I am constantly getting viruses what is the best FREE virus protection for my computer?

[Holly]

I have Avast right now and it constantly updates itself but seems to offer no protection. I use Spybot to detect viruses and delete the files but in a matter of minutes there are more viruses!! I only use the most common websites like Yahoo, Facebook, Craigslist, hotmail etc. Where are these viruses coming from and how to I stop them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

[john]

Well do you click on any suspicious links or open suspicious emails? craigslist has often got dodgy links..my preference is AVG

[TechGuru6]

I would recommend this anti-executable:

NoVirusThanks EXE Radar Pro
http://www.novirusthanks.org/product/exe-radar-pro/

With NoVirusThanks EXE Radar you can browse the Internet more safely, for example, if you are redirected to an infected website that tries to exploit your browser and load the payload, NoVirusThanks EXE Radar will alert you prior to the unknown executable executing which effectively allows you to disallow it. NoVirusThanks EXE Radar is great protection against web browsers exploits, rogue security software and any kind of unknown executable.

[D.Grizzom]

It's your index finger on your right hand causing you all your problems.

Most malware is installed by you downloading shady crap, and in most cases you will catch it and delete the rogue exe but not the start-up entries it has made to your start-up menu.
When you restart your box this crap gets automatically installed seemingly out of the blue.

I suggest you install a free back ground program called start-up monitor. It shows a pop-up window any time something tries to get put on your start-up menu and asks if you want to allow it to install.

This has save my butt hundreds of times (Its a must have)

http://www.mlin.net/StartupMonitor.shtml

As for free anti-virus try comodo or avira

[zakieh]

Avast is recommended

[Willy]

Sounds like your 'viruses' are cookies. These aren't too much too worry about and can be blocked via your browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox, whatever). Avast works just fine, if you're constantly getting actual viruses you really are doing something wrong, its your surfing habits that need changing, not your AV.

How to block cookies http://www.aboutcookies.org/Default.aspx?page=1

[Froggie]

Avast is currently rated THE top free anti-virus program by both PC Magazine (UK) and PC World (US), both for prevention and cleaning. Some links in both Facebook and Craigslist are known to have embedded viruses, which might be your problem. With your record of getting infections, you should run your protection scans daily, or even more frequently whenever you will be away from your computer for a while. YOU are the cause of the infections ... clicking links or opening Spam mail. Some malware can install itself just by opening a web site - it's called a 'drive-by'.

These sites off excellent scanners to remove the more complicated spyware/malware that Avast might not catch, but they must be run in Safe Mode. If you buy the paid version of MBAM, it has constantly-running protection.

Scans several times in Safe Mode with Networking, which catches and cleans far more than normal boot-up mode. (Hold down the F8 key when the computer screen first lights up, until you hear a beep or see a new dark screen. Then use the arrow keys and Enter to get to Safe Mode with Networking) Be sure you are logged in as an Administrator. Re-boot into Safe Mode for each scan, with the CD/DVD in the drive so you can execute the anti-malware programs from there. If you use a flash or thumb drive, it could also get infected, but it can be used for most scans safely.

When the scan runs clean, update all tools used before (except Housecall) and run again with the updated files. First run your regular anti-virus program, then you should scan with several different anti-malware programs, since they catch different things, but only one should run constantly.
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ (an online scanner, always up-to-date)
http://www.malwarebytes.org/mbam.php (free version, update before running)
http://www.superantispyware.com/ (also free, update before running)

Once clean, remove all System Restore points (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore > delete ... small, in left panel) for XP or (Start > Right click Computer > Properties > System Protection), select any hard drives with protection on, press Configure..., and turn off system protection. Then re-enable it (deletes all restore points). before re-booting for Windows 7. This prevents any malware from re-installing itself. Of course, once you re-boot in Normal Mode, re-set a new System Restore point right away. If you have detected malware on your computer, change all of your passwords after cleaning up the infection.

[Ermir]

Download Microsoft Security Essential + Malwarebytes Antimalware and you SHOULD be just fine

[xEpiCJx]

Use a shotgun

[Dunbar Pappy ÏŸÏŸ]

Like perceptions of preventative immunizations recommended for humans, many folks are under the impression that a Windows OS can be protected with a 'shot' of anti-virus: the truth is when using Windows on the Internet, there is no blanket solution from a single source...you must become a security expert on your own, and blend several layers of defenses.
Spybot S&D is a bit long in tooth, and not the best available anti-malware selection.
It is not deployed to detect virus anyway.

'Out-of-the-box' MS Windows absolutely reeks with security problems and bad configurations that average users are unaware of...and so the endless exploits and malware infections.
You must reform your entire Windows strategy and tactics.
"10-Step Security"/PC World; http://www.pcworld.com/article/122500/10...urity.html

Stop using Internet Explorer!
It is the Undisputed World Heavyweight Champ @ passing malicious garbage.

Firefox, beefed up with these effective Firefox Collection items, stops acres of malware seen here in Y! Answers:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox...nbarpappy/
"NoScript" will go a long way preventing "rogue" malware infections.

Turn off 3rd party assets:
Tools> Options> Privacy> top drop menu set to "Firefox will use custom settings..."> Check 'Accept Cookies from sites'
â–º& Un-Check 'Accept 3rd Party cookies'.

Always incorporate a stout firewall: Some freeware is here: http://www.snapfiles.com/Freeware/securi...ewall.html
Look them over and match your needs to skill level.

Use "Sandboxie": http://www.sandboxie.com/ for even better protection.
Core defense applications might include (but not limited to) a robust dedicated anti-virus (I make no recommendations).

And, get this installed: â–º"HOSTS file" (from mvps.org) which blocks evil webpage assets from re-directs which install malware or trashware. (Vista requires special instructions; on-page link)
http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/hosts.htm
SpywareBlaster (snoopware prevention and hostfile guardian); http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

If you don't have time or skill for 'updating', have a look @ "Secunia": checks all your 3rd party stuff for updates, and has a one click 'install solution' feature...very handy.
Freeware.
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/

Most novice users do not like hearing this, but nonetheless, it's true: using computers on the Internet requires you to become a security EXPERT, it's that freekin' simple.
And Windows bears the brunt of the majority of it.