I maintain the computer of a long time AOL user that is limited in computer skills. She still uses the AOL browser that downloads files on the hard drive before opening them. Today she had a System 32 error and I just made a new image using Acronis. I have Microsoft Security Essentials and SpyBot Search and Destroy installed. Is there a good Antivirus and Spyware program that does not bog the computer down but updates automatically and needs little user input?
Effective Antivirus Spyware for AOL user
- Thread starter MONKEYMAN
- Start date
- Status
So, Microsoft Security Essentials isn't working for her/him?
I would also recommend occasional scans with MalwareBytes.
I would also recommend occasional scans with MalwareBytes.
It may be working, but I am not able to get her to update it or run scans. It works when I update it and run scans. I just have not had time since my stepfather has become ill. I remember when I helped her put a battery in her Lexus after 5 years of ownership. She was not even able to open the hood since she never opened it in 5 years.
MSE can be configured to update and scan automatically.
I'm 52 and have been installing MSE on aunt's, uncle's and parent's computers as I then do not have to worry about their running something like a 2, 3 or 5 year old version of Norton or McAfee that came pre-installed when they first bought their computer.
I was pleasantly surprised when I checked all their machines months later and that they were all running the latest MSE 4.0. I did not really ask if it auto updated to the latest version from the 3.0 that I had installed, but none of them had any infections. It is supposed to update definitions daily via Windows Update. Just check that they have the latest version, that it is set to be "resident" and that the other simple settings seem to be correct. Then set it to do a full and/or partial scan each week and they should be good.
Now for the casual AOL user or someone who has little computer experience, but still needs an extra safety net, try KINGSOFT SECURITY. This is a cloud scanner that is apparently built to run as a companion with other anti virus software without conflicts. The neat thing is it will scan all those AOL downloads and then have a non-bothersome popup at the right bottom after the download completes to either indicate the file is safe or that it is checking it with the cloud to confirm it is safe.
I added Kingsoft to all of the same relative's computers that are also running MSE and so far everyone is still very happy. Kingsoft is very light and does not seem to conflict with other security that might be in place.
I was pleasantly surprised when I checked all their machines months later and that they were all running the latest MSE 4.0. I did not really ask if it auto updated to the latest version from the 3.0 that I had installed, but none of them had any infections. It is supposed to update definitions daily via Windows Update. Just check that they have the latest version, that it is set to be "resident" and that the other simple settings seem to be correct. Then set it to do a full and/or partial scan each week and they should be good.
Now for the casual AOL user or someone who has little computer experience, but still needs an extra safety net, try KINGSOFT SECURITY. This is a cloud scanner that is apparently built to run as a companion with other anti virus software without conflicts. The neat thing is it will scan all those AOL downloads and then have a non-bothersome popup at the right bottom after the download completes to either indicate the file is safe or that it is checking it with the cloud to confirm it is safe.
I added Kingsoft to all of the same relative's computers that are also running MSE and so far everyone is still very happy. Kingsoft is very light and does not seem to conflict with other security that might be in place.
i have free microsoft security essentials in my other computer is that a good antivirus?
what else should i install for better security?
what else should i install for better security?
I've had good luck with the Avast! free version. I use it on several different PCs. It even detected malware attempting to install itself on my wife's PC from a webpage.
Originally Posted By: jkhawaii
AOL browser? I thought those disappeared over 10 years ago haha
I wish...I did install a solid state hard drive that helped keep the computer moving despite all the clutter. My Documents looks like a disaster area with all those downloads.
AOL browser? I thought those disappeared over 10 years ago haha
I wish...I did install a solid state hard drive that helped keep the computer moving despite all the clutter. My Documents looks like a disaster area with all those downloads.
MSE and Panda Cloud are my go to picks for unattended updates, and pretty fair performance....
So I just looked at the Settings tab in MSE. I see my problem. Default settings were checking for updates or trying to run a scan when everyone is sleeping (when computer is off). Thanks for the info. I will tweak MSE settings and check out the other programs that were suggested.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Do a Google search for "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition"
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
+1 MSE.
Just awesome.
Just awesome.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
Originally Posted By: MONKEYMAN
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Do a Google search for "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition"
Highly recommended.
I believe I have that already installed. Just have not run it for a while.
Be sure to update it first. That may take a while too. Lots of changes & updates in the past year or-so.
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Do a Google search for "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition"
Highly recommended.
I believe I have that already installed. Just have not run it for a while.
Be sure to update it first. That may take a while too. Lots of changes & updates in the past year or-so.
Originally Posted By: chiks
+1 MSE.
Just awesome.
It is what I install for people..
+1 MSE.
Just awesome.
It is what I install for people..
Originally Posted By: Tdbo
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Do a Google search for "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition"
Highly recommended.
+1. Good stuff.
+2 Took some horrendous spyware off my old computer nothing else would touch...
Originally Posted By: Triple_Se7en
Do a Google search for "SuperAntiSpyware Free Edition"
Highly recommended.
+1. Good stuff.
+2 Took some horrendous spyware off my old computer nothing else would touch...
- Status
