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Replace Macafee with Avira

Hi, My free version of McAfee has expired and so I want an alternative.
I'm thinking Avira, it seems to have good reviews here and elsewhere.
Well, my question is, do I remove Mcafee and then install Avira. or do I install Avira and THEN remove Mcafee. I have Windows XP on a netbook and use Google Chrome.
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Comments

  • busenbust
    busenbust Posts: 4,782 Forumite
    1st. remove McAfee, then install Avira. Personally, I'd opt for the brilliant Avast -- but your call :)
  • Remove the old one first, just incase of a conflict, if you want to be really ultra tight on security, disconnect from the internet until you've installed the new av, and then proceed to do a full scan. If it was me, I wouldn't bother doing that though!
  • busenbust
    busenbust Posts: 4,782 Forumite
    There might be a specific McAfee removal tool ; I'm unsure as I don't like/use.
  • dogmaryxx
    dogmaryxx Posts: 2,446 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Use the MCAFEE REMOVAL TOOL
    http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507 then install Avira
  • busenbust
    busenbust Posts: 4,782 Forumite
    busenbust wrote: »
    There might be a specific McAfee removal tool ; I'm unsure as I don't like/use.
    dogmaryxx wrote: »
    Use the MCAFEE REMOVAL TOOL
    http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS100507
    then insall Avira
    thanks Mary :D
  • Knarf44
    Knarf44 Posts: 557 Forumite
    edited 25 October 2010 pm31 5:49PM
    First download the FREE Avira AntiVir to your computer BUT don't run it.

    Uninstall McAfee - Instructions here Note there is a recommended too listed in these instructions.

    You could disconnect from the internet to install Avira but the chances of getting infected during the time it takes to install are slim.

    As soon as Avira is installed, update the definitions and do a scan.

    You should never have more than one anti virus product on your computer at the same time.
  • GeoffX
    GeoffX Posts: 417 Forumite
    100 Posts
    I tried various virus checkers earlier this year and stayed with Avira. I use Comodo's firewall, but found their virus checker to be a little too aggresive - a bit like using Avira and turning the heuristic scanner up to "High Detection". Avast seemed to have put a lot of effort into the user interface, but it wasn't quite configurable enough for me.

    The only niggle with Avira is that it displays a nag screen whenever it updates. There are techniques to disable it, but they differ depending upon which version of Windows you are using.
  • 23n1th
    23n1th Posts: 1,523 Forumite
    I use avast because its arguably the best free AV out there at the minute. Avira is good but dont like the nagware is comes with and the ssslllooowww updates if you manage to get updates.
  • fiddiwebb
    fiddiwebb Posts: 1,806 Forumite
    23n1th wrote: »
    I use avast because its arguably the best free AV out there at the minute. Avira is good but dont like the nagware is comes with and the ssslllooowww updates if you manage to get updates.

    Hmmmm....my Avira updates are not slow and updating has not been a problem for quite a while now, maybe your internet is slow 23n1th or you have a virus/malware problem?........maybe you should try Avira ;)

    As to Avira's nag screen when updating you can disable it if you want or do as I do, one click and it's gone.
  • I have avira on my netbook and the kids laptops and it does a great job. On this laptop I have avast and that too is fine. I can't really fault one over the other, so I think either are perfectly acceptable.
    Don't lie, thieve, cheat or steal. The Government do not like the competition.
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