Reformatted ... now what?

Hello, I had my hard drive reformatted because of a virus and since my computer has very few programs on it now I'm wondering which ones to download.

Here's what the computer guy downloaded:

SUPERAntispyware
Microsoft security essentials
Malwarebytes
CCleaner

The only programs in this list I previously used were CCleaner and Malwarebytes. I'm wondering what else I need and if these are okay?

I also have Norton Internet Security with more then 6 months remaining on my subscription so for now that one has to stay.

Thanks,
Avalon

 

It is not recommended that you use more than one active antivirus applications at the same time; you should decide between Microsoft Security Essentials and Norton Internet Security, and remove one or the other.

That depends what you intend to do with your computer. Some suggestions

• Adobe Reader
• Flash Player
• OpenOffice or LibreOffice
• Google Earth
• you may also need Java RTE if you install OpenOffice or LibreOffice

 

the main thing to remember is that you can only have one program that does real time, on access scanning. since you are sticking with norton, do not install ms security essentials, since they both do the same thing. ccleaner, the free version of malwarebytes, and the free version of SUPERAntispyware all have to be run manually, so you could install them and be ok... these last 3 are good programs to have.

the only other thing to consider is... was Norton Internet Security on your computer and active when you got infected? if so, you might want to reconsider using it since it really did not do its job very well, and give Microsoft security essentials a try instead.

personally, i would not use either norton or microsoft, and i would buy the pro versions of malwarebytes and superantispyware and use those instead.

good luck with it.
toodles,
harmless

 

Make sure you also check out (MG) Top Freeware Picks at:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=20 :major

Great FREE programs listed there, used and recommended by many MG members. :cool

Bazza

 

Thank you for the replies Before reformat I had Advanced System Care, spywareblast, ccleaner and malwarebytes.

I did get a virus with Norton installed and active, but it is the first one I got on my computer in the five years I've had it. Maybe I'll uninstall it and see if the other works better.

I'm wondering how many different programs are needed to protect your computer?

Thanks,
Avalon

 

lol, well... that would depend on how paranoid you want to be

with the plethora of antivirus products out there, it can get complicated really fast with everyone having different opinions about ease of use, system resource usage, lack of false positive detections, how well it cleans up the nasty stuff, and on and on and on...

sometimes, it all boils down to personal preference and comfort level...
if you like norton and trust it, then continue to use it, just make sure it updates itself daily.

then once a week, update and manually run the free versions of malwarebytes and superantispyware to make sure you are squeaky clean.
there is not much more a normal person can do in an average day without being overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

good luck with it,
toodles,
harmless

 

I was always trying one after the other to do various defensive tasks.
My ISP got a free Norton InternetSecurity Suite lke your Norton 360 and I don't have to touch anything. It's not a resource hog like the older versions from Synantec and is very user friendly. There is tech support and a forum. As far as security and maintenence goes it reall had integrity. It performs many scheduled maintenace tasks if you wish it to, or not.
SUPERAntispyware and other programs were tried but Norton picked up everything it did amd more.
Comprhensive protection is the best word for it. Remember any pc can pick up a virus regardless of what you are using so try to protect your machne within reason. Read up on Norton and you will find nothing but good.

Wish you well

 

That is certainly something I have never heard before

 

>>ONly 2010 + 2011:wave