My in-laws have an older computer that is running Windows ME, and they're anti virus program has expired (they were using Norton, which no longer supports ME). Any suggestions for an Anti-virus program that will work on it? Seems so many no longer support the ME version...:?
The latest version (8.0) of Grisoft's AVG anti-virus will not work with any legacy Microsoft OS older than Windows 2000. http://free.grisoft.com/ww.faq.num-1237#faq_1237 You could install an older version of AVG that works with Windows ME but Grisoft doesn't support them any longer, i.e. you will not be able to keep the virus database up to date. Their current 'old' version (7.5) will be going obsolete shortly. I did a quick search @ download.com (without an s, although with an s will still take you there) and the best free anti-virus for Windows ME is "Kapersky". http://www.download.com/Kaspersky-A...239_4-10059428.html?tag=lst-1&cdlPid=10842157
I guess I need to watch what I'm posting. That link is only for a "virus definition file" which is just a virus database for the actual anti-virus program, and for version 5.0 at that. (Their latest version is 7.0.) Kaspersky isn't freeware. They have a 30-day trial, after that it costs you. If your in-laws seriously need and want an anti-virus program, they're probably either going to have to buy one that works with Windows ME, if that's even possible, OR get a different operating system or computer.
Thats what they've been told in the stores (to buy a newer computer) but they don't really want to spend that kind of money for something they only use for email and a few other things - so I was trying to see if any of you geeks knew of any software that would run on an older model. :lol:
We have one we'll be getting rid of soon and I've never formatted a hard drive - can you tell me what to do to clean all the files off? Thanks!
They live in Garner - I'll ask them about you coming to do this. What would you charge for this service and how long would it take?
Ok, thanks! I will talk to them sometime this week and see what they say. I seriously doubt there's music or pictures on there, just word documents probably.
I used Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) when I'm donating a used PC to charity, or removing an old hard drive for a customer and replacing it with a new one. I also used it when I worked for the Goverment, as they required a "secure wipe". DBAN has several options, one of which is the Department of Defense (DoD) method. Basically what these "wipe" programs do is fill the hard drive with ones and zeros alternately, several times. The DoD method does alternating zero and one fills, three time each, and then a verification pass (7 passes total). Just Google "DBAN".
I don't use "anti-virus" software. What's the need? Nobody is writing viruses anymore, there's no money in it. All the hacks went the road of profit in non-invasive spyware and spam. Every time you click and are diverted, they pick up a penny. Every time it logs your activity data they get new data to sell. Also, someone has to get the virus first before the anti-virus software can be written to defend against it??? The majority of these guys are non-invasive. But, you always have the best of the best in there with them. Check out the light sentences?? http://www.webupon.com/Security/Convicted-10-Notorious-Hackers-of-Our-Time.71135 Run Zone Alarm, a good spyware blocker and Spybot. Update the spybot every time you use it. Use common sense in the email files you open. If you feel it's necessary to watch that email attachment of "Mickey does Mini", then you deserve a virus dummy. And read the darn license agreement on what you "think" is a free software download off the web. Nothing is free on the Internet! Slow down, read what you click, and take a few minutes to evaluate. If you don't have time to ensure your own safety and you expect a software product to do the complete job for you, well, then just keep on clicking. You're adding to the economy. I apologize for sounding condescending, but after a couple of books, a few hours of your time, and you can master that machine in front of you. In lieu of letting it master you.
I appreciate your suggestions - but, as I said, this is for my in-laws (in their 70's) and they are not quite computer savvy, so was trying to find them something that would work for their needs without too much hassel.
Free and compatible with Windows ME: http://www.download.com/Avast-Home-Edition/3000-2239_4-10019223.html?tag=lst-0-6&cdlPid=10841442
Well, it seems they got an offer from their original service provider to renew for another year, so thats what they decided to do. Thanks again for all your help!!! You guys are the greatest! :hurray:
