Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

With a lot of people who ask the questions "What anti-virus and firewall do you reccomend" and "How do I make my system secure and stop spam and adware", I thought I would write a quick guide for people who want to get their system up and running, virus free, and in a good healthy condition.
Feel free to add more info if anyone has any other ideas.


What Anti Virus software do you reccomend ?

There are many antivirus software packages around and it can be difficult to choose which one to go for.
It all deends whether you want to pay or not. I will look at both.

Buy Antivirus software:

I reccomend "Nod32" from ESET software.
It costs around £27 for a years subscription and is available through the website only.
I have personally found it very effective and like the fact that it does not hog system memory.
It updates throughout the day automatically.
I would advise against Norton Antivirus as I have found it takes up a lot of memory and can be a pain to uninstall.
Many people on these forums use Nod32 and are happy with it.
Website: http://www.eset.com/

Free Antiviris software:

Free Antivirus software does not mean it is bad, and often it can be just as good as bought software.
There are two popular free Antivirus applications: AVG and AVAST.

AVG Antivirus software:
http://www.grisoft.com

AVAST Antivirus software:
http://www.avast.com/


Is there a FREE online Virus scanner ?

You really should not be without Antivirus software, but if you need to do a virus scan and clean and don't have any Antivirus software, you can do so online for free.
The following websites all provide Antiviris solutions and will allow you to do an online virus scan.
You will probably have to accept a security message to allow the website to scan your computer files. This is normal.
It will also ask you to install the online application. This is also normal and nothing to worry about.

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

http://www.pandasoftware.com/products/activescan.htm



What Firewall do you recommend ?

As with Antivirus software, there are many Firewall applications to choose from.
Even though Windows has a firewall built in, it is worth using a better firewall.

One of the most popular FREE Firewalls is 'ZoneAlarm' available here:
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/conte...eeDownload.jsp
There is also a more advanced version available to buy.

Another popular FREE firewall is 'Comodo' available here:
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/

Do not install more than one Firewall on your system as they are likely to conflict with each other.



What Anti Spyware / Adware software do you recommend ?

Just browsing the Internet exposes your computer to many evil things that can harm files, generate adverts, install illegal files, spy on you, etc.
Installing the following applications will ensure that your system stays in top health.

Install Lavasoft Adaware.
This is a FREE application that scans your system and deletes adware, malware, and spyware.
This software should be run once a week and you should always download the latest pattern file from within the program.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/


Install CCleaner.
This is a FREE application that cleans your system of unneccesary files, maintains privacy, and optimizes your system to run more efficiently by removing unused files.
Ideally, run this every night to clear old Internet files and once a week to perform additional tasks such as scanning for software issues, or uninstalling unwanted software files.
http://ccleaner.com/


Install Spyware Blaster
This is a FREE application that scans your computer for spyware and adware.
This application is useful for spotting adware and spyware when it happens before it does any damage.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html


Install Adbolock+ for Mozilla Firefox
A lot of people now use Mozilla Firefox as a web browser for it's many features and ease of use.
It can be downloaded here: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/
To stop adverts, uneccesary popups, and block unwanted content, you can install the FREE Adblock+ plugin for Firefox.
You can download it here: http://adblockplus.org/en/


There are a lot of adverts on the Internet that say they clean your system or provide anti-spyware.
Beware, as most do the opposite and could cause more spyware and adware to enter your system.


More advanced tools: HijackThis

HijackThis is a FREE application designed to scan your computer and find files that may have been changed by any spyware, adware, or malware.
It will scan your computer files including boot files and the registry to find anything that could be causing your computer to slow down or be hijacked.
After running a scan, the software will then display a list of anything it finds on your system where you have the option to delete unnecessary settings or files.
Only delete something if you are sure of what you are doing. Making certain changes to the registry can cause problems to your computer.
If you do not know what to change or delete, ask someone who does know before making any changes.

You can download it here:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en...?page=download



I've just formatted / reformatted / bought a new system

The first thing you should do with any system is to make sure it is up to date and protected from online threats.
If possible have your antivirus software and firewall already on a CD or memory stick so it can be the first thing you install after your system is up and running.

1. Install your Antivirus software, Firewall software, and adware / spyware software.

2. Download the latest Windows Service packs, patches, and security updates by going to:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/

Whilst you are doing that, make sure your antivirus / security applications are up to date by downloading the latest updates.


3. If you are running a Wireless network, now would be a good time to make sure your system is fully protected and that no one else can gain access to your computer.
See your router manual for more details or check out StuartBe's post here for more details on securing your wireless network:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/38...s-network.html

A security test can be done here:
http://security.symantec.com/sscv6/

4. Make backups of important files as life is unpredictable. If something ever happens, atleast you know you'l have a backup.



My computer is running really slowly / I have adware / a virus / spyware on my system

There are several things that can cause a computer to slow down or become unstable.
Here are a few solutions to try:

1. The first thing to do if you do not have them already on your sytem is to install antivirus and adware removing software.
See the links I have provided for free software that will protect your system.
Once installed and the applications are up to date, run a full antivirus scan and an adware, spyware, malware scan.

2. Check that you do not have anything unneccesary running at Startup by going to Start, Run, and type "msconfig" without the quotes.
Go to the Startup tab and see what is listed.
Go to http://www.processlibrary.com/ for details of each running process.
If in doubt, ask on the forums before disabling something.

If that does not solve the problem, install HijackThis mentioned above and get a listing of what is runing on your system.
See if there is anything running that should not be there.
If unsure, ask someone on the forums as deleting certain registry entries can be dangerous if you do not know what you are doing.

3. Check to see how much space is left on your hard drive.
(Point to 'My Computer', right click the hard drive and select properties').
If you do not have much space left, it may be wise clearing out some files or transferring them to another drive to free up memory.

Install CCleaner (listed above) to help you shift unneccesary files and delete any programs you do not use.

Do a full error checking (scan disk) of your hard drive and a full defragmentation. Still in properties, move to the tools tab.
Whilst you do these tasks make sure you disable your screensaver (right click on desktop and select properties, then the screensaver tab) and ensure that nothing is writing to the drive.
Basically leave it to do it's thing.
You should ideally defrag your hard drive once a week.

4. Whenever you download and install programs, make sure you look at what exactly is being installed.
If given the option, click the 'custom seteup'.
Some applications will install additional applications or features / settings that you do not need. Don't let them get on to your system.



Ooops, I've deleted a file or my files have dissapeared

If you find that important files have been deleted, there may be a way of getting the files back.
Firstly, make sure that you do not write to the drive. By this I mean, don't do anything else such as install or save anything else to the hard drive.

The following two programs are free and allow you to recover your files:
Do note that this depends on the state of your files and that some files may not be able to be recovered.

''Restoration" scans your system and attempts to recover deleted files.
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/restoration.html

From the developpers of CCleaner, this new software 'Recuva'
http://www.recuva.com/

And from now on, make sure you make regular backups.


What other software is there ?

The applications mentioned are those that I recommend.
There are many more though and you can view them in StuartBe's thread here:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/111559-post1.html

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Nicely put together.

You should mention that Norton 2007 is the only third party firewall that is Vista compatible at the moment, Zonealarm has been saying 'real soon now' for months. Also I would recommend CBOclean as an ant-malware tool, this used to be the paid for BOclean but Comodo bought the company and released it as freeware http://www.comodo.com/boclean/boclean.html

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Good points Delta Whisky. :tu:

Most software listed should work with Vista, but check here for more info on software that is / is not compatible:

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.ph...atibility_List

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Good topic mate, do you not recomend spybot search and destroy?

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

this will be an article before long so get the reps off it while you can ;) good post mate

Diskeeper ,0&0 defreg ,window washer, registry mechanic :) sorry if some have been mentioned

Ghost of course

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Yes, Spybot Search and destroyer is also a good one.
I tend to prefer Lavasoft's Ad-aware myself.
Spybot has a few extra features that Ad-Aware doesnt but at the end of the day they do similar jobs.

For those that want to give Spybot - Search & Destry a go, you can download it here:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

---------- Post added at 16:10 ---------- Previous post was at 16:04 ----------

Definately agree with you about Ghost.
A good way of backing up and restoring your files, and makes re-installing everything much quicker.
More info here:
http://www.symantec.com/home_homeoff...r&pvid=ghost10

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Startup Inspector is also worth a look. http://www.windowsstartup.com/

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

And just incase something did get through and doesn't want be deleted
Dr Delete

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Well I'm using Kerio Winroute at the moment, it works OK but interestingly only allows rules on a per-port basis. I've not really explored but not seen anything like that before. Weird.

A-squared and SuperAntiSpyware are also worth mentioning.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

There's some handy apps out there that monitor you Hard Disk temperature and health. I've been using one of these since my laptop HD packed in due to overheating (I suspect). Hard Disk Temperature is displayed in the task bar. Currently at 48 Celcius, tends to go up to 52 when downloading. :(

I use an old freeware version of hard disk sentinel (which I can't find a link for at present)

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I have Everest Ultimate which sits nicely in the sidebar, for all the temps/voltages. It does CPU usage as well but I find another gadget is better refreshing that.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

What is your opinion of Windows Defender

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Mine? Not worth the resources. If I could switch it off I would. It's never found anything aside from WinVNC which is legit, when other apps have.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Something to remember (for Firefox users) is the extension called "No Script" this little workhorse (if used properly) can prevent a lot of (script based) situations (when you visit various sites) that may lead you to (accidentally) pick up nasties on your system.

Definitely the dog's whatsits!

Si Thee

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

:tu:

Available here:

https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/722

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Whoops! thanks for adding the link. You'll have to forgive me - one can be a bit of a slack git at times, sigh................! ;)

Si thee

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

There is, of course, a third free anti virus - Active Virus Shield.

I've known about this for a while, but they've only just released a Vista compatible version. The footprint is OK (It runs on my virtual machine OK with only 512 MB RAM in Vista) and it's based on Kaspersky so the reliability is fine.

Oh, and you might as well see a few screenshots too.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Advice please

I acquired a new machine (HP lap) that comes with Norton "3 months free" as part of the package. I have NOT, repeat NOT, activated/ registered the Norton facility in any way - and have no intention of doing so because my one experience with Norton a year or so ago was a disaster. ANYWAY I have McAfee with a licence for 3 machines as part of my home business set up so I can freely install McAfee on the laptop.

OK, there will be many who tell me McAfee is just as bad as Norton - but I have used McAfee for 6 years with no problems.

When I try to install McAfee it tells me that the machine has Norton and they will clash. It does have Norton but not "activated". McAfee does not seem to cope with that. If I try to use add/ delete programs to remove Norton the damned thing tells me I must have it running before I can delete it. BUT - I do not want to activate and run Norton.

I am sure it is not viable to simply delete all the Symantics folders from the C drive. I did try just renaming them because that sometimes fools a 'launch' option of may have fooled McAfee - but without success

Guidance form the technically minded will be appreciated

SV

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Norton Removal Tool

Run that, and then install the package of your choice.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

The only Anti-virus i would ever use is Nod32 from Eset it has a very light system foot print IE it wont slow down ya pc like Mcrappy or that norton rubbish does lol , i have used Avast though.....and then got rid of it cos ...again another system hog lol.AVG however was not a system hog, it just doesn't find anything lol...load of rubbish in my opinion .

so nod32 all the way it rocks...:)

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Deviating slightly - now that's what I like to see, someone who still uses "legacy" software. I've been using version 7 - the last of the "true" designed antivirus packages for years without any problems either.:erm:

To me, the rot set in when V8 was introduced, I mean those earlier versions didn't install a load of additional (memory hogging) extras that weren't needed - they did/do exactly what it says on the box "and" they still work with the dat/super dat updates as well. :D

Progress, sigh............! :dozey:

That's it and Si thee.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

http://moon-secure-antivirus.en.softonic.com/

Moon Secure Antivirus aims to be the best Free Antivirus for Windows under GPL license. It offers multiple scan engines, Net shield, Firewall, On access, on Exec scanner and rootkits preventions plus features from Commercial Antivirus applications.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

ZoneAlarm does actually support Windows Vista fully...

http://www.download.com/ZoneAlarm-Wi...-10710112.html

also you can head over to www.zonealarm.com/beta and download ZA Security Suite 7.1 Beta im currently using that and it is more stable on Windows Vista then any retail "Vista" version of ZA at the moment.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I use Kaspersky internet security it is for money

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Super Anti Spyware is pretty good as well I've had this for a while and had no probs


http://www.superantispyware.com/

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

FYI: Firewall tests and comparisons here:

http://www.matousec.com/projects/firewall-challenge/

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Extreme bump!

This is a Bitdefender Total Security Free 6 month Trial if anyone is interested, the deal expires on 15/01/19.

https://www.bitdefender.com/media/ht...7&cid=aff|c|IR

---------- Post added at 16:45 ---------- Previous post was at 16:38 ----------

The link is currently giving out random 404 page errors so please persevere.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Just a heads up, this 6 month free trial expires on the 15th (tomorrow) if anyone has missed it, it seems to be a great piece of software with great reviews so 6 months free isn't to be sniffed at!

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I personally prefer to use Avast antivirus.I can say this is by far the best one i have used.Not only it provides internet security but also gives double layer protection while doing online transactions through it avast bank mode features.One should definitely try this antivirus for its 2 in 1 action.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Still using Eset Nod 32.Not found any good reason to leave.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

You could consider using the free 3 month trial of Bitdefenders top package after it expires you can just make another trial.

I know its kind of cheating and you have payed for Eset for years so don't expect you to change even if it saves money, so my post is for other users who may not want to pay for something that they don't need to.

3 Months Free Bitdefender Total Security 2020 - Multi device.
https://www.bitdefender.com/media/ht...opt/index.html

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Eset doesn't break the bank..

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Well Norton for 10 devices at £25ish isn't that pricey either. Just don't renew via Symantec, get a new code then use chat to add new license to existing period.

I've not had problems but I know others have, that can be said for any solution.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I would rather not pay for something you can get for free i guess.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

That just about describes everyone.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

True, but people still pay for things even when there is an easy option not to.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I'm still using Kaspersky. Will be my 5th year this year i moved from Avast Free.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Still using Bitdefenders 3 month trials for their top package, I just signup again every 3 months.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Works for me, happy to pay for it. Ditto about Avast

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I'm like Maggy. I've used Eset for years and have no intention of changing.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Can’t beat Kaspersky, always top of the charts

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Looking to renew have lost faith in Kaspersky . Still blocks cf on desktop.even blocks it's own site yesterday until customer services sorted out!. bitdefender seems to comes out at the top of reviews today . Google antivirus . Nevermind cost what if any is the down side of it .ie does it block cf :D

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Just use the free version of Bitdefender you do not need the extras

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I use the 3 month Bitdefender Total security trial version and keep renewing it by moving the . in my email.

https://www.bitdefender.com/media/ht...d=aff%7Cc%7CIR

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

hahahaha fair play

Do you have to uninstall and reinstall ??

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I just click 'switch account' in the software.

Before that though you create a new account at Bitdefender central with the email you did for the trial. :)

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Have had to reformat the whole system when using a recommended `free` antivirus caused major problems . So rather go for overkill :D

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

As someone who considers himself an enthusiastic expert the only time I have had catastrophic issues caused by an AV itself was the paid for version of Kaspersky.

As an addition to this thread as it is about computer health I cannot recommend Backupper or similar programs that will take a system image that can be recovered in minutes enough

Say for example you had a working system backup from say a week before the AV stuffed things up you recover to that and the system is back up and all set up without the hassles of a reinstall and having to set everything back up again :)

Windows 10 still I believe has the old windows 7 system backup options hidden away somewhere too

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Should that be Can recommend? :D

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

No but I missed the word enough ;)

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

The problem was nothng would work . Not lost data, repairer that is well respected in the area spend ages tryi to sort it out .no l dear what happened . Any how putting a ssd in and reinstalling windows 10 etc . Working ever since. Will definitely not use Kaspersky . As said before blocks cf .and even blocked it's self last week. Tec support fixed it but did not say what went wrong . :shocked:

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Data loss was not my point with Backupper, time loss was. If you restore a fully installed working image it all gets done in about the same time as installing windows ( volume and disk speed dependant) then with a reinstall you would have to go about installing and setting up all your programs from scratch. With a restored image it is all done no messing

I keep a clean install will all apps set up on my onedrive so even if I lost my saves hard drive I can recover my backup if needed

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Sorry as l understand the problem was with the hard drive itself. What that was went way over my head. Needed to replace it., As as soon as it was formatted it it started all over again. It was replaced with ssd and has worked well for the last: two years
:D

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Bitdefender Total Security 2022 6 month trial is still working if anyone is interested, the sites in Germany but it doesn't matter, just enter your email and after 6 months rinse and repeat.

https://www.bitdefender.de/media/htm...d=aff%7Cc%7CIR

Is ccleaner a con?
 

Having had weird message about trackers when I put c cleaner back on laptop ,so tried this using Mozilla , duck duck go , and bit defender with a VPN run c cleaner and then left it on , not running or loading anything at all next day c cleaner said it needed to remove over 500 trackers , bit defender showed it had stop 17 , so it "missed" over 450 trackers am I wasting my money ?:confused:

Is there any tracker check sites that are HTTP?

Reason is I would love to see if any sites are even able to track me seeing


1) Im on IE6 (MyIE2)
2) I always have scripts disabled (99% of time)
3) I block 3rd party cookies...

Is there a tracker demo site??

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I've received an unexpected Quick Share link on fb messenger from someone I would not have thought would use this.

How can I check it's safe to open? I've messaged them back and they've confirmed that they sent it, but of course they could have been hacked.

Thanks.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Do it the old fashioned way and speak to them, or better still ignore anything from Facebook.

When I'm looking for a company and find they only have a Facebook page I just move on, maybe my loss but if they can't be bothered to be more inclusive then I won't bother including them.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Many of you will notice that this is a thread I started way back in 2007 so here area few updates...



Although computer viruses and spyware infections still happen, the thing that is more and more common is phishing and stealing credit card details, and ransomware.


You can protect yourself and your computer by:



- Do not use the same password for everything.



- If you receive an email from someone you don't know or if you think it looks odd, hover over the senders name or click at the top of the email to see the senders email address. If it is something like pc-support@micro-softsupport.com you know it is is not genuine.
Most genuine emails will have only one domain at the end of the email address, for example, support@ebay.com or contact@argos.co.uk


- To avoid the possibility of your computer being vunerable to attacks, make sure it has the latest security updates on a regular basis. Most computers should do this automatically but do make sure you are up to date.


- If connecting to wireless hotspots, make sure it is password protected and is the official wifi network at that location.

Eg. You stay in a Premier Inn hotel. The Wifi network you see as Premier-Inns Wifi is not the same as PremierInn Wifi. Check the details with the venue.


- If using any public computers eg. in a library, always remember to sign out and tick the box to "not remember your password".


- If you ever get pop messages on your computer or actual phone calls claiming that your system is infected / they are calling from Microsoft and need to update your system, or any other similar story, ignore it and don not give out any information or follow any advice.
Often you will be directed to download remote desktop software so that the person can take over your computer and either access personal information, or install tools to grab your credit card information.


- We all rely on our computers so much. Many of us have precious photos, work documents, have important files, etc. Make sure you BACKUP YOUR DATA.
A USB external hard drive costs little these days and you should regularly backup your data. The amount of times I've seen people lose everything is very common!
Then make sure you keep the backup in a safe place!

There are also many online backup facilities available now too so you can backup directly to the cloud.
If you don't fancy that then as I have mentioned a USB external drive is a wise investment.
If you want to be absolutely mega safe, then have a backup that you store off-site too.
In many cases, if your system does become infected by a virus or fails for some reason, it is often easier to restore from a clean backup than to spend hours trying to clean your system of virus and threats.


- If you buy any new devices such as routers or smart gadgets, make sure you 1) change the default password and 2) update the devices software so it is up to date.
Smart devices (especially some cheap ones from abroad) may not have the latest security patches and should be used with caution as criminals can use these devices as ways to get in to your home network.
It is well worth reading up on ways to secure your home routers. Many routers now offer the possibility to isolate devices with a guest or seperate network.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

6 Month Bitdefender Total Security 2023 trial, German VPN needed to visit the sign-up page otherwise you get a 404 error.

https://www.bitdefender.de/media/htm...opt/index.html

Hehe I can see your right!! (About getting a 404)

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Anyone pay for Norton 360? I got a year free with an SSD and tomorrow I am getting another year free with a motherboard so if anyone wants them it is 3 device variant

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I use it but have plenty of licenses for 2 years. Renewing is always a bit of a palaver because you buy a new license from Amazon at far less than the renewal and then phone Norton to move your devices to the new license. I buy 10 devices and use 7.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I've been using Bit Defender for 2 Years. Dad when he was alive switched himself and us to it away from Kaspersky.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Just looked is it happy with UK e mail address asking before I even try :erm:

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I used a fake Gmail, I use the same email to sign up every 3 to 6 months you just move the period and it treats it like a different email, for example sign-up with something like mybitemailaddress @ Gmail then 3 to 6 months later do the same again and add a period e.g my.bitemailaddress @ Gmail.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Ok stupid question, nothing comes in to it?

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I don't understand your question?

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Sorry, do they contact the address (that isn't ) to confirm ,I guess not:dozey:

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

As it's a free trial if that link or other 3 month links still work, you just get an email to verify it, and likely some marketing junk, but as it's a throw away email you won't have to access it again if you do the 'period' trick, if the email is long enough it can last you years.

I've been using this trick for donkeys years, I just have to find a working 3-6 month link for their trial which isn't too hard.

So when it comes to sign-up again you just change the email in the bit defender app and it resets, there is no limitation on the trial it's the full top product direct from bit defenders site.

It sounds complicated but it really isn't and it never asks for payment details.

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Cheers, on a different subject any information on f secure, offered a month free :confused:

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

If anyone is interested in 30 day free VPN, 30 days free with SurfShark (I currently have a 2 year subscription with them).

If people use it for 30 days, I get an extra 30 days free, but that's not why I'm posting the link - I like SurfShark because it has a "no logs" policy, it has unlimited usage logins (so all my family use it on all their devices), I've never had speed issues, and the price us reasonable.

https://surfshark.club/friend/TNfF5YjK

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Kaspersky now offering two place VPN as standard

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

Or use Proton VPN, free all the time.
https://protonvpn.com/free-vpn
Can't be that many restrictions as I can stream whole football matches ok (but afraid Hugh doesn't get his free time unfortunately ;) )

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

It hasn't got any servers in the UK*, so I wouldn't be able to access BBC iPlayer when I'm abroad...

I don't have a problem paying under a pound a week to have VPN on my phone, PC, two tablets, my wife's phone and tablet, and on our two fire stick - ymmv...

Re: Antivirus / anti spyware / Firewall, and computer health thread
 

I pay $2 per month to Windscribe. For this price you get to select a server I pay for US which includes a Netflix IP, Unlimited traffic and what they call R.O.B.E.R.T. You also get free servers which includes the UK and various others. I used Germany today.