On three computers I've had Norton, Avast, AVG, and McAfee.
The best results for what I put my computer through and traveling all around the net is this little combo.
Spybot Search and Destroy
- Make sure to also activate TeaTimer when you install. It stops anything from editing your registry without your say-so
CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)
- Awesome. This thing blows old files and temp data that your computer doesn't need faster than the same program used by default on Windows. Also checks your registry for old, unused extensions. Clear em out so you boot faster. It also tells you what programs run at startup so you can turn off or delete those entries if you don't need EVERY SINGLE program turning on at the same time when you log in.
AVG - There's a free version of this baby that works better than Ad-Aware or Norton (at least by my experience.) Very minimal real-time protection though, but it covers you from anything harmful. Pair this with Spybot w/TeaTimer to get all-around protection.
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That's what I'm running. Sure some ad cookies make it through once in awhile that have to be cleaned out, but just the stuff that targets you for advertising pop-ups once in awhile. No major problems since I started running this setup. Best part is - it's all freeware.
majorgeeks.com
...and search for them. AVG I think is on there as well, but I grabbed my version from their site. Hope this helps anyone who's battling malware or just strapped for cash. No subscription fees means more money for working on your Civic!!!
