Yup AVG is still free... I Use AVG and everyone I turn on to it loves it,especially if they were using Norton before...
5 things I recomend...
1... Already explained...
AVG Free
2... SpyBot search and destroy... When updatiing the definition rules "and you should every time U use it" use the drop down and choose another location to download from,,,if U don't it will prob fail cause it is the default location and prob a overloaded sevver... Most people don't know there is a choice because they don't read the manual...
SpyBot "Search and Destroy"
3... Ad-Aware... Again always update definitions before you use it...
Ad-Aware personal
4... Hijack This... basically this reads startup stuff and finds browser hijackers... there are boards out there were you can post the result of the hjack list it creates... the first time U use it HijackThis have it checked for potentiol threats,,, then you can use it often to see changes and know what to do...
Hijack This
5... Start up Monitor... This program alerts U with a popup everytime something is added to the startup list in windows... when you are installing a program and Startup Monitor alerts you ,,,select yes but,,,if you are surfing and it alerts you,,, you know that "a Virus" is trying to get on your startup list to actuate,,,in this case always select NO and then scan with AVG Free...
Startup Monitor