Now I need computer help.

[squibber]

I had an iMac for 2 years and last week it crashed.  It was the motherboard and it would have cost nearly $700 to fix.  We decided to get a new computer.  My son wanted a PC with Windows 7.  I decided to go for Windows 7 because I didn't want to invest that kind of money in another Mac after what I just experienced.

I bought a PC from a locally owned PC store that also does repairs.  The sales person told me that I don't need to buy any antivirus software because the internet security that comes with Windows 7 is about as good as anything out there.  He also told me that I shouldn't bother with antispyware software because it will only slow down my computer.  I was skeptical about this because this store also happens to offer virus and spyware cleanup for a fee.

So my questions are......is Widows 7 internet security good enough?  Should I get antispyware software like AVG or Spybot?

Thanks!

[weeze]

well squibb, as you know i just replaced my computer, new one has 7. i was guided by the DRAKE and others here, i have the norton program. drake , and others , swear by it. only problem was getting windows 7 to recognize the downloaded info to a thumb drive i brought over from the old xp computer.
 oh and 48 hrs after hooking it up the 40 windows updates you get sent!

[MightyGiants]

Squibber,

There are free antivirus programs such as AVG or Avast that will do the job.  You can also get Norton or McAfee or Trend Micro or Panda if you want to purchase one.  Your salesperson is the first person I have heard make the no antivirus claim for Windows 7 and I would take it with a huge grain of salt.  While Window's 7 is more secure than XP it is not immune and the antivirus is still a good layer of protection to have.

[squibber]

Thanks, guys.  I better get better protection.

MightyGiants, so the free antivirus is about as good as the ones you pay for?

[MightyGiants]

I mostly use the free version.  The paid version will offer some protection against non-virus malware, but I find that protection limited and not worth the price.  However if you are completely unfamiliar with safe computing practices it might be worth the money.

[squibber]

Last question, MightyGiants.  If I install AVG or Avast, do I need to disable or change settings on Windows 7 Sercurity?

Thanks!

[weeze]

hey squibb, just got done with this.....when i hooked up my 'old" printer it worked. stopped working yesterday. seems YOU CANT UPLOAD THE NEW DRIVER YOURSELF! if you have a older printer you may have to call the printer manufacturer and get the driver uploaded that way.

[squibber]

Mr. Weeze, thanks for the heads up.  So far my printer is still working. Hope it holds up.

[bamagiantfan]

I am using the AVG freeware based on recommendations here. I've had no issues with it. It will slow down your computer when scans are running but you can schedule scans to run when you do not need to be on the computer.

[drakew]

"AVG is awesome, and works well, but is not 'user interface easy' I find that Malware Bytes' is great as well as 'Superantispyware' cover about 99% of any problems.

I personally use the Norton Suite from Symantec, because of the way I use my computer (it runs 24-7) Sure, it is $50  I spend the money around here, though. At work, they use Trend micro and it is the WORST POS I have ever seen: stops NOTHING

Go with AVG as well as the other antispywares as needed only! ou'll love Windows 7, get the home ultimate and load up on the Windows live stuff!"

[weeze]

hey squibb, everything go ok with the new box?

[squibber]

Weeze,

Everything is running great.  I love my 22 inch monitor for watching videos.  Now I'm wondering if I should get a firewall since I do online banking.

[weeze]

gotta love HULU

[sports_39]

Weeze,

Everything is running great.  I love my 22 inch monitor for watching videos.  Now I'm wondering if I should get a firewall since I do online banking.

You do not need a firewall. Although it seems to offer some security, it only really protects the information going out of your machine, instead of the information comming in. Personal Firewalls are not worth the headache. Just make sure that your anti-virus and anti-spyware is kept up-to-date and don't click on anything you arn't sure about. You will be fine. If you have a router, make sure it's secure and the firewall is active. Although they are weak security, it is still better than nothing. If you use wireless, make sure that is secure, with encryptions ect. Wireless internet is very easily hacked (you can search youtube for WEP hacks) . Don't broadcast your signal, if possible.

Hope this helps.....

[squibber]

Thanks, Sports_39.  It sure does.