Free Antivirus/Anti-spyware

I get this question a lot. “My computer is running very slowly. Do you know what may be the problem?” When I get this question, I know one thing for sure. The operating system is Microsoft Windows. Why do I know? Macs and Linux are not as susceptible to viruses and spyware (adware). I ask them what antivirus software they are running. Most of the time, I get a blank stare. Sometimes they know what is installed, but it may not be working or expired. When I work on computers for friends and coworkers, the first thing I do is make sure the antivirus software is up to date and working properly. If they do not have antivirus software, I install AVG. There is a free version of AVG and it updates automatically everyday. Next, I look for an anti-spyware package. Most of the time, I don’t find one. Sometimes, there is a package that was included with their antivirus software. If there is nothing installed, I download and install Spybot Search and Destroy and Adaware. I run Spybot first, because if there is spyware that latches on to the networking protocols, Spybot does a good job of removing it. After running Spybot, I run Adaware. I find that running both packages picks up the most spyware and there are no problems with running two, as long as you don’t run them simultaneously.

So, the next time your computer is running slowly, try AVG, Spybot and Adaware. It may save yourself from headaches and a thinner wallet!