TechTalkPlus

Anti-Virus

Someone is always asking about free antivirus programs and which one is best. For years I was a die hard McAfee (which works great) user. But as many of you know, I do free pc tech help and I work on a lot of computers and....Don't we already spend enough money on stuff. Years ago I started looking for free antivirus software, both for my use and to put on the computers I work on.

Many years ago, I started using AVG AntiVirus Free Edition, which did a good job. Then I came across Avira AntiVir (which also did a good job) and now I use Avast Home Edition. I've researched and read multiple antivirus reviews and found that currently, Avast Home Edition is the best free one.

The top 3 are (in this order)....

1. Avast Home Edtion
2. Avira AntiVir
3. AVG Free Edition

So...I've installed Avast Home Edition and am using it. It's been working great and I install it on all the computers I work on.

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Note:

Avast Home Edition is free but only comes with a 60 trial period. It's still free but you will need to go to their website and have a registration code emailed to you which will give you Avast for another year free.

Once you get the red box by your clock notifying you of the license expiration....

Go here:
http://www.avast.com/eng/home-registration.php

Click on "I'm a registered user and my registration key has expired, I need a new one" then fill out your email info.
They will send you a registration key via email.
Then right click your Avast icon by the clock, click "About Avast", click on "License Key" and enter your new registration.

Set-Up Notes:

After installing, you will see a blue icon with an "I" in it and a blue icon with an "A" in it in the lower right side of your screen by your clock.

Right click on the blue icon with the "I" in it and left click on "Disable VRDB generation".

Right click on the blue icon with the "I" in it and left click on "Merge with main avast! icon".

Right click on the blue icon with the "A" in it and left click on "Program Settings..."

Left click on "Update (Basic)" in the left menu.

In the "Program" section, put a checkmark in "Automatic" and click "OK".

Avast will auto-update itself.

Avast is now set-up and ready to keep you protected.

A good dependable anti-virus program is one of the most important programs to have.

They help keep your computer safe from viruses and trojans.

There are many free on-line scans and free anti-virus programs (see list below).

NOTE: Nortons is the worst anti-virus I've come across.

It's a resource hog and slows your computer.

Here is a list of sites that offer free on-line virus scans

TrendSecure HouseCall™ Free Scan

Here is a list of sites that offer free virus scans programs.

I recommend Avast Anti-Virus.