new laptop

llamedos36

Hi have brought my daughter a laptop for christmas but before i give it to her i would like to get some anti virus on it. the system is vista so i don't know alot about it i was just wondering if avg is compatible

thanks

kwikbreaks

Yes AVG is OK on Vista

AVG can be bettered these days with the likes of Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security Essentials.

BillScarab

Just put Microsoft Security Essentials on. It's better than AVG and uses very few system resources.

If you've just bought a Vista machine have you got a free upgrade to Windows 7? If so it would be worth doing that before giving her it.

kwikbreaks

BillScarab wrote: »

Just put Microsoft Security Essentials on. It's better than AVG and uses very few system resources.

Sometimes very frugal - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2148275

Trust MS???. After seeing that I think I'll stick with Avast. My instinct was to distrust MS to produce any secure product but I'd started to think that one may be different after seeing recommendations here. If they can't even get the installer to ensure that it starts up you have to wonder what else may be wrong with it.

BillScarab

kwikbreaks wrote: »

Sometimes very frugal - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2148275

Trust MS???. After seeing that I think I'll stick with Avast. My instinct was to distrust MS to produce any secure product but I'd started to think that one may be different after seeing recommendations here. If they can't even get the installer to ensure that it starts up you have to wonder what else may be wrong with it.

How many times have you seen that issue reported? It's the first time I've heard of it.

I presume no other security suite has ever had any problems whatsoever?

If you trust MS so little why would you use their operating system? Surely you'd be better off with OSX or Linux?

busenbust

Well, I do like Microsoft SE but, in addition to, I would install Avast. Spyware Blaster is also very good, and immediately switch your allegiance to Firefox

kwikbreaks

BillScarab wrote: »

How many times have you seen that issue reported? It's the first time I've heard of it.

First time I've heard of it too. It's also the first time I've heard of any AV product that doesn't even start up automatically when the machine is booted.

Vista almost made me desert MS for good but I really don't want to put the effort into learning linux. I do already have a Mac as well as windows machines.

llamedos36

ok Thanks for the replies i am going to sort the laptop out tonight whilst she is on a sleep over

not sure about the free upgrade to windows 7 how would i find out?

i have decided to go with the ms security with a spyware programme probably malaware

thanks again

Bev:beer:

davb

llamedos36 wrote: »

not sure about the free upgrade to windows 7 how would i find out?

You may get a voucher in the box, or sometimes you have to visit the laptop manufacturers website and fill in an online form - otherwise ask the retailer.
The trend at the moment is to give you a "free" upgrade, and charge you around £20 for shipping and handling. Even with that, it's probably worth going for, but it's very unlikely you will get it before Christmas.

ndev2k

I have always stuck with AVG and Spybot search and destroy. They have never let me down yet....touch wood

Microsoft SE is pretty good and I have that installed on my Windows 7 Machine and not had any issues with it just yet

busenbust

llamedos36 wrote: »

ok Thanks for the replies i am going to sort the laptop out tonight whilst she is on a sleep over

not sure about the free upgrade to windows 7 how would i find out?

i have decided to go with the ms security with a spyware programme probably malaware

thanks again

Bev:beer:

Regarding the W7 upgrade, you might want to contact the manufacturer of your laptop (the expense should be minimal IME, circa £80 but sometimes depends on manufacturer). It's important that you choose the right upgrade version. If you use Windows Vista Home Premium, for example, you can perform an upgrade installation to Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Ultimate, but not to Windows 7 Professional - I think the latter will require a clean install.

If you do choose Firefox as your default browser - and I sincerely hope you do - you might want to install the excellent Firefox add-ons Adblock Plus (with Element Hider) and NoScript :cool: