Here is Microsoft Anti-virus software: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

EunuchOH (imported) wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2009 4:00 am Here is Microsoft Anti-virus software: http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

I don't trust their anti-virus. I'll stick with AVG for now.

micropenis (imported) wrote: Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:13 pm Please get protected ASAP! You need a firewall as well as antivirus software. I use these. They are very good and they are both free. Install them as soon as you can.

AVG 9.0 free version:

http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download?prd=afg

Ghostwall firewall:

http://www.ghostsecurity.com/ghostwall/

I looked at the firewall from ghostsecurity but didn't download it. Will it work with Vista it isn't in the list of software compatibility. Thanks Dave ps I do have a firewall but I am always looking to upgrade.

micropenis (imported) wrote: Sat Oct 24, 2009 5:13 pm Please get protected ASAP! You need a firewall as well as antivirus software. I use these. They are very good and they are both free. Install them as soon as you can.

AVG 9.0 free version:

http://free.avg.com/ww-en/download?prd=afg

Ghostwall firewall:

http://www.ghostsecurity.com/ghostwall/

I need to ask what is a firewall? I will be unboxing the computer on Monday in hope that the tech will arrive as scheduled. If I do not visit the EA for a few days it is because I have not figured out how to turn it on.

Personally, I use and recommend VIPRE (anti-virus) and Sunbelt Personal Firewall. While not free, they are VERY inexpensive - and are already certified for Windows 7.

tugon (imported) wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:25 am I need to ask what is a firewall? I will be unboxing the computer on Monday in hope that the tech will arrive as scheduled. If I do not visit the EA for a few days it is because I have not figured out how to turn it on.

A firewall prevents your computer from talking to strangers on the internet. Computer communication is sort of like a conversation. When one computer sends yours a signal it will answer, then an exchange of data can start. A firewall will only let your computer talk to another if your computer initiates the conversation first. If a strange computer contacts yours, your computer will then ignore it. This helps prevent hackers and the spread of mailcious software.

You also need anti virus to catch anything you may download, such as email or a page you want to view, like a news site. Both together, provide very effective protection.

Yes, Ghostwall should work with both Vista and Windows 7. When I first downloaded it an IT instructor told me that it was one of only a few firewalls at that time that would work with both 32 and 64 bit operating systems.

The links I included will take you directly to the download pages. Ghostwall is free and the other is the free version of AVG 9. When you install the AVG there is an option for a thirty day free trial of the pay version, or you can check the free version. There is no need to choose the pay version. The pay version includes a couple of unimportant options and a firewall. Why pay when you can get a very good firewall for free?

I have used both for some time on an XP pro machine and never had any problems.

P.S. I have a bachelor's degree in IT. I know what I am doing.

Thanks everyone for the good advice and links to free antivirus and firewall software. I appreciate everyones help in keeping me virus free, well my computer at least.

So tugon, did you buy a 32bit system or 64bit system?

River

kristoff wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2009 5:21 am I don't trust their anti-virus. I'll stick with AVG for now.

Microsoft has a terrible reputation when it comes to protecting their OS. Microsoft antivirus products (like much of anything else they offer) are acquired from companies they've devoured. Its probably a virtual orphan and will die a slow, painful death inside the belly of the Redmond behemoth.

Riverwind (imported) wrote: Sun Oct 25, 2009 6:55 pm So tugon, did you buy a 32bit system or 64bit system?

River

It is a 64 bit system.