Electronics

[petunia]

I've used AVG Free for many years and never a problem!

[oceanbreezy]

I am an Avast user as well.  I've have always relied on Avast for my computer for years. They have good support team, just email them if you have a problem. They make you  feel safe and secure.  You don't get bogged down with big files or computer running slow.  There is a community forum that you can avail yourself with lots of reviews and information  https://www.avast.com/en-us/index-win#compare-home

Good luck in making your decision. 

[LilacTree]

I recently purchased Kaspersky when I purchased a new Dell desktop with Windows 7.  It had McAfee pre-installed which I found could not be uninstalled without a special program file that does NOT come with the installed program. 

I had to call Microsoft to get McAfee uninstalled and I was then able to install Kaspersky.  So far I find it very reliable and I like the protection it offers on passwords.

I was undecided between Avast and Kaspersky, but went with the latter.  I'm sure Avast is an excellent program as well. 

Just stay away from McAfee . . . it "protects" you from nothing!!  Never did, actually.

[chickenbutt]

Hi LT!  

Most of the computers I've purchased in recent years had McAfee on them.  ITA with you that it is the worst and would never use it.

But I've never had trouble uninstalling it.   I wonder why MS had to do it for you.  I just go ahead and download (NOT install, just download) the a/v software I want.  Then I uninstall the McAfee.  Then I restart the computer.  Then I go to my 'downloads' and grab the new a/v download and intall it.

[Nuttmeg]

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@chickenbutt wrote:

Hi LT!  

Most of the computers I've purchased in recent years had McAfee on them.  ITA with you that it is the worst and would never use it.

But I've never had trouble uninstalling it.   I wonder why MS had to do it for you.  I just go ahead and download (NOT install, just download) the a/v software I want.  Then I uninstall the McAfee.  Then I restart the computer.  Then I go to my 'downloads' and grab the new a/v download and intall it.

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 I use a free McAfee uninstall program to remove all traces of the software. A Google search will help you locate it.

[chickenbutt]

Thanks, Nutmeg!  Maybe I should see if I've left any traces of McAfee behind.  I have never seen anything but I suppose you never know. 

Is there a way to determine if you have any scraps left?

I remember, years ago when Norton got so bloaty, after uninstalling that there was all kinds of stuff left that had to be purged.  But with the McAfee uninstalls I have not seen anything hanging around.

[LilacTree]

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@Nuttmeg wrote:

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@chickenbutt wrote:

Hi LT!  

Most of the computers I've purchased in recent years had McAfee on them.  ITA with you that it is the worst and would never use it.

But I've never had trouble uninstalling it.   I wonder why MS had to do it for you.  I just go ahead and download (NOT install, just download) the a/v software I want.  Then I uninstall the McAfee.  Then I restart the computer.  Then I go to my 'downloads' and grab the new a/v download and intall it.

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 I use a free McAfee uninstall program to remove all traces of the software. A Google search will help you locate it.

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CB, when is the last time you did this, as it is brand new within the last six months or so.  Once Dell purchased it, they configured it so that it couldn't be deleted without a special file that doesn't come with the pre-installed program. 

I'm not implying your way doesn't work.  Maybe when one downloads it from the website, it doesn't have this (deliberate) glitch.  As I said, the Dell I bought came with it pre-installed and I had every intention of uninstalling it as soon as I received it.  Maybe they received a lot of complaints on this and did put the file out there for users. 

I always call Microsoft when I have problems because I paid for it for a year subscription and want to get my money's worth!  LOL

[chickenbutt]

Hi LT!  My most recent computer was purchased last month - just under a month ago.   It had the dreaded McAfee on it.  I did what I always do - download (but don't install) the a/v software I wanted.  Then uninstall the McAfee.  Restart computer.   Go into my downloads to find the new one and complete the install.  

Near as I can tell there are no signs of McAfee.  I've even searched for any files that are McAfee and nothing came up.  

I did it right away, though.  That's always my #1 priority after getting into the new computer and doing all the set up stuff.  I get rid of that and replace it, then I'm ready to see what other qrap is on the computer that I want to uninstall.  Then I get my Malwarebytes and other softwares installed, do the Windows updates, and make sure everything else is up to date.

Then I run CCleaner and Auslogics defrag to clean it up.  With installs, uninstalls, etc, there are always a lot of scraps laying around so that cleans things up and I can go on to the next tier of programs I want to add.

[Nuttmeg]

HI LT,

When I buy a new Dell XPS desktop computer I get  one year free use of McAfee LiveSafe.  I use this software for nearly a year and then change to Comcast Norton 360. I use the removal tool to help take out this program.

I find McAfee Live Safe to be a very nice  program. I just use Norton 360 from Comcast, because it is given free with service.