Older Versions of Anti-Virus?

Question

O.k so I purchased a laptop a couple of months ago and just now my norton trial version has expired. I really don't use the internet all that much, but would feel comfortable having some kind of virus protection. I was wondering if older versions of Norton or McAfee such as 2004 would be sufficient? I don't really see the purpose in buying a new anti-virus every year. Please help me.....

Answer 1

If you use old versions they will not update. This means they do not protect you. Try AVG free from http://free.grisoft.com.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

I'd think that the copy from 2004 might be a bit old. The virus definitions file might able to be upgraded, but the actual engine might be old enough that it can't effectively clean something that is discovered today.



Unfortunately viruses are kind of like the flu, each month someone discovers a new version of old viruses has been released, or a different type of anti virus software comes out that has closed other vulnerabilities in the system.



Why not look for a free anti-virus checker? I'm lucky enough to run off a license from work on my laptop, but before then I used to use the Panda antivirus program.

Answer 4

The reason you will need to purchase/download a more recent antivirus program is because the programs you currently have are four years old and you can't get any virus definitions. Your antivirus program is only as good as the last update. The ones you mentioned are four years old so essentially you have protection up to four years ago, but are unprotected for the viruses/malware created between that time and now. If you don't want to buy an antivirus program, I would suggest you download AVG free, Avast Home, or Antivir Classic (all free). These programs are completely free and updatable, but with any free antivirus it is imperative to have at least one dedicated malware scanner. I suggest you try SuperAntispyware Free Edition or Spyware Doctor Starter Edition, free(even both). All of the programs I listed are completely free and available on www.download.com. Also remember tha you need only to install one antivirus program, but as many antispyware programs as you deem necessary. I personally recommend two. Trust me, I do this for a living!



Good Luck!

Answer 5

i don't understand what product you're speaking approximately yet Kaspersky and Norton does not supply reductions to outmoded variations as they furnish loose improve to greater recent releases for the excellent era of the subscription. i'm not purely concerning virus definition updates however the main substantial software as properly. If the product your pal makes use of something that doesn't supply that determination that's why it somewhat is offered low priced then he's merely waiting to replace the virus definitions, not the test engine. properly a minimum of it continues to be greater effective than not something.

Answer 6

well i should say that you should buy a 07 version of norton or a newer version because due to the fact that the technology is advancing ata rapid pace so are the new viruses. Every year thousands of viruses are added to the world wide web. Therefore i would suggest that go for a newer version of anti virus.

Answer 7

What Colin said, AVG free is a great free antivirus program.



Oh, and don't go buying norton whatever you do, it provides a false sense of security, and has been known to cause many problems with computers using it.

Answer 8

Get Norton, and also I'd go ahead and by the 2008 version, then just renew your subscription via internet every year.

Answer 9

I use AVG, Ad-Aware and Spybot Search and Destroy. It is always good to have a mixture of programs because while none are perfect, you can keep your system clean with a few. The ones I use are all free.

http://www.download.com/3640-2239_4-1078...

http://www.download.com/3000-8022_4-1076...

http://www.spybot.com/en/index.html



If you don’t want to download, try running some of these online scans. Online scans allow you the privilege of cleaning your system when a virus will not let you run you protection. Find them here:

http://www.infectedornot.com/usa/

http://www.nanoscan.com/as/index/

http://www.virustotal.com/

http://www.cyberdefender.com/

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://www.garbageclean.com/

http://secunia.com/software_inspector/



Some people have good results with CCleaner. CCleaner is a free program to benefit your system and increase your privacy. It removes unused files from your system - allowing your computer to run faster and get more space on your drive. The program can also clear system history. This program contains no spyware or viruses and is a safe download. Find it here:

http://www.ccleaner.com/



I advise you not to run multiple anti-viruses as they could work against each other.

Anti-virus programs detect and delete viruses on your system. Always make sure to update your computer with the latest program update before running. Here are some other anti-viruses:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.threatfire.com/



Here are some firewall programs. Firewall programs are designed to protect you computer from unauthorized and unwanted communication through your network. Again, don’t run more than one and remember to always make sure you have the latest update:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.jetico.com/

One for Vista:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...



Here are some anti-rootkit programs. Rootkits are malware that can take over your computer:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,211...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...



Finally, some spyware removals. Spyware also allows people to control and learn about you by gathering information from your computer.:

http://www.pctools.com/spyware-doctor/

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fi...

http://filehippo.com/download_spyware_te...



An article about spyware removal:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136205...



And an article about good security programs:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,133631...



Don’t forget that your computer comes with tools to keep it clean. When files are saved to a hard drive they are broken up into tinier files. That file is called a fragmented file. The fragmented file takes more time for the computer to put together. When a file is defragmented, the computer takes all the bits of files and puts them into one place which makes for a faster computer. Defragmenter does the process. To find Disk Defragmenter, go to Start-All Programs-Accessories-System Tools-Disk Defragmenter. As well as Disk Defragmenter, there is something called Disk Cleanup. Run it as frequently as Disk Defragmenter, about once a month to keep your computer healthy.



Keep in mind that if the problem is serious, you should boot your computer up in Safe Mode. To do so, hold down F8 at startup.



I hope this helps!

Answer 10

Well i don't know what operating system you have running on ya notebook .. but this free to download AV program is pretty good and catches most nastys ... Oh did i say its free !!!



http://free.grisoft.com/doc/downloads-products/us/frt/0?prd=aff



Enjoy



Colin