Our subscription to Norton expired about a week ago. Any good free or cheap anti virus/ spyware programs out there. I will not use AVG. That seems to be junk. I like Housecall for spyware, although I question if it is really working for me right now. I have used Adware before too. I know both of them are for spyware only, not viruses. I need protection for at least three computers. Thanks.

this is one I would try if I didn't have my pd zone alarm.

http://download.cnet.com/Comodo-Inte...html?tag=mncol

It may bog down on a older machine though, but if a newer machine it should be fine.
{If Norton didn't bog it down you should be fine.}

and some others to look at-
http://download.cnet.com/1770-2023_4...dows&tag=ltcol

I tried about 5 of the top rated internet suites and liked Zone alarm the best , but you might like another layout or style , but install /try it and if you don't like it remove it and try another.
That's the best way to find one you really like, and to make sure it isn't slowing down you machine too much.

My brother swears by avg - and he's pretty geeky:

free.avg.com/ww-en


However, big bro says that it's always a good idea to have more than one anti virus program (paid or not) on your computer.

Cheers

We have had great success with Avast free version.

It catches lots of stuff.

(we also scan with Adaware, Spybot and Malwarebytes weekly).

I have been using BitDefender for about five years now. Switched to it when a nasty rootkit tore right through Norton on a network I was supporting. And, found I really liked that it wasn't the memory hog Norton has always been.

One of the best features is their Network Mode. It allows you to control the settings on all computers globally from one computer, without having to run around setting every computer individually.

They have package deals for multiple computers. Current package deals are $49.95/3 computers/year for Internet Security and $79.95/3 computers/year for Total Security.

There are a few minor differences between Internet Security & Total Security. Total Security has a tune-up and file shredder. Total Security also offers a small amount of online storage with scheduled backup.

Here is the link to their comparison page:

http://www.bitdefender.com/site/view...omparison.html

I use Internet Security for my home network, and Total Security for the one network I still support.

Actually you can just install & use the trial period up and then uninstall that one and do a trial of another one.
I went for a year testing the top internet suite programs - just to find the one I liked the best.

the internet suites cover much more than the basic anti virus programs.

here's a couple of reviews/ratings and info on the top ones-
http://internet-security-suite-revie...enreviews.com/
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2358764,00.asp
http://reviews.cnet.com/antivirus-se...ftware/?tag=bc



Zone Alarm is having a sale -
http://www.zonealarm.com/security/en...ity%20programs

I used to use some free stuff but got tired of the problems , i like to download stuff and "test" things, had too many total crashes, so decided to spend a little $$ for piece of mind.
39.00 for a yr & 3 pc - got a free upgrade to extreme last year but this year it was 49.00 for 3 pc - still worth it to me.
once you are a regular customer they send email notice of sales and give discounts - I suppose they all do that though.
to keep their customers.

I also like AVG free edition, it beats out norton hands down LOL!

But if you want to look at a list of antivirus programs here is a great place to start.

http://majorgeeks.com/downloads29.html

This site has lots of software to look at, and if you really look you can find freeware.

Thanks for all the advice. I've heard horror stories about AVG, and yet I also heard a community college uses it.

I'll pass all this information on to DH. I don't like that Housecall hasn't found anything on this computer. Two people use Facebook from here, and I know that is just asking for trouble when it comes to outdated security.

I would like to find something cheap but good. This crappy economy has DH wanting something else. I understand, but in this case, I think peace of mind comes with spending a little bit of money.

Micro$oft Essentials for me.

For a bought one I like McAfee or Trend, which is the one that gives you the Free House Call.

I don't like Norton and wouldn't use it again even if it was free.

For a freebie, I like Avast. I tried AVG but that let too many viruses through.