Anti virus/Internet security.

[missprim]

When I bought my PC the Internet security Kaspersky was included in the package and a year ago when it flashed on the screen it was due for renewal I did that online.
Now it's due to be renewed again but I've been told that AVG free is just as good and wondered what you think.
I have 3 questions. First of all what's the difference between anti virus and internet security ?
Kaspersky have got my card details from when I renewed last year, will they automatically renew it ?
As I renewed online, I don't know how to let them know I don't want to renew.
Which would you recommend I use?
Thanks.

[NazNomad]

Avast... http://www.avast.com/en-gb/index

[NazNomad]

... if you don't renew your Kaspersky susbscription, they shouldn't take the money. I would think payment is all part of the renewal process.

[gingejbee]

Don't suppose your a Barclays customer? They get Kaspersky (full package) free.

[missprim]

No 'fraid not gingejbee

[missprim]

Forgot to mention I'm using Vista as I did hear that AVG doesn't work well with Vista.
Will have a look at avast.

[NazNomad]

I had endless problems using AVG on Vista (it wouldn't update itself). Others have no problems using it.

I've had no problems so far (toughes wood) with Avast.

[NazNomad]

*touches.

[gingejbee]

missprim: well, you do have to bank ONLINE with them, of course.

[missprim]

I do bank online although not with Barclays so I need enough protection for that which I wonder if Avast free would give?

[NazNomad]

I bank online, I use Avast ... you'll most likely never get a virus from your Bank.

[missprim]

It looks to me like the free downloads don't give as much protection?
Can anyone answer my first question please, the difference between anti virus and internet security?

[gingejbee]

In a recent Which? report, Barclays got top marks for their "excellent" on-line security. Most other banks were so-so or even poor.
Sorry, I don't have experience of Avast, so can't comment on it.

[Giggsie]

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/
very popular now and also free

[realcleverclogs]

Go to a proper computer forum for advice on computing and related subjects.

[realcleverclogs]

Go to proper computing forums for the best answers to PC related questions.
AVG free got gold award in this weeks webuser cover feature. It works fine with all versions of Windows.
Who could possibly have told you that AVG conflicts with Vista? Someone talking through their hat maybe?
Avast was not mentioned in the review of 14 AV programmes, possibly because they can't test everything or the owners would not submit it for a comparative test???
Remember that you MUST NOT install more than one AV programme.
Spybot search and destroy and Lavasoft's Adaware are two good programmes that can be run with most AV software installed for their specific scans.
Malwarebytes is another useful programme that can remove infections that have got past any of the AV programmes, but can be tricky to use for the uninitiated. A one off scan and clean is free or you can buy a 12 month subscription.
Most important for your security is common sense not to click on unknown links or download things from sites other than the originators or a well known mirror download site. If in doubt look on google for advice before clicking a download.
Don't give away any more information than you absolutely have to to any site and you won't get conned by phishing scams.

[TTG]

In addition to anti-virus software, setup a limited user account. Use that to peform general internet browsing. It's more secure than using your admin account for everything.

http://www.surfnetkid...r-account-in-windows/

[what..the?]

had the same issue when my free software on new laptop ended, I now use Microsoft security essentials (MSE) as recommended on here, I have used other free software in the past on my office pc software was called comodo internet security and it was a nightmare to be honest, now I am using MSE at home it runs in the back ground effortless, had no problems yet so I am going to use it for the office too

I look to get internet security instead of just anti virus because they often offer an all round package with firewalls built in and such, the MSE is just called an anti virus, I believe it doesn't have a firewall but is a fairly wide spread anti virus. It auto updates which is useful but it's from a name I trust which sells it for me. I use my windows firewall.

someone tell me if I'm wrong

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

[vivandorron]

Hi missprim....If you are still threaded to your question, (which I guess you are) permit me to put forward my opinion.

I have a laptop and desktop which are both operating on Vista and was not happy with free AVG, which needed updating every few days. So I bought and operated on AVG's full package for twelvemonths and when it came to renewal the price had more than doubled. As a result I took the advice of ABer's which is now being put forward by futricat, fender62 and what..the. I am more than happy with it and, as one ABer told me(I'm sorry I can't recall who it was) ...."If Microsoft doesn't know how to give you Internet Security...who does.?

Ron.