Free anti virus software for windows...

[Dan n Nic]

Is there such a thing that is worth using? If so what? I will only be using the laptop for itunes so need the internet connection.

Cheers

[sharki786]

AVG is pretty good for a free anti-virus.

[Organisys]

AVAST, but prompt patching of the OS, browser and plugins is arguably as important.

Oh and don't websurf as Admin.

 

[damien010685]

Avast over 10 yrs never an issue and everyone I know uses it with the same opinion

[Jay]

This.

Oh and don't websurf as Admin.

 

If you're not logged in as an Administrator account, any infection will be limited to the standard user account shouldn't be able to affect the rest of the system. It's a bit of a ballache when you're installing lots of software, but otherwise keeps you relatively safe.

[Bandit127]

If you're not logged in as an Administrator account, any infection will be limited to the standard user account shouldn't be able to affect the rest of the system. It's a bit of a ballache when you're installing lots of software, but otherwise keeps you relatively safe.

To avoid any confusion. This is good advice when you already have anti virus and a firewall enabled. I am sure that is what the Jay meant.

[topher]

Avast over 10 yrs never an issue and everyone I know uses it with the same opinion

Same here. I also use firefox with the noscript addon (java script blocker) which can be a bit fiddly to begin with but makes browsing a lot safer.

[Bandit127]

...I also use firefox with the noscript addon (java script blocker) which can be a bit fiddly to begin with but makes browsing a lot safer.

I am with you on that. Firefox and Noscript (even with with all sites allowed) does break some sites (I use Chrome for those) once you get used to it, the security level you get from it is worth the hassle. And most sites run fine with just the root allowed in Noscript.

Once you get used to it, the amount of third party sites that want to run scripts from a single page is staggering.

[Organisys]

This.

Oh and don't websurf as Admin.

 

If you're not logged in as an Administrator account, any infection will be limited to the standard user account shouldn't be able to affect the rest of the system. It's a bit of a ballache when you're installing lots of software, but otherwise keeps you relatively safe.

There are plenty of vulnerablities which can cause malware to gain privilege escallation, but you do lower your risk by not starting as Admin   

[clipperjay]

Malwarebytes and google