Computer Problem (Not iTunes Related)

[Wei Wu Wei]

I woke up this morning and found a notice on my computer. my avg was updating, and I'd need to install 8.0.

This was ok for me, as my old avg was acting oddly. I figured the updated version would be nicer.

So I clicked the link, went to the download site, and proceeded to download the new free avg.

It downloads.

I click install, agree where I'm supposed to, and it begins to install.

Then suddenly, it stops. The top of the window says (Not Responding).

I frown in consternation. I try letting it go to see if it picks up. It does not. I tried closing the program and try the installing process again. It does not install.

Now my old version is totally gone, and I have a half-installed new version on my computer that I can't get rid of or re-install for a full installation.

Am I to understand that I am now subject to viruses and all sorts of nasties because I tried to update my software to a newer version?

I will also take an recommendations for virus software (free and otherwise) that people might think is better than AVG.

The modern inconvenience of technology...

[Khendon Sevon]

Am I to understand that I am now subject to viruses and all sorts of nasties because I tried to update my software to a newer version?

I haven't used an anti-virus for... 5+ years? On any of my various computers and laptops.

I've never had a problem.

The best "anti-virus": Don't open files/e-mails you don't trust the sender of. It's that simple.

[Turbogeek]

You have a nasty on your PC right now actively trying to mangle the installation. Better get out the spyware tools like Spybot and ATG to go hunting.

There is simply no Anti virus running around that works. None. NOD32 is about the closest but that truly it. They are all bloated POS's that just do not work. I'm sick and tired of dealing with anti virus that just lets nasties just march on by and then invite their mates to invade. The only safety is to either dont open crap (as said above) / use Firefox / keep the system completely and utterly up to date / do NOT log in with administrator level privledges on Windows / hope. I havent used AV for years either. So frankly if you practice safe computing, you do not need any antivirus anyway. Spyware is the real problem.

Or switch to something that is inherently more secure like a Mac or Linux and just dont be worried.

[Wei Wu Wei]

Spybot S&D did not detect any threats when I ran it.

What's ATG?

Marcus, you were right. I've tried running Housecall, but it doesn't seem to be working.

I hate to use the F-word, but it looks like I might have to format my hard drive.

Any last bits of advice before I have to use the format function?

[Wei Wu Wei]

I need a new firewall. Anyone know where I can get a good one for cheap or free?

[Morgan Evanar]

Unless it's a piece of hardware running Linux or a similar OS, it's not really worth bothering :(

[Cat X]

I need a new firewall. Anyone know where I can get a good one for cheap or free?


As above - there's no such thing as a software firewall that's worth your trouble. Usually they cause more problems than they solve.