Let’s first address the traditional favourite of the computer user: anti-virus software.
Nearly everyone who buys a new PC these days gets at least some free trial of a popular antivirus program, whether it be Norton AntiVirus, McAfee’s VirusScan or any other software in existence. The supplied program is invariably installed when the computer is first set up and everything is well and good. A year passes, the user’s annual subscription to the software’s updates has expired, and the software is left impotent against newer and more virulent threats. Unfortunately, this is the state in which the software remains for the term of its (un)natural life. The program is left to rot in a state of limbo, only mildly less useless than having no protection at all.
Unfortunately, most users only realise that their antivirus software is not working when their computer is infected and has become a tool of the evil one.
Gah! I think I already have a virus
Don’t Panic! Go and visit Trend Micro for a free online scan, or download the free avast! Virus Cleaner to check your computer for viruses. One of these emergency measures should clean up most viruses from your PC.
If you’re still having problems, it may be that you have spyware/malware on your PC rather than a virus. In this case, go and download Ad-Aware and SpyBot (install them, update and scan) to catch most nasties.
If you’re still having grief, try the SpywareInfo forums for some expert advice.
What was that about software recommendations?
OK, down to the software.
Pretty much all the reviews I’ve seen lately have rated Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security as being the best all-round antivirus package currently on the market. This is commercial software that currently sells online from Trend Micro for $89.95 (AUD), and includes. Like all other commercial antivirus software, make sure you allow for the cost of an annual subscription after the first year.
For those who can’t afford this kind of money, a good alternative is avast! 4 Home Edition, a well-regarded antivirus solution that’s free for home (non-commercial) users. In case you’re thinking this is too good to be true, their software updates are free too! Grisoft have a similar solution with their AVG Anti-Virus Free Edition.
Note: When installing avast! 4 Home, you are required to enter a free registration for the software. Currently, registrations need to be re-entered after 14 months. Read more about avast 4 Home free registration.
Please be aware that NO antivirus solution will stop every virus — they’re all trying to hit a moving target. Antivirus programs are also not very good at detecting other kinds of nasties, such as spyware, adware, trojans and other forms of computer parasite.
I’ll be posting further on these other nasties in the future.
Blessings, Steve
[Listening to Dave Matthews Band, Listener Supported (Disc 2) — Two Step]