Anti Virus / Security advice sought

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RunningMan

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#111996 22-Nov-2012 10:59

An elderly relative of mine has asked for advice, and I'm now seeking yours!

They have a several year old PC used almost exclusively for email and light web browsing. OS is Windows XP Home, and has a subscription to McAfee Security Centre.

McAfee subscription is about to expire. What are people's thoughts on a free alternative?

Microsoft Security Essentials?

AVG?

Something else?

Thanks in advance.

xpd

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#721216 22-Nov-2012 11:15

MSE or AVG is fine, use both myself, but everyone has their own opinions etc :)

XPD / Gavin

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l43a2

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#721218 22-Nov-2012 11:16

Microsoft Security Essentials is a lot lighter on resources then AVG, also should consider changing away from IE if not already and ensure JAVA/FLASH and any PDF readers are up to date.

NonprayingMantis

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#721220 22-Nov-2012 11:25

Not trying to stereotype too much but old people are quite often with Telecom.

If that is the case, they may not be aware that Telecom goives free licences to McAfee antivirus. so they can keep their McAfee service which they are familiar with for free if that is the case.

If they aren't with Telecom then the free alternatives mentioned already are probably just as good, but obviously will require a bit of learning to use.

RunningMan

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#721224 22-Nov-2012 11:34

NonprayingMantis: If that is the case, they may not be aware that Telecom goives free licences to McAfee antivirus. so they can keep their McAfee service which they are familiar with for free if that is the case.

You learn something every day - didn't know that! They're not with Telecom though.

freitasm

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#721226 22-Nov-2012 11:37

Telecom Premium Services for broadband and dial-up users.

If not that (as you noted above), then Microsoft Security Essentials will do a good job.

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l43a2

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#721230 22-Nov-2012 11:42

didnt telecom tell people to remove this due to an issue it had a few month's back?

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NonprayingMantis

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#721234 22-Nov-2012 11:48

l43a2: didnt telecom tell people to remove this due to an issue it had a few month's back?

no. there was a problem accross all McAfee with an update that caused some people's internet to stop working. Uninstalling and reinstalling McAfee fixed the problem.

CYaBro

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#721239 22-Nov-2012 11:59

The best free AV is Microsoft Security Essentials.
We've found the others (AVG, Avast, Avira) have just got too bloated and aren't as good as they used to be.

For paid AV I would only use Eset.

Opinions are my own and not the views of my employer.

bmoff

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#721252 22-Nov-2012 12:29

As well as Security Essentials, Microsoft also have for free, MS Safety Scanner, the Malicious Software Removal Tool and MS System Sweeper. There is no need for the average user to pay for Anti-virus software.

Technofreak

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#721539 22-Nov-2012 21:38

I too would recommend MSE. I've used Norton, Avria and MacAfee as well. Went from Norton to Avira and was quite happy for awhile then went to MSE. I was very happy with MSE compared to the others.

When I bought a new Ultrabook it came with MacAfee preinstalled with a 15 month subscription. I had the issue of not being able to connect to the internet which caused me a lot of grief, then I had another issue So I ditched MacAfee for MSE. I'm a happy camper again.

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RunningMan

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#721695 23-Nov-2012 09:39

Thank you all for your advice.