AntiVirus software for my aunt's Windows 7 HP desktop

[kap]

Avira AntiVir Personal - Free Antivirus 9.0.0.415
Is that good enough with SpyBot - SD, and the built-in Windows Defender, or should I include AVG, ZoneAlarm, whatever else you want to recommend. TiA

[JEBB]

For people in our Senior Center computer club who are foolish enough to use Windows I've put together a list of names, and their sites, of good, and free, anti-malware programs. These freeware publishers also sell related programs and sometimes change the URLs for the free versions, in which case do a Google search for the free versions. Look here:

[tortoise]

Norton Internet Security 2010 is the best all around protection requiring no user input to stay current and protected. Also includes great password program that saves and autofills all user passwords with perfect accuracy if you take the time to learn to use it and show your aunt. They win the PC Magazine choice of the year for a reason. The free-ware stuff is fine for geeks but think about your aunts needs and abilities. I am a dual platform consultant and have tried them all and keep coming back to NIS 2010 because I install it on a clients machine and forget it and don't get callbacks for problems. Free is not always the best solution especially if a virus or Trojan gets through the limited protection afforded by assorted freeware you mentioned. Zone-Alarm has a checkered history sometimes blocking access to the internet with faulty updates. Spy-Bot is not for the average user and while AVG is above average in ease of use I have cleaned many a machine of Viruses and Trojans supposedly protected by AVG.
Working on the Darkside requires an entirely different mindset than how we approach our beloved Apple platform, especially when helping relatives. I get a lot of jobs that were created by well meaning mac users that tried to help their relatives save money and ended up costing a lot more in the long haul.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Nobody should run two anti virus programs at once.

virus: Avira, Avast, AVG.
malware: SuperAntiSpyware, MalwareBytes Anti-Malware
firewall: Comodo Internet Security, Online Armor Free

Even with the paid suites, you can't install and forget it. It takes regular updates, spending time to learn how all the programs work, and occasional reading to keep up on threats. A little bit of paranoia helps too.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Repeating the mention of a site that has an option to download many of the popular freeware programs in one archive.

http://ninite.com/

I mentioned it here.
http://forums.macresource.com/read.php?1,822316

[bhaveshp]

Yes, ninite.com is an awesome tool that simplifies & speeds up setup of a new Windows machine or VM.

Regarding, Antivirus SW, I've been using MS Security Essentials on my new Win 7 Acer Timeline 1410 (11.6", Dualcore, 6 hour battery, $350!). I find it much less intrusive & in your face compared to AVG & Avast.

overview:
http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/20...resses.ars

http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[kap]

Lot of information offered. I will have much to consider. Thank you everyone for the help!

[onthedownlow]

Microsoft Security Essentials - takes care of it: http://www.microsoft.com/Security_Essentials/

[pinkoos]

Thanks for this thread. I had never heard of MSE. Will d/l it for my wife's new laptop.

[tortoise]

LOL yes sir by all means go with the creators of the very operating system that requires security software. Microsoft deserves your complete trust in their security enhancements, after all if they could not get it right in the OS, why not give them a second chance, or a third or a forth? Sort of like the Apple commercial along the same lines.