Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

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  • JohnnytheSkin
    All Star
    • Jul 2003
    • 5914

    #1

    Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

    I had to reformat my PC last night after having some miscellaneous worm that continually changed my homepage.

    Anyway, I've had nothing but bad experiences with Norton Systemworks, and am looking for the best free programs for virus scan, firewall, spy/ad ware blocking, etc...since I've heard that some are as good or better as their commercial counterparts.

    Any help would be MUCH appreciated!
    I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

    Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim
  • pennstlbu
    MVP
    • Jul 2002
    • 1122

    #2
    Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

    For spy/ad ware, I've had success with Spybot Search & Destroy. I had a ton of problems with my computer because of spy/ad ware but now its running much better after downloading SS&D.
    "You should only drink to enhance your social skills." -Barney Gumble

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    • ExtremeGamer
      Extra Life 11/3/18
      • Jul 2002
      • 35299

      #3
      Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

      I've used Avast for virus protection for 2 years now, never had an issue.

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      • SPTO
        binging
        • Feb 2003
        • 68046

        #4
        Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

        For virus protection I use AVG Free
        Member of the Official OS Bills Backers Club

        "Baseball is the most important thing that doesn't matter at all" - Robert B. Parker

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        • fishepa
          I'm Ron F'n Swanson!
          • Feb 2003
          • 18989

          #5
          Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

          AV- AVG Free
          Spyware- Windows Defender

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          • JohnnytheSkin
            All Star
            • Jul 2003
            • 5914

            #6
            Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

            I downloaded Avast, AVG Spyware, Defender, and Spybot S&D.

            Any good firewalls? One thing is for certain, my PC is already starting up MUCH faster without that Norton system hog!
            I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

            Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim

            Comment

            • throwmonkey
              Sideshow Bob!
              • Jul 2003
              • 750

              #7
              Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

              ZoneAlarm is a decent free firewall

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              • fishepa
                I'm Ron F'n Swanson!
                • Feb 2003
                • 18989

                #8
                Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                I downloaded Avast, AVG Spyware, Defender, and Spybot S&D.

                Any good firewalls? One thing is for certain, my PC is already starting up MUCH faster without that Norton system hog!
                If your PC is behind a router you don't need a software firewall.

                Comment

                • JayBee74
                  Hall Of Fame
                  • Jul 2002
                  • 22989

                  #9
                  Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                  Originally posted by pennstlbu
                  For spy/ad ware, I've had success with Spybot Search & Destroy. I had a ton of problems with my computer because of spy/ad ware but now its running much better after downloading SS&D.
                  Spybot Search & Destroy is a great freebie. Ad-Aware SE Personal(I think it's still free) is also a good one you can use in conjunction with Spybot S & D. AVG all the way for your virus protection.

                  Comment

                  • Boltman
                    L.A. to S.D. to HI
                    • Mar 2004
                    • 18283

                    #10
                    Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                    Originally posted by fishepa
                    If your PC is behind a router you don't need a software firewall.
                    I have a question fish, I have a router and have been told this so I dont run a firewall. The problem is that whenever I boot up my PC I always have that dumb windows warning that my PC may not be safe because the firewall that came with my PC isnt running.

                    Is there a way to get rid of that? Is there a consensus leader of spy ware remover? I am getting the one that is considered best.

                    Comment

                    • JohnnytheSkin
                      All Star
                      • Jul 2003
                      • 5914

                      #11
                      Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                      Originally posted by fishepa
                      If your PC is behind a router you don't need a software firewall.
                      Why is that? Can't hackers penetrate routers? Especially a common one like the Linskys WRT54GS.
                      I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

                      Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim

                      Comment

                      • fishepa
                        I'm Ron F'n Swanson!
                        • Feb 2003
                        • 18989

                        #12
                        Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                        Originally posted by Boltman
                        I have a question fish, I have a router and have been told this so I dont run a firewall. The problem is that whenever I boot up my PC I always have that dumb windows warning that my PC may not be safe because the firewall that came with my PC isnt running.

                        Is there a way to get rid of that? Is there a consensus leader of spy ware remover? I am getting the one that is considered best.
                        Yes, there is a way to get rid of it. I have to dig to find it. I'll get back with you.

                        Comment

                        • fishepa
                          I'm Ron F'n Swanson!
                          • Feb 2003
                          • 18989

                          #13
                          Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                          Originally posted by JohnnytheSkin
                          Why is that? Can't hackers penetrate routers? Especially a common one like the Linskys WRT54GS.
                          If a hacker can get past a Linksys firewall a software firewall such as zonealarm is not going to help you.

                          Comment

                          • JohnnytheSkin
                            All Star
                            • Jul 2003
                            • 5914

                            #14
                            Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                            Originally posted by fishepa
                            If a hacker can get past a Linksys firewall a software firewall such as zonealarm is not going to help you.
                            Thanks for the help!
                            I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be. - Douglas Adams

                            Oh, sorry...I got distracted by the internet. - Scott Pilgrim

                            Comment

                            • Boltman
                              L.A. to S.D. to HI
                              • Mar 2004
                              • 18283

                              #15
                              Re: Best "free" firewalls, virus scan, spyware removers

                              Originally posted by fishepa
                              Yes, there is a way to get rid of it. I have to dig to find it. I'll get back with you.

                              Much appreciated Fish, thanks in advance!

                              Comment

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