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Written by Martha Bagwell - Contributing Editor
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In the world of Computer security there are three basic needs, an updated virus scanner running at all times, a firewall that is turned on at all times and several spyware scanners that can be run on demand.
 Virus Scanners
Most new computers come with a trial of either Norton or McAfee. It may be just the anti-virus or it could be the full Security Suite that includes a firewall, anti-virus, spam filter and/or other security programs.
This is just a trial, not the 'real deal' as in complete un-interrupted protection. The trial will work for a limited number of days, generally 60 days or 90 days at the most. In other words, once the trial period is over, you will have to pay those folks to keep their programs working and protecting your computer.
After the trial period, the virus scanner may keep scanning, but it isn't being updated anymore. The scanner may catch and stop older virus, but all of the new bad stuff being turned loose on the Internet will not be caught and your computer is not fully protected.
Generally the trial programs have a 'nag' feature that lets you know your trial is up and you now must pay to keep protection.
That's the bad news; you have to pay.
The good news; you can uninstall the 'pay' program and install a free program. There are several 'free for Home users' virus scanners that are very good and work quite well for the average home computer user.
The first thing to do is decide which of the 'free' programs you will put on your computer. One of the most highly rated free virus scanners is AVG.
There are other free virus scanners as well. Avast and Antivir also have free products that work well.
There are other free virus scanners, but the scanners in this article are the most highly recommended. A word to the wise, never use a web search like to Google or yahoo to search for a free virus scanner. There are some evil-doers that pretend to have a virus scanner, but will in fact just 'infect' your computer.
Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) also offer free or low cost protection for their customers. These will be products like Norton or McAfee. You can check with your ISP to see if they offer security protection and if they do, they may even help you with the installation.
Once you have decided which program you want on your computer, you will need to download the program and save it to your computer. Generally it will be easier to find the downloaded install program to your Desktop.
Before you can install the new program you will have to uninstall the old one. (This is why you need to save the download first.)
Be sure you are not connected to the Internet, and then go to the Control Panel. (In Windows XP, click Start and you should see the Control Panel listed, just click.
Now select Add/Remove.
Now scroll until you find the trial antivirus scanner. (Note this is just an example!)
In Windows Vista, click the orb in the lower left corner and again you should see Control Panel.)
The Control Panel may or may not look like this in Vista, as there are several ways to view the Control Panel. This view is ‘small icons’.
Now scroll to the unwanted program and select it.
(Please note the above screenshot is an example only)
Once the trial program is uninstalled, you probably will need to reboot your computer. Make sure you have all of your programs closed before you reboot.
 After the computer has rebooted and the trial program is now gone, you can install the downloaded program you saved to your Desktop by clicking the install icon. You may be asked if you want to continue and you may be asked to ‘Agree’. (You must select Agree or the program will not install.)
After the program installs you will probably have to reboot again. Once the reboot completes, open the program and allow it to update and run a scan.
Now you have a working updated virus scanner and it is free!
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Martha Bagwell - Contributing Editor |
| About the author: |
| My name is Martha and I live in Texas. I have two sons, Mark, a computer science engineer and Todd, who is A+ Certified. From the first time I saw a personal computer, I fell in love with computers and have been learning more about them ever since. I am self taught about computers as there really were no classes available to me when I got my first computer, a Commodore 64.
I have taught many of my family members and friends on how to use their computers safely and you are welcome to visit my web site, Martha’s Web which provides answers for anyone needing a little help. |
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