and run an anti virus program(http://www.grisoft.com/us/us_index.php). If that doesn't work, un-install the suspect driver.
I don't know what to do if you have the same problem in safe mode.

[Jack_Dawson]

17. Safe mode works...

But I can't check email or get online. Now sure how to uninstall the driver either. It doesn't "show up" in the usual places.

[pintobean]

19. I'm self taught

and only really know XP. I had win95 years ago, but don't remember much. I suggest finding a discussion forum for windows 98. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

[Jack_Dawson]

20. Thanks for trying!

I do appreciate it. :toast:

[Deja Q]

12. AVG... also check out Spybot and Swat-it

(google the names)

Most total freezeups are indicative of hardware failure, but it could also be a potent little virus.

I personally prefer pay-for programs, but that's just me...

[OhioStateProgressive]

14. sounds like a dirty fan, overheating processor

i would suggest opening the case up and making sure your fan works first

[Jack_Dawson]

15. Fan definitely works

I think it's either driver incompatibility or a virus I downloaded w/ the driver.