I have just bought a laptop, but the anti-virus protection that comes with the laptop is only temporary and will expire soon, I have to pay to extend it.

However I have seen so many free anti-virus protection, I don’t know which one to go for.

Thanks in advance for your help

Opinion : Well,it’s troublesome doing all these steps to maintain a clean computer,the worst is,when the user doesn’t know that his/her computer is infected. Cause not all harmful stuffs has Obvious Symptoms.
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Basic Browser Setting

Browser – Firefox latest version
Settings – Under tools button,click option,go privacy tab.

*Un tick all the history settings
*Un tick all the cookies settings,enable cookie only (not third party cookies) when you’re login at website.
*Untick ask before clearing privacy data.
*Go to security tab,untick all the passwords settings.
*Go to advanced tab,make the offline storage to zero mb

Internet Options Settings

*Tick all the correct internet settings,untick those save passwords etc.
*Under security tab,make internet medium setting
*Under security tab,Local intranet is High setting,will not have negative effects on the sites that you’re viewing.
*Under security tab,Trust sites is also High setting,will not have negative effects on the sites that you’re viewing.
*Under security tab,Restricted site is also High or Custom settings
(Custom probably by anti spyware,etc like spybot listed the correct restricted site settings in there)
*Under privacy tab,click advanced,prompt for first party cookies (applies to internet explorer,so prompt is the best setting) ,and must tick block third party cookies.
*Under content tab,un tick all the Auto Complete settings.
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Anti Virus Softwares

Recommend Avira,Avast,Norton but not Mcafee,AVG etc.

*Avira highest detection rates,excellent scannings,but the free edition only contain anti virus protection.(Top anti virus detection rates)

*Avast,second highest detection rates,excellent Boot-time scan and tons of protection layers of shields (Much more overall protection,decent detection rates too)

*Norton 2009,i think it’s an complete overhaul version,the memory usage is superb low,extremely rare,since norton is known as system hog, Previous versions used too much unnecessary memory,slows computer down tremendously. The detection rates is good,not sure how much though. The protection is advanced type as stated. Can try by downloading the trail version(Lower detection rates but memory usage is quite low)
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Anti Spywares freewares

*Spybot search & destory,protects system settings and so on(Must have)

*Spyware Blaster,an anti spyware layer of protection(Must have)

*Advanced systemcare 3,nice freeware of registry cleaner + spyware defense provided by iobit. (Though the free edition lacks deep scan etc,but still useful)

*Ccleaner
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Excellent Anti Spyware Scanners *Not protection,unless you pay for it

*Ad aware 2008

*Malwarebytes

*Super anti spyware

*Of course,make sure you use the correct settings in every software you uses,common sense.

Download Websites Recommendations

FileHippo.com – Download Free Software
Free Software Downloads and Reviews – Download.com

Reformatting

Use the detailed reformat instead of quick reformat,its much more effective but much more longer duration…it’s safer though.

Then re-download all the window updates from the microsoft website,and download an anti virus and updated it before you download any other softwares

Scannings

It’s best to scan things in safe mode,and use the folder option settings in computer correctly for scanning purpose

*shows hidden files and folders
*Un-tick hide protection operating system files
*Un-tick hide extension for known file types
*Turn off System Restore,some trojans tends to hide in there etc.

Obviously its to let it scan the whole computer or drive thoroughly. Scanning in Safe mode is quite necessary too,Safe mode is F8 key.

**Credit to Twtew from Yahoo Answer,under the Title ”Basic computering guide”.

Purpose : Obviously not for spamming,just want to post something useful. And nowadays theres a lot harmful stuffs even if you did not visit adult sites.

Modified : To add this line,won’t be replying to any posts/questions if theres any,just as i mentioned,just to post something useful only.

Which best anti virus protection can I download for free? I need like a 30 day free trial or something. I tried AVG and some other virus protections but I cant find any thats for free. Help Me.

I’ve heard that there are free versions of spy sweeper and anti- virus protection. I need something that will protect my computer. Because I dont want to pay for Spy sweeper any more. Any Ideas?

I saw that there was spy ware someone can use to monitor your emails, chat, and deleted files. I would like to keep my personal life private without someone ever being able to scan my computer and find private emails, chat or deleted files. If I could find some software to detect if some has installed such software on my computer that would be great, free if possible. I also would like to know the best software to use to clean your computer of all items for safety.
I think I may have not been clear to most. I would like to make sure that no person could gain access to my hard drive and see where I have been or find deleted files. I know that when you delete files they are still on your computer. I would like to know how to make sure they are really gone, and there is no path left to find them or fine any real history. My computer has anti virus protection and it is running greatly. I was stunned to find out how simple it is for criminals, your spouse, boss, employees or hackers to install key logger type spy programs on your computer and watch your every move. Spy software is so easy to install and use, it can turn any eight year old into a seasoned hacker! They have even come out with "hybrid spy software" which disguises itself as an E-Greeting card! The moment you open it you’re infected! These are the things I worry about.