New computer--how to protect it (antivirus, anti-other?)

[sbgrace]

Our old computer was a horrible mess and I think it was at least partly virus related (blue screens of death constantly; redirect infection that would go to sites with trojans that we couldn't get rid of, etc.) We were using AVG free with that computer.

 

My parents completely surprised us with a laptop for Christmas. What can I do to protect this computer?

 

I bought Malware bites--is that good? Do I need something else along those lines?

 

For anti-virus it's got a free trial of Norton that came already installed running now. I sort of like how it says things are safe (or not). I don't know if it is reliable though? Am I risking the computer relying on Norton until we decide what to use?

 

I would love advice.

[lailasmum]

I have norton on my laptop and really like it, not had any problems. I have also used AVG in the past and while it works well it seems to slow your computer down massively.

[Cynful]

I prefer Avast (the free version) - it works great and has kept my computer safe.

[Barbara H]

If you have not already done so, I'd suggest looking to see if your Internet provider includes anything "free" as part of your service. Some offer software like McAfee but many customers aren't aware they just need to download it.

[laundrycrisis]

Malwarebytes is great ! It is not antivirus though, so you still need antivirus. I use Microsoft Security Essentials.

[Reya]

McAfee is of the devil. :) It has hosed the operating system when we've tried to uninstall it (it comes pre-loaded on Dells).

[Lanny]

Anti Virus: We used the Free version of AVG for many years. Last April, they did a huge upgrade and then we were unable to surf the web. We removed AVG and I installed Avast. My wife just went back to the Free version of AVG on her PC. I am using Avast on this *old* PC and it seems to do the job. So, either AVG or Avast would be my recommendation, based on our personal experiences here.

 

Diagnostics, Utilities, etc., I have the Free version of Advanced SystemCare 6 on this *old* PC. It seems to be very stable. IMHO, if it will run on this legacy hardware, it will run on anything.

[Lanny]

McAfee is of the devil. :) It has hosed the operating system when we've tried to uninstall it (it comes pre-loaded on Dells).

 

 

EEEK. We ordered a Dell PC for DD in October. They put McAfee on it. 15 months of service. So far, I think it works OK. No problems on her PC, so far, but I won't try to uninstall it, until the 15 months have elapsed.