Earlier today, while I was grocery shopping, a friend called up and asked, “What’s your recommended antivirus software?” After I shared what my recommendation was, he asked, “What other software do you recommend?”
Since this subject never grows old, here are some of my recommendations:
“Please help…I have a computer that is infected. The browser (Internet Explorer) keeps going to homepagepark.com as the home page,” wrote one desperate techonology user. “I’m sure there is a free spyware removal tool I can use, but after searching I found that some of the ones that come up are actually rogue spyware programs themselves – like Antispyware 2008.” Fortunately, the tools available for installation on personal netbooks have gotten better.
Here is a list of my favorite tools that I share at least once a month with colleagues wondering, “What is out there for free that I can share with students, parents, and staff to load on their personal computers?”
STEP 1 – Turn Off System Restore
First, right-click on your “MY COMPUTER” on your desktop (or look under START PROGRAMS).
Navigate to this tab and make the change as shown below:
Step 2 – Install AntiVirus and Anti-Malware Tools
- AntiSpyware Tools:
- Malware Bytes – This program is fantastic anti-spyware tool that finds and eliminates spyware on your computer. Get it online at http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php
- Spybot Search and Destroy – Download it
- SuperAntiSpyware Free edition – Get the free Home edition online at http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispyware.html
- AntiVirus Tools:While there are many antivirus tools, there is only one that is worth installing on thousands of computers.
- AVG AntiVirus Free – This free version is for personal home use, but you can also install the free version for a 30-day trial. Get it online at http://free.avg.com/
- Avast AntiVirus – avast! antivirus Home Edition is available free of charge for non-commercial home use ONLY. Get it online at http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html
The damage caused left by viruses and spyware to your Windows Registry can be catastrophic. To fix those problems, you need to take advantage of two tools that will help you 1) Uninstall undesirable programs completely and 2) Clean up your Windows registry.
- Revo Uninstaller – Some times, you need a program that will completely uninstall a program, including cleaning up your Windows registry. This program accomplishes that and ensures complete removal of a program. Get the portable version online at http://www.revouninstaller.com/
- CCleaner – This invaluable tool actually cleans up your computer’s registry, and run periodically, keeps your computer running in tip-top shape. Get the portable version online at http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds
And, since in the worst case scenario, it’s not a bad idea to make regular backups of your work. Before restoring your work to your freshly cleaned computer, make sure to clean it!
As a final preventative step, install these programs to prevent a “re-infestation:”
- SpywareBlaster – This program innoculates your computer against spyware. Get it online athttp://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html
- SpywareGuard – From the web site: SpywareGuard provides a real-time protection solution against spyware that is a great addition to //SpywareBlaster//‘s protection method. Get it online at http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html
and, if you’re really worried about reinfestation, install this last one:
- Hitman Pro – This tool combines Ad-Aware SE, SpyBot Search & Destroy, Spy Sweeper, Spyware Doctor, CWShredder, Spyware Blaster, NOD32, Sysclean package to get the job done. Most of the included programs are freeware. Get it online at http://tinyurl.com/3bk4lv
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Another Think Coming 
Hey Miguel!This blog post was a huge help to me! I have a pc and as you know they get viruses all the time. Ive begged my parents for a mac but I doubt if that'll happen 'til graduation, besides that a whole nother subject. Anyways, im a bit computer illiterate when it comes to viruses and knowing what to do when my computer gets one or even how to avoid getting them all together. The links that you've provided helped me tremendously! I had no idea that there was free virus protection even out there. Thanks alot for this post and your help! You rock!-Ashaunte
can you tell me top antivirus list ??http://www.drypin.com/?p=426