Virus Protection

[enworb]

Can anyone recommend a good FREE virus protection software?

[Fordprefect]

For Windows, Microsofts own Security Essentials.
Works as well as most A/V's with little resource hassles.

[enworb]

Thanks mate

[r9453]

I've been using this one since Norton completely pissed me off:
http://www.avast.com/en-au/index

You get plenty of invites to upgrade to a paid subscription and you need to be carefull to uncheck some pre-filled boxes if you don't want Google Chrome installed on your computer.

That was 5 years ago and since then I'm virus free without paying a penny. :idea:

Edit: I haven't tried Microsofts own Security Essentials.

[enworb]

Fordprefect do i need 32 bit or 64?

[Fulvio]

For Windows, Microsofts own Security Essentials.

And for everything else... Umm, what's a virus?

Sorry Mark, I just had to.

[Fordprefect]

Fordprefect do i need 32 bit or 64?

Depends on Operating System :angel:

[enworb]

32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol

[trout]

I use the windows virus upgrades and still have "Issues" time to time.
I ran Linux on one of my desktops for quite a while and had NO issues whatsoever.
I however use the windows platform because it is what I am used to and it is what comes pre-installed on the new laptops I buy.
I use laptops because I am away from home 9 months of the year and take my system with me.
Try doing that with a tower, keyboard , Mouse and screen :angel:

What IS interesting is that a large percentage of Servers use Linux because it is secure and also FREE :ok:
It will work on any system as well :good:

[Fulvio]

What IS interesting is that a large percentage of Servers use Linux because it is secure and also FREE

Linux has also made vast advances in end-user usability in recent times. I know a number of elderly folk who were handed Ubuntu laptops and had no issue whatsoever with them, regardless of previous experience (or lack thereof). Its still nowhere near OSX in user interface and tight hardware integration, but vastly superior to that awful Win8 crap they're pushing now.

And (just to stay on-topic) its virus-free.

[Fordprefect]

32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol

Sounds like you have either Win7 or Win8
as your main operating system.
Most installs of either, these days are 64bit.
When first introduced Win7 was 32bit or 64bit
with most home installs being 32bit.
Just grab the the 64bit from MS
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/security-essentials-download

[trout]

32 bit wouldnt work. Says i need 64 whatever that means lol

64 bit will ONLY work on dual or multi core cpu's :ok:

[Unicorn]

I'm with Bob and use Avast! As he indicated it will often ask if you want to upgrade to the pay version (or install Google Chrome), but the free version has kept all 5 PCs in this house safe for years. Their virus definition updates are very regular.

[enworb]

Ive gone and downloaded the microsoft one. If it doesnt work out then i'll try the Avast. I already use google chrome so should be much of an issue.

[WavyTwenty]

64 bit will ONLY work on dual or multi core cpu's :ok:

Technically speaking 64 bit will only work on a 64 bit Operating System.

You can run windows 7 on a single core CPU - but it is very hard to find a single core CPU these days.

Windows 7 can be installed as either 32 bit or 64 bit - but generally it is always installed as 64 bit.

Many years ago, before there was a 64 bit OS from Microsoft, there was a story that explained the difference in the bits.  It goes something like this:

Windows is a 32 bit extension and a graphical shell for a 16 bit patch to an 8 bit operating system originally coded for a 4 bit microprossessor, written by a 2 bit company that can't stand 1 bit of competition.