Computer911-8.22.09: “Antivirus”
With so many antivirus choices out there, how do you make the best decision? Is a pay-for service always better? We’re also getting you registered for two hot-rod laptops, and taking your calls in episode 22 of Computer 911 with PC Medic: Antivirus.
In The News
Feature: Antivirus
With so many choices out there, it can be confusing which to use.
Some things to keep in mind when it comes to using your antivirus:
- Make sure it is up-to-date! If your program is not receiving regular updates, it is not doing you any good. Make sure you have scheduled updates set in your settings.
- Make sure it is running. All antivirus programs will have an icon near the clock on your PC to show that they are on. They will also display errors though this icon, so keep an eye on it.
- Run daily scans during downtime. JP schedules his at 3am. This will make sure your system does not get slowed down while you are using it. Scans are important because while most programs will detect baddies before they infect your machine, they can slip through. Scheduled scans root out the viruses that sneak past your program.
When it comes to choosing a program, the two biggest choices are to pay or not to pay? For a pay-for program, we reccomend NOD32 from ESET for home users, and Kaspersky for business.
As far as free is concerned, we strongly recommend Avira. It should be noted that most often, free antivirus programs are illegal to use for businesses.
Finally, when changing your antivirus, follow these steps
- Make sure you have your new program ready to install. If you are installing from CD/DVD, then you are all set. If you are downloading a program, download it before removing your old program.
- Unplug the network cable from your computer. If you are using dial-up, disconnect.
- Uninstall your current program using the uninstaller. First check Start -> Programs -> and check your current program’s folder for an uninstall option. If not, go to the Control Panel -> Add/Remove Programs -> and remove all of the components of your current program.
- Restart your computer.
- Install your new antivirus.
- Re-connect to the internet by either plugging the network cable back in, or dialing back in.
- Check for all updates for your program.
- Run a short system scan.
Back-2-School Feature
Going back to school, and need to do some statistical research? How about solving complex equations? Then you need to try out the answer engine Wolfram Alpha!
Totally Free Download: Spybot Search & Destroy
From cNet:
Spybot – Search & Destroy has been in the antispyware game for a long time offering features we’ve come to expect in the best apps in the category, but bugs and false positives make it difficult to recommend.
If you are going to download and use this program though, we recommend that you disable TeaTimer.exe for simple annoyances. Yes, it will help keep you secure, but it can get to be a bit too much. This should be done during the installation of the program, so make sure you read all of the screens while installing.
Install and clean your machine today. DOWNLOAD
