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macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 06:01 PM

I had Windows XP Pro on my Mac Pro for a while, and then all of a sudden, when I opened up Firefox, a new window opened by itself and said my computer is infected with a deadly virus. It gave me the option of downloading one of two free scanner programs. I downloaded one of them, and sure enough, my computer was riddled with deadly viruses. I went back into OS X and removed the windows partition all-together. I've now re-installed XP and am looking for good anti-virus software. I am currently using Avast!, and it seems okay, but it looks a little weird. I'm not very familiar with this stuff, is Avast! an actual anti-virus program? Is it good?

Thanks

discotronic · Oct 23, 2006, 06:08 PM

Your first mistake was downloading the program. That is the most likely source of the virus that you had. Also, it was probably Spyware or just a clever pop-up that opened the new window.

AVG Anti-Virus is free. A quick Google search or downloads.com will find. it.

F*ckDell · Oct 23, 2006, 06:11 PM

last time i checked that was called a pop-up. Your best bet is to just either get norton or not go on the internet when you are in windows. I know thats how I have it set up. I only go on windows to play games and some other windows based crap. I only alow an internet connection to programs that need updating or patches. Surf the web on Mac OS X man!

macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 06:14 PM

I usually do surf the web in OS X. But this avast thing seems pretty good, windows isn't telling me "Your computer may be at risk" anymore....

polendo · Oct 23, 2006, 07:08 PM

Like discotronic said, downloading that program was a mistake. A big one. Under windows I would suggest never to download any free program that is offered out of the blue from a pop up.
I suggest to check out AVIRA and AVG. Both are free (both have pay versions with more features - these free versions are not trial versions) and seem competent enough. For spyware download Lavasoft's Ad-Aware.. also free.

regards

Atheist · Oct 23, 2006, 07:13 PM

I see no problem with sticking with Avast. I use it on all of my PC's... along with Ad-Aware as polendo suggested.

macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 07:18 PM

Alright, well thanks for the help. I won't download stuff from pop-ups anymore.

Avast didn't find any viruses so far, so I think i'm good.

Oh, and one last question. I downloaded the Vista RC1 beta thing from microsofts website. Is it worth installing? I'm not a Windows expert, is there anything I need to know before installing it, due to it being a beta?

Cadaver · Oct 23, 2006, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

is there anything I need to know before installing it, due to it being a beta?

Its a beta OS. Don't install it. At least if you need to get any actual work done that is.

macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 08:16 PM

Originally Posted by Cadaver

Its a beta OS. Don't install it. At least if you need to get any actual work done that is.

Alright, thanks.

indigoimac · Oct 23, 2006, 08:23 PM

I am very, very partial to a program called NOD32, gotta love these friendly names, right? But it is really the best I've seen, its on the fly scanning is top-notch, and it is very customizable, I've been virus free on XP using terrible browing habits since my last reinstall last year, weeee!

I also recommend both Spybot and Ad-Aware for spyware removal, yes you need both!

And to keep that registry squeaky clean I'd take a look at easy cleaner, it has a bunch of other functions too.

And if you need a firewall, and yes, you do, I recommend Sygate, if you can find a non-Norton version since I believe that is who bought them.

macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by indigoimac

I am very, very partial to a program called NOD32, gotta love these friendly names, right? But it is really the best I've seen, its on the fly scanning is top-notch, and it is very customizable, I've been virus free on XP using terrible browing habits since my last reinstall last year, weeee!

I also recommend both Spybot and Ad-Aware for spyware removal, yes you need both!

And to keep that registry squeaky clean I'd take a look at easy cleaner, it has a bunch of other functions too.

And if you need a firewall, and yes, you do, I recommend Sygate, if you can find a non-Norton version since I believe that is who bought them.

Okay, I don't use XP enough to go through all THAT trouble.

discotronic · Oct 23, 2006, 08:59 PM

Originally Posted by macgeek2005

Okay, I don't use XP enough to go through all THAT trouble.

If you use Windows XP on the Internet, even just a little, you will need the anti-spyware programs.

macgeek2005 · Oct 23, 2006, 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by discotronic

If you use Windows XP on the Internet, even just a little, you will need the anti-spyware programs.

Why? If my anti-virus program takes care of any viruses that try to get in, what else is there to worry about?