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Anti-virus software
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I am now using Google Chrome (and I’m apparently living to tell about it
), and I’ve heard that it’s more secure than, say, IE7. Now another thought has come to mind. I was using McAfee Total Protection, but at the moment, I need something that is free instead of paying to renew the McAfee subscription. I also have Malwarebytes and run that frequently, but I believe that is not enough by itself.I read somewhere that Avast is a good anti-virus software among those available for free. Can anyone comment on that or recommend anything else?
Thanks,
Sue
I have used avast free version for years and it has worked well. I also use a program called “Scotty the Watchdog” (also free) that gets your permission before changes are made to your computer – even if you want to make them LOL. You just have to tell it OK when you add a new program or something. It pops up and “barks” when a change is attempted to your default search engine, for instance, or a program is being added to your start menu.
Those two free programs have kept me going for years and I update them frequently and use them on every computer I own – and load them on everyone’s computer that I can convince to do it!
Hope that helps – and I am using google chrome as well ( changed from firefox ) and I really like it – especially since they allowed an adblocker.
Thank you, and now I have another question, if anyone knows….do I have to completely uninstall McAfee before I am able to install Avast? Or does it matter?
I think if avast wants you to uninstall McAfee then it will tell you. I can’t remember how it works. If you do uninstall McAfee they might stop sending you those annoying reminders to resubscribe, though, and that is a plus…
Can you tell me what you like about Google Chrome, I am interested to know how it differs to firefox and IE? Thanks – Linda
Linda, I saw your question on the other post first (IE script errors), and I answered it there. I do not really know how it compares to Firefox, though, since I’ve only had a “nodding acquaintance” with that.
Here are a few of the big differences between browsers.
IE 7 and 8 are lacking many of the Web standards in use today. That means some sites will not look as nice or will simply not make some of their features available to you if you are using these older browser. They are also the slowest browsers and are known for being insecure. Many viruses and such have made their way onto computers through flaws in these older browsers.
IE 9 has made great improvements in supporting Web standards, but it’s sill lagging behind other modern browsers. It’s also still slower than the others. I recently saw it summarized in a comparison as being in last place but at least finishing the race for the first time. If you’re still running Windows XP then IE 9 is not even an option for you.
Firefox, Google Chrome, and Safari are good, fast, secure, and modern browsers.
Firefox has become a bit of an everything-including-the-kitchen-sink browser. It’s great for the geek but tends to be a bit cluttered in it’s interface. It supports Web standards well and is fairly quick so it’s a pretty good choice.
Apple’s Safari is the default browser on Macintosh computers. It’s a good browser and I use it on my Mac. But with Chrome and Firefox being such good browsers I don’t see much reason to use Safari on Windows. Safari and Chrome both use the same software engine under the hood.
Chrome seems to be the fastest overall and it supports modern Web standards very well. They’ve worked hard to simplify the interface and keep it uncluttered. For example, you can search right from the address bar instead typing in a separate search field.
But what I really like best about Chrome is that it automatically updates itself. If there’s a security fix or updates to support new technologies, you don’t have to worry about it because it just happens automatically in the background. Since it’s backed by Google, they can afford to update it frequently. In fact, they pay rewards to people who report security flaws. I think the security aspects are a huge plus for this already good browser.
Doug thanks for that info. I actually have spent a little time this morning with Chrome – it was easy to get the way I liked and I am using it now – it certainly is cleaner looking and faster and those are big pluses for me – so I think I will use it now. With Windows 7 and IE9 I am constantly having lockups, web browser unexpectedly closing and the usual microsoft nonsense, plus it is slower than time… I hope that won’t happen with Chrome – so far so good. I was also happy to see I could use Roboform with it as that is important to me. I also like that you say the security is so much betterrr – thanks again. Linda
so I’ve downloaded both chrome and firefox. But where are favorites? I have a ton of blogs and misc stuff in my faves on IE -how do you get that stuff?
On the right of the screen on Chrome, you should see a folder and other bookmarks, click on that – that is where mine all are and you can go into the tool thingy at the top right open that and do all kinds of things like set your home page etc. I now have my very favorites on mybookmark toolmark and I asked it to import all from IE…does that help?
On the wrench or whatever that is icon top right – go to bookmark manager – that is where you can sort them all out.
Now I have got Firefox, Google Chrome is great and I like it best, but it does not allow me to use Yahoo Mail Beta and I really like that – Firefox does allow it, so I will go with Firefox for now. As Doug says it is not as clean – it is a bit cluttered and a bit slower, but better than IE9. All my favorites showed up on Firefox without problem so that is good to.
Comodo is the free anti-virus and firewall software that we use.
Ok got it! Thanks so much Linda! I’m going with Firefox also because of the Yahoo Mail thing. I’m glad you mentioned that bc I wasn’t sure what was going on. 🙂
), and I’ve heard that it’s more secure than, say, IE7. Now another thought has come to mind. I was using McAfee Total Protection, but at the moment, I need something that is free instead of paying to renew the McAfee subscription. I also have Malwarebytes and run that frequently, but I believe that is not enough by itself.
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