Could anyone recommend an antivirus software

[001tony]

I was amazed how many hacking attempts were registered on my PC whilst connected to the www. You don't even need to be surfing to come under attack, so if on the www you are wise to have some protection even if it's just to keep your operating system from being slowed down by potential infections.

[johnbhoy]

Best thing i could recommend is dual booting with another operating system.

For example on laptop i have XP with wireless disabled profile no firewall and no antivirus;.

I also then dual boot this with windows7 64 bit and i use that for browsing web and what not. I use avast free which has small footprint and works well. Well aint had virus .... yet...

Its handy fro me like this cos if you ever need to transfer files from one pc to another ( i have three on the go) then you just log into your internet enabled operating system. Then when making music simply log into your super slim lined operating system with no internet distraction. Also found this helps productivity.

In answer to your question avast free edition.

[mykhal c]

+1 on the dual-boot thingy. i've got about 5 partitions on my boot drive and not all go online...ie...the PT partition. and by havin' the multi-boot thing you are not restricted to lookin' for the smallest footprint for your AV and F/W software. you can then get what 'you' consider the best for you. i use Webroot SSAV and PCTools Firewall. SSAV is a hog but its' realtime protection is extraordinary. so again, i'm not concerned about memory footprint 'cause i do multi-boot.

[sunburst79]

+1 AVG Free 8.5

I also feel that there is a lot of truth in what Alex Lakis wrote. Common sense goes a long way. So does a router with a firewall

[kbruff]

Originally Posted by BG41

I would recommend a combination of programs, because Iv never seen one program that can handel everything well.

AVG Free ,i think its like version 8.5 now
And SUPER Anti Spyware Free.

As the names imply, they are free. Use AVG while surfing, and use Super to scan the PC every week or two. I would also scan with AVG once a month or more, depending on if you do alot of downloading.

You wont have to worry about memory footprint if you just disable them before you start PT.

You can check both these out on CNet, but I suggest downloading from the manufacturers web sites, because CNet is usually a build or 2 behind the most current version.

Thank you all very much, your time and effort is appreciated.

[marmotman]

AVG Free

ZoneAlarm Free Firewall

PeerGuardian 2 (just to be sure)

[fenderrocker]

Originally Posted by spkguitar

AVG free.

+1. Not to heavy, easy to disable.

[guitardom]

i couple avg free with another antivirus called threatfire. both antivirus programs that work in different ways so they do not conflict w each other. i have not had any virus problems in a very long time. threatfire is so easy to turn off as well. avg annoys me sometimes shutting it off.

but also the dual booting is the best bet.

[fenderrocker]

Originally Posted by guitardom

avg annoys me sometimes

Actually, I digress. This is very true. I have not had any viruses either, but at the same time, I don't use antivirus software. I find it to be a nuisance with the constant reminders and heavy processor usage.

General rules for not getting viruses (from my own experience):

• don't download non-standard files
• stay away from sketchy looking software
• don't file share
• stay of dirty sites
• use WAP protection on your wireless router

This is an example of why AVG is annoying (hint: look at the last radio option)