Free antivirus program for Windows XP?..... Advice, please.

I've never "sandboxed," but I hear that's a wise way to play on the 'Net.

@Ticomaya,

Quote:

Although the sandbox is a very useful semi-automated security feature, the default settings involves a pop up to ask whether a software should be sandboxed for not - for the typical average user this can be slightly confusing though it can set to sandbox the software automatically.

So, it shouldn't be an unnecessary complication in using the program, Tico?

I'm leaning toward Avast, not least because it's apparently "light on resources".

I was just wondering (in light of the quote above) whether the sandbox feature would be a nuisance or not ....

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@msolga,

msolga wrote:

Thanks, Questioner.
Sorry to be so ignorant about these things, but what sorts of "third party programs"? Ones which are related to the antivirus program & its functions?
Or is it about verification of any programs you might download?

Any programs really. And no, not related to the anti-virus program, it would recognize those easily enough. Let's say you play a lot of games, and one game in particular has a map editor that was created by an independent coder. Good chance this program won't have a signature as it's not the product of a large corporation. With online games there's always the chance that someone has put some malicious code into a 'mod' program such as this to steal passwords or other information.

Thus it gets put in the sandbox where it can do little damage.

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@msolga,

And for the record, I've never sandboxed either, and I play online quite a bit. If you're wise about what you download and where you download it from you really don't need to worry overmuch.

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@msolga,

msolga wrote:

Quote:
Although the sandbox is a very useful semi-automated security feature, the default settings involves a pop up to ask whether a software should be sandboxed for not - for the typical average user this can be slightly confusing though it can set to sandbox the software automatically.

So, it shouldn't be an unnecessary complication in using the program, Tico?

I'm leaning toward Avast, not least because it's apparently "light on resources".

I was just wondering (in light of the quote above) whether the sandbox feature would be a nuisance or not ....

Not a bit.

1 Reply

@Ticomaya,

That's good to know.
Thanks.
I think I'll go with Avast then.

0 Replies

Help, anyone?

I realize this sounds rather odd, but I've downloaded the latest Avest program from here:

http://www.filehippo.com/download_avast_antivirus/

Apparently it was saved, but I can't find a trace of it anywhere on my computer!
If checked "my documents", "the Add or remove programs" list & conducted a search.

Not a trace. Confused

Any suggestions anyone, for how I can locate it/& check if it's working or not?

1 Reply

@msolga,

Just checked the "all programs" list.
No there.
No icon on the task bar.
What have I done wrong?

1 Reply

@msolga,

Done!
Interesting, I tried downloading the program on Firefox, then after getting nowhere after a few attempts, switched to IE, which I also have installed on my computer. That fixed the problem!
So it's downloaded & installed.
It even spoke to me ("Welcome to Avas!") when installed.

OK, we're laughing!

Thanks for your help, everyone.

1 Reply

@msolga,

This is a talkative program.
It just told me, in the most cheerful way: "Your scan has now been completed!" Smile

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@msolga,

msolga wrote:

I've tried to install Window's free antivirus program from this site:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/security_essentials/default.aspx

Thanks in advance,
Olga

1 Reply

@trying2learn,

That is what I use on my pc. I have tried AVG and major problems.

1 Reply

@trying2learn,

Thanks t2l.

I've already installed Avast on mine, but there may be others reading this thread & who might feel inspired to take the "free" option next time ....
So what were the problems you experienced with AVG?

1 Reply

@msolga,

The problem I had was nothing worked. I couldn't boot up my pc. Hey, I refuse to pay to protect a pc Smile

1 Reply

@trying2learn,

Ha.
Definitely a problem, alright!

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@msolga,

I think I might have given some misleading information in my opening post.
Just clarifying this in case anyone reading this has been put of the Microsoft option :

Quote:

I've tried to install Microsoft's free antivirus program from this site:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-au/security_essentials/default.aspx

... having read the advice in this discussion:
http://able2know.org/topic/169882-1

I've tried twice now & can't install the program for some reason.

I'm wondering if I'm experiencing this problem because I'm still using Windows XP & Microsoft support for XP users apparently ceased in July of this year?

You might, in fact be able to install it, even if you are using XP.
I assumed I couldn't because Microsoft doesn't offer support to XP users any more. (or that's what I read on the Microsoft site this morning, anyway.)

But the problems I experienced when trying to install both the free Microsoft and Avast programs appear to have been caused by Firefox . (don't ask why. I don't know.)
Once I switched to my IE browser, no problem at all downloading & installing Avast .... so that maybe the case with Microsoft as well.

I hope that makes sense. Smile

1 Reply

@msolga,

I also use Avast.

You might want to turn off the sound. I find it rather annoying when listening to music and a loud voice suddenly announces "Virus database updated."

1 Reply

@parados,

Yes, good idea.
And the novelty might wear off soon, too. Smile

1 Reply

@msolga,

On the flip side, it's a good way to give the old ticker a random boost.

1 Reply

@Questioner,

I certainly did that for me, the first time I heard it!

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Free antivirus program for Windows XP?..... Advice, please.

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