Security for pc and laptop

scottishminnie

Would appreciate help here. I currently have a pc with AVG security (due to expire in 2 days). I don't want to renew with AVG as I've had nothing but problems in the 2 years since I installed and I'd rather have something else.
I've also just purchased a laptop (on the way from e buyer won't be here until Friday).

My question is - which is the best security to buy and do I need to buy 2 separate lots (which seems pricy) or is there anything I can buy which will do laptop and pc?

Apologies if these are very basic questions - I'm not really technical at all.:o

Many thanks

macman

Free: Avira, Avast, or Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE).
Paid for: Kaspersky (but it's free on up to 3 PC's if you have Barclays online banking).
Most of the paid-for programs have editions which give you 2 or 3 licences.
There's no technical difference in the software required on laptop or PC-it's the OS that matters, presumably Vista on the desktop and W7 on the laptop.
You're absolutely right to ditch AVG-why have you kept it for 2 years though?
Make sure you remove it using the AVG removal tool, it won't fully uninstall through Control Panel.

scottishminnie

It's windows millenium edition (I think - been there for some years) on the desktop and will be windows 7 on the laptop.

I was mad to have paid almost £60 for the AVG and wouldn't ditch it because of that (I know cutting off my nose to spite my face!). I'd previously had Norton but the pc went in for repair and the engineer removed it and as it only had 2 months subscription left to run I couldn't get it back on and had to buy something else quickly to replace it.

Is the free stuff as good as the paid for? I don't mind paying for it but am beginning to wonder if there is really much benefit.

I do have 2 freebies - ad aware and spybot but I guess that doesn't cover everything so I need something else too.

Thanks

scottishminnie

[QUOTE=macman;36182097
Make sure you remove it using the AVG removal tool, it won't fully uninstall through Control Panel.[/QUOTE]


Possibly a silly question - how do I find the AVG removal tool? I had thought i would go to Start, All Programs, AVG and then select Uninstall AVG - Do I need to go to their website or something?

Sorry for all the q's

Donnie

AVG Removal Tool (Top of the list).
Windows ME? Maybe time to update the OS on the PC.
Download, Install and run CCleaner and post the PC specs written along the top of the program interface.

closed

avast4.8 free for me, avast 5 free + malwarebytes free for w7

If you don't have a router, you'll need a firewall for the me machine

Personally wouldn't bother with spybot and adaware, they'll just slow things down.

Donnie

AVAST Home 4.8 download. Free licence here.

scottishminnie

thanks guys - I have a router (it's even wireless - I did move in to the 21st century at one point!) so guessing I have a firewall somewhere.

Can I install the avast before I remove the AVG or is it ok to get rid of the AVG before I've put anything else in it's place - can you tell I'm kind of paranoid about this security nonsense

Donnie

Download but don't install Avast. Disconnect from the Internet. Install Avast. Reconnect the Internet.

debitcardmayhem

scottishminnie wrote: »

thanks guys - I have a router (it's even wireless - I did move in to the 21st century at one point!) so guessing I have a firewall somewhere.

Can I install the avast before I remove the AVG or is it ok to get rid of the AVG before I've put anything else in it's place - can you tell I'm kind of paranoid about this security nonsense

I'd download avast 1st and the AVG removal tools , then as you are paranoid disconnect from the net and then remove then install, then connect again and let avast update itself it needed.

scottishminnie

Great - thanks all for your help. :T

That's tomorrow night's little job planned now!