I just found this site(Thank God)....I need some help on what FREE online security programs there are out there and what programs I actually need.
My Norton subscription expired today so my computer is vulnerable...so I need to get it protected very very soon. I'm going to start reading on this site, but if anyone's got any suggestions to expedite things....I'd appreciate it.
I know very very little about Online security programs, other than plunkin down $50 for Norton etc

Hi nathansdad04.. Welcome and glad you found the forum

Take a look at this Bleeping Computer compendium on freeware. You should find what you need.

You should run One Firewall, One Antivirus and several Spyware detectors

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/ind...616&hl=freeware

And Virus and Malware resources

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum25.html

If I choose the Avast program and 1 of the anti-spyware programs for example...will that keep my email protected also?
I hate to be so 'thick' when it comes to this stuff, but before I found this site I just purchased Norton and 'called it a day'. I don't want to pay $50 again for commercial software, but I also don't want to screw up and leave my new laptop 'exposed' to viruses etc

BTW: Do I PURCHASE AD-Aware or is it free?

Do I need to un-install Norton BEFORE I download another security program?

Ad aware is free. I use it and EWIDO and Spybot and spyblaster all free. I would uninstall first to avoid conflicts. I don't have Avast, but many many here do and it is good.

Just in case you do decide on Avast.

How to Install, Configure, and Use Avast Antivirus

I ended up downloading AVG and Zone Alarm(I flipped a coin). Apparently I'm an idiot cause I couldn't figure out how download Adaware free.
I still have to get an anti-spyware program right?

Yes down load AdAware here

http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Person...ubj=dl&tag=top5

Down load and instructions here

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/%20...uter-tut48.html

Thanks for the link....now I've got AVG,SpyBot,Zone Alarm, and Adaware. Is there anything else I could be missing?

Hi, I would add 2 more as they compliment Spybot S&D

Spywareblaster

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial49.html

and Spyware Guard

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial50.html

Thanks for all the help............