I am unable to re-install Norton Internet Security on my pc because you are only licenced to use it 3 times, and I have installed it on my pc 3 times already. (I had to do this because I had to re-install Windows twice due to computer problems.)

Therefore, I downloaded the free edition of avast! anti-virus and the free edition of Zonealarm firewall.

Do these free programs give adequate protection?

*edited to add*

I also have spybot search & destroy and ad-aware

Yes.
The difference between paid and free versions is generally that the former have more "bells and whistles" and does not degrade essential protection. Many of us have used freebies for years without malware problems, so you should not be overly concerned, especially if you are a careful internet surfer and downloader.
Regards,
John

You are indeed protected. I use the same protection on my system and haven't had an infection in a long time.
Although, Im changing my firewall to Comodo.

Might I suggest adding a few anti spyware apps if you haven't already?
Check out the Freeware Replacements For Common Comercial Apps topic for some good programs

It would be wise to follow Teenage.Zombie's advice. I recommend SpywareTerminator, SpywareBlaster and SUPERAntiSpyware.

Regards,
David.

Yeah they're good recommendations. They will not cause any conflict with Avast or ZA either.

Thanks david for backing me up

No they don't cause conflict. I have been using them for a long time and have never had any conflict problems.

I also reccomend Comodo Firewall Pro 3 & SUPERAntispyware 4.

Wow! Have you seen Comodo's new beta? See HERE


Josh.

While Comodo is a terrific firewall lilachamster already has a firewall program (ZoneAlarm) and it is a security risk to have two firewalls running at one time.

Yes what Teenage.Zombie said is right.

Yes, I know! lol

Only an suggestion

I am careful, but as for my 14 year old daughter .....

Teenage.Zombiee, david28 and Josho... Thanks for the recommendations.

Is it ok to have a few anti-spyware programs on my pc, or might they conflict with each other? I already have Spybot S & D and Ad-Aware.

I run 1 A/v,1 software firewall and 3 antispyware apps. No problem

Its definatly okay
On my system I have Sybot S&D, Super Anti Spyware, Comodo BO Clean, Spyware Guard, Spyware Blaster, AVG Anti Spywaren and I still want more

In that case, I will download a couple more anti-spyware programs. Thanks boopme and Teenage.Zombiee

Not a problem lilachamster

Very wise choice Juts don't go downloading every Anti-Spyware program you find.

david 28 recommended three worthy antispyware programs.

But I would uninstall ZoneAlarm and install Online Armor firewall.

Avast! is a good antivirus, even better is Avira Antivir Personal Free an antivirus better than most paid ones. Avast! is good, keep it.

AVG used to be the free antivirus of choice, I assert that its quality is down. Avira free best, second Avast! Change the firewall though.

I give you one suggested security group for XP with all freeware, except for the router unless you have an old computer laying around to make your own: http://dailycupoftech.com/2007/09/17/put-t...er-to-good-use/

Online Armor
Avira Antivir
Sandboxie
SpywareBlaster
Threatfire

and ondemand:

CWShredder
ewido antispyware microscanner
IceSword
LinkScanner
RootkitRevealer
Sophos Anti-Rootkit


Mozilla Firefox with these add-ons, NoScript, RefControl, Cookie Safe, McAfee SiteAdvisor, and XPL LinkScanner Firefox.
Mozilla Thunderbird, first choice, or Foxmail, or Pegasus Mail.

Wonderful suggestions saint satin stain

No.... moderation in all things

I haven't heard of Online Armor before, but I will look into it. I got ZoneAlarm because a couple of computer magazines recommended it. A friend just told me Comodo is good, and Ive seen people on here recommending it, so I'm not sure what to do at the moment.

Last night, I tried to do my 1st scan with Avast! but my pc restarted itself part way through for no apparent reason. I tried again and the same thing happened. Could Avast! have caused this?

Scot's Newsletter

Matousec Leak Tests

ConsumerSearch

Check out the sites above and make your choice. When confronted with new software in any category ask in forums like this one, Wilderssecurity, Castlecops, and Computer Haven. There are others. Also ask cable installers and repair folk. I have found many knowledgeable. Read reviews at Consumer Search, and especially at Firewall Guide.

You can also read the reviews in computer magazines. I distrust reviews at some magazines because of apparent conflict of interest. Two of the most reliable sources for all security is the aforementioned Firewall guide and Tech Support Alert,

Great links, saint satin stain. Thanks very much

you're welcome.

This is what I use now, no changes expected:


Eset NOD32 Antivirus
Online Armor
Sandboxie
SpywareBlaster - autoupdate*
Trojan Remover

Seconfig XP

Multi Virus Cleaner 2008

CWShredder
ewido antispyware microscanner

DarkSpy
Gmer
IceSword
RootAlyze
Rootkit Unhooker
Sophos Anti-Rootkit


enuf said 'bout enuf
security.

You could install it more than 3 times it only means you can put it on 3 computer so you can install it as much times as you want on a maximum amount of three computers

I've heard that you can only install it 3 times only reguardless of what computer.

I've only just caught up with this because I have been without a pc for a couple of months.


Teenage.Zombiee...
You are correct. I called Symantec and they told me it can only be installed a maximum of 3 times, even if on the same computer

I paid £50 for it and only got a few weeks use out of it. Symantec told me I could purchase a licence so that I could continue to use it, but I told them (very politely, of course ) what they could do with their licence

I want to amend my selections. Threatfire, I believe in some list I had it, but it conflicts with Online Armor. I want to make sure that I don't screw up someone with my suggestions. Believe it or not I am fallible. Backup, encryption, and security programs all work to secure your computer, so

BACKUP:
CDBurnerXP - burning permanent files
ERUNT - backup registry
Maxtor OneTouch - external hard drive for local backup
MozBackup - backs up Mozilla profiles
MozyHome - automatically backs up to online storage, encrypted


SECURITY(bold are realtime):
ESET NOD32 Antivirus*
Online Armor*
Sandboxie*
SpywareBlaster
Trojan Remover*

ENCRYPTION:
KeyScrambler
Password Safe
PGP Desktop