what's the best free and safe antivirus software to download-install on my windows xp? Thanks-HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Microsoft Security Essentials is very good....If you find my response helpful, please click on the "Vote as Helpful" button!Thank you!My Blog

On Fri, 31 Dec 2010 19:10:58 +0000, Sattler wrote: > what's the best free and safe antivirus software to download-install on my windows xp? Thanks-HAPPY NEW YEAR! For an anti-virus program, I recommend eSet NOD32, if you are willingto pay for it. If you want a free anti-virus, I recommend one (do notrun more than one) of the following three: Avira AntiVirAvastMicrosoft Security Essentials You also need anti-spyware software. I recommend that you download andinstall (freeware) MalwareBytes AntiMalware. Ken Blake (MS MVP)

Microsoft Security Essentials You also need anti-spyware software. I recommend that you download andinstall (freeware) MalwareBytes AntiMalware. Ken,Microsoft Security Essentials provides protection against spyware, viruses, worms, trojans, and rootkits. There is no need for mbam if MSE is installed. However, mbam (free) does not conflict with MSE and can be used in addition to MSE.Doc Computers verified since 1972

On Sat, 8 Jan 2011 02:58:49 +0000, Dr. Strangelove wrote:Microsoft Security Essentials You also need anti-spyware software. I recommend that you download andinstall (freeware) MalwareBytes AntiMalware.    Ken,Microsoft Security Essentials provides protection against spyware, viruses, worms, trojans, and rootkits. Yes, I know. I was talking about anti-virus programs in general, notMicrosoft Security Essentials in particular.There is no need for mbam if MSE is installed.  However, mbam (free) does not conflict with MSE and can be used in addition to MSE.Need, no. Desirability, yes. It should be used in addition toMicrosoft Security Essentials, as far as I'm concerned.Ken Blake (MS MVP)

If you want a free anti-virus, I recommend one (do notrun more than one) of the following three: Avira AntiVirAvastMicrosoft Security Essentials You also need anti-spyware software. I recommend that you download andinstall (freeware) MalwareBytes AntiMalware. Ken, you were quite specific in your post, as I have bolded. You did cite avira, avast, and MSE as being "anti-virus" products. You also specifically stated that anti-spyware is necessary.It is ok, Ken. It is an easy mistake to make, since most products now are anti-malware suites, providing protection for both spyware and viruses. You would have been correct had you cited Windows Defender as spyware protection only, for example.MBAM (free) would do little to help a user in real-time. The other products cited provide real-time protection.Doc Computers verified since 1972

If you want a free anti-virus, I recommend one (do notrun more than one) of the following three: Avira AntiVirAvastMicrosoft Security Essentials You also need anti-spyware software. I recommend that you download andinstall (freeware) MalwareBytes AntiMalware. Ken, you were quite specific in your post, as I have bolded. You did cite avira, avast, and MSE as being "anti-virus" products. You also specifically stated that anti-spyware is necessary.It is ok, Ken. It is an easy mistake to make, since most products now are anti-malware suites, providing protection for both spyware and viruses. You would have been correct had you cited Windows Defender as spyware protection only, for example.MBAM (free) would do little to help a user in real-time. The other products cited provide real-time protection.The problem with not informing the user properly is that they risk creating an environment of "overlapping" protection, where, as you have correctly stated, you cannot have more than one real-time product installed. The user needs to know that a product, MSE for example, provides real-time protection for viruses, spyware, worms, trojans, and rootkits. If another product is added, without knowing what it is providing protection for, again as you have correctly stated, it is the overlap of these products that will cause a problem.For the OP (sattler), you need to choose a product that provides the proper protection, and not create an environment where you have overlapping real-time protection. Many, many, users have attempted, perhaps accidently, and some deliberately, to use more than one real-time product. The result effects performance and system instability, and may limit the effectiveness of both products. An example is: You purchase a PC with Norton or mcafee or TM (for example). You want what you think is "more protection", and install MSE. Now you have a problem with overlapping protection. Or, your subscription to norton or mcafee expires, and you install MSE, without knowing that you need to completely uninstall AND CLEAN your expired or trial products before installing MSE.So, the discussion about what free (or paid) product provides the best protection is moot until one understands what coverage they had, what coverage they need, and what the risks are.There are many products out there, and many are free. Best is a relative term, and often a personal choice. What is important to understand is to protect your PC properly. And, as I tell everyone, the thought that "if one is good, then two must be better" does not apply to the world of real-time antimalware protection.And, yes, as you correctly state, MBAM (free) is a useful companion, as it does not provide real-time protection.A well-protected platform consists of:· A fully updated Operating System (including service packs), with Automatic Update ON.· Updated Third Party Applications (Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, etc)· MSE installed for comprehensive anti-malware protection and malicious script scanning· Internet Explorer 8 default security settings (Reset all zones to default level), with SmartScreen Filter ON, and Pop-Up Blocker ON. · Windows Firewall ON· User Account Control (UAC) ON (Vista and Windows 7), and not running with elevated privileges· A good password policy in effect And, nothing is better than having a good backup procedure, and practicing safe surfing. DocComputers verified since 1972