do i really need and antivirus software on my pc?
154195
Well, no, it is not required, but it sure is nice to have.\n\nA virus getting into your computer can do some real damage and cause a lot of problems, possibly causing the loss of important files.  If you dont have one, your almost asking for trouble.  Having (and using) anti-virus software, although it wont prevent it 100% of the time, is just a good idea.
711733
i agree to andrew to an extent, but some av's like norton or mcafee can be notoriously tough to remove. that may be a problem. bitdefender 8 is a free version that you can try and yes it is pretty good. the best antivirus in terms of performance i have seen is nod32, works pretty damn good even on older computers but unfortunately only has a 28 day trial period and is not free. an antivirus shouldnt use all your computers ram, its an addon. avast is another good one and is free too, no avg's and kapersky's plz
515244
No, I recommend Symantec Firewall/Anti-Virus, Ad Aware SE, System Mechanic and maybe Spy Doctor.  Some catch most, but all it takes is one bad virus or malware etc....
715058
Apart from an antivirus program, you need antispywares. The choices are choose one from windows defender, avg antispyware (these have realtime scanning) , \nOthers are offline spybot s&d, ad aware se personal. \nAlso you can use a antikeylogger to protect from keyloggers.\nAnd a firewall is a must. EIther enable win xp built in firewall or download and install free firewall like zonealarm.
723275
run antivirus software or you may have to reinstall windows
907603
As two other people have pointed out, AVG is great and free.\n\nJust stay away from Symantec --it slows down your computer tremendously.
144065
Yes you do. Windows firewall is better than nothing, but do get some extra protection. If you have ever experienced a computer infected by all kinds of s*** you wouldn't ask... If you do netbanking or have other things on your computer you don't want the world to see it's even more of a reason for getting antivirus software and a firewall (or a security suite where everything is included).\n\nThere are tons of different versions out there. I won't do a commercial for any one particular. Rule of thumb: you get what you pay for. \n\nIt's money well spent if you ask me.
706591
Here you have some good and free antivirus programs:\nhttp://askcomputerexpert.ws43.com/download/security.htm
911280
AVG antivirus\nZoneAlarm Firewall\nSpyBot S&D\nAdaware Personal
40552
Anti-virus softwares prevent your computer from receiving malicious scripts made by programming softwares, otherwise known as viruses. These viruses can do many things that can either be just a plain nuisance or something that can seriously damage your computer. I suggest not going without an Anti-virus software; if you can find any software that's legit, then use it. I personally like McAfee Anti-virus, because you receive updates quite often whenever you're connected, and can actively stop Trojan Horse viruses and other malicious programs from executing on your computer. Plus, the interface isn't intimidating for a first timer.
1140585
Okay, yes a virus can be prevented, if you have the right set of software\nnow the other questions are hard to explain...
559637
There are a number of antivirus programs that you can access for free.  I believe that Avast and AVG are among the better ones among the free basic antivirus programs.  For free anti-spyware, try Microsoft Antispyware, Spybot Search & Destroy, and Lavasoft AdAware.  Use more than one antispyware program; often one program will catch spyware that others miss.  But with antivirus, use only one program; antivirus programs tend to conflict with each other.\n\nFor a good all-in-one solution, I've been using PC-Cillin since 1995.  It does antivirus, anti-spyware, contains a firewall, etc.  I think it's also a lot less resource intensive than Norton AV or McAfee AV.  This means that it doesn't take up so much power when it's running that you computer slows to a crawl.  If you have any questions about this stuff, feel free to contact me.
172173
I prefer AVG Anti-Virus (from www.grisoft.com). It seems pretty reliable, has a pretty decent 'out of the box' installation and, for individuals, is free. They have a variety of products for Windows & Linux in workstations and in server installs. >Even a free one, but you have to hunt for it.>\nFrom my experiences between AVG, McAfee & Norton, AVG has the least impact on running on your system.\n**DO NOT FORGET**\nSecurity needs to be a multi-level install of protection since viruses & spyware seldom uses the same attack methods.\nGoto someonewhocares (link below) to get yourself a HOSTS file. The directions of where to put it are in the file. It is a mega-handy file to keep updated on your system.\nI also prefer Spybot for my anti-spyware defense. \n\nNOTE: This is all FREE! WooHoo!
309688
Quick Heal is out of contention..Try considering ur options to others also..Go to this cool page i found which publishes some of the best antiviruses and whats more its free to download.\nhttp://www.varunhacker.tk
9913
AVG is a great antivirus, has Free version, solid reviews, I'm using it for few years now, never had a problem
143328
AVG gets great reviews. You should never use two anti-virus programs at the same time. \n\nThink of it like having two goalies trying to protect a single soccer net -- they are going to get in each others way and some balls will get through. ;o)
46872
Software that your computers operating system needs to operate. You should not need to mess with these. Just pretend they dont exist