If you use a Mac you likely will not get a virus and can get by without virus software. I have used Macs since 1985 (from their first shipment) and I have never had a virus. However, if you use the Internet a lot, it's better to be safe so I do have Norton installed. Check with apple.com to see what they recommend, or pick up something either at a local store or go to Symantec. If you get a subscription it will automatically load on your computer each month. But, let me repeat, I have never had a virus on a Mac in 26 years of using them. They are super computers!

I believe you downloaded the wrong program because it really is free, I use it and just downloaded the udpate when you go to download it you have to make sure you don't click on the one that is noticeable you have to go a little further down the page and find the one that says free download

You have to click on FREE VERSION I have it & it does a wonderful job IT IS NOT A SCAM.. jyou just have to read what you click on... tghere are a lot of free good cleaners they also all have ones that cost . the ones that cost has more to offer, but the free version is good as long as you keep your computer up to date

My nephew is a techie with his own business. On my husbands computer his Norton was expiring soon. Was going to be $73.00 to renew. My nephew told me not to renew but to use http://wwwmicrosoft.com/security_essentials/ it's free and he has used it forever and has never paid for an antivirus ever. I installed it in my DH computer and after running the scan it came up with 4 trojans that Norton's didn't find. When my computer expires from McAfee, I will uninstall McAffee and install the Microsoft security essentials.

He also had me download http://www.malwarebytes.org/ the free program. This one takes out a lot of adware/malware. You have to run it yourself, so once a week I do that. My computer works great. And it's several years old.

I've been using ccleaner for a few years; it has received many excellent reviews. I use the registry cleaner and the cleaner which cleans up all the junk left behind in temp space, internet explorer temp files,.... I used it for the first time when my husband's desktop for some reason showed no available disk space and was acting crazy. I thought I would have to reinstall. I was amazed when ccleaner made available gigabytes and solved the problem. (This is the only time I have had extreme results like this but I continue to use it because it seems to recover more space than the Windows tools.)
CNET which I trust for reviews still lists it as free. http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
I don't want to try to download it again to check to see what the problem is. Some of the free programs have an updated version that you have to pay for. Could this be the case?

I was going to download Security essentials but there are two diff. files.
One for ....amd64... and one for ..... x86..... But they don't say which one to use.
How can I tell?

When I pull up the secutiryessentials page, I just clicked on the big sign that says download now. Off to the right there is a video to watch and that may help you with your computer. Sorry I'm not sure which one to use. I don't remember being asked that question when I downloaded.

What windows program are you using. My DH was XP, mine is Win 7 and you have to uninstall your old program first.

I have ccleaner-never had to pay for it. Those other sites that tell you all the problems you have, are scams. If you look closely, it will say FREE SCAN. Thats all it is . a scan and then you have to pay to get the program to take out the 1000's of problems it says you have,. stay away from them!!! you usually end up with more problems. I use AVG, best and no problems.

I use for virus protection Microsoft Essentials http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/ it's really great and free...then I have 2 other programs (free) I use and they are great. These are reccommendations from my computer tech guy and he uses them all the time....

Malawarebytes:
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebyte...tag=rb_content;main

hope these help you and anyone else

Superantispyware:
http://www.superantispyware.com/

Please dont assume that we are "suckers" because we use C cleaner. It is an excellent program. There is a free version and a pay one. I use the free one,and have had it recommended by several techs.AVG is also in a free and pay version.I had the free one and it caught several major bugs that Norton missed. I also use the free version of Incredimail and have had it for 7 years without a problem. You just have to watch what you click and be knowledgable about it. Do some research before you call people suckers.

I concur!!

Actually you just shouldn't call people names or denigrate their choices.

for Microsoft Essentials, most people won't be using the 64bit most are using 32bit..... then all you have to know is what windows you are using like XP or Windows 7.....the page I linked to in my pervious post will take you there directly and just click on download...

I have been using Avast for some time now and it seems to work well

On this line -- can anyone tell my why my computer would suddenly tell me I don't have an audio program. I can't listen to any video at all now?? and yes my speakers are on.

I use Avast antivirus, it's free and works well. I also use
Malware, a free anti spy ware It works great. I just run it every so often to clean my computer, when it's running slow. The spyware really makes it run slow.

I just bought a new computer today...of course they asked if they could sell me an antivirus program and I said no, I'll just download a free one!! He nearly crumpled to the floor!!! He said don't you know you get more viruses from those dang programs than you are protected from?? So I bought one. Guess I'd rather be protected for sure, since I'd already had a serious attack and had to go have it cleaned off the old machine!! Cost me way more than the software I bought!!

I have used Ccleaner for years and have never paid. Maybe you clicked on something in error that requires payment. I'd try it again becaues it really does a good job.

Agree. This is free and great. I've been using it for over a year. I also use the free CCleaner (remember to also empty your "downloads" file if needed and to run the disk cleanup as you must compress files from time to time or your computer will run slowly. I also have superantispyware and malwarebyte's anti-malware installed. All four FREE programs keep my computers running without a problem.

Yes it is a scam.. Just run your virus scan...and let it do it's job!

Somehow I missed you post! I use all of these too, on two computers without any problems. I can't believe I paid for years!

No it's not a scam. A virus program will not remove tracking cookies, spyware, adware or clean up your disk space.

You can do all of the things yourself with the tools that are already in your computer under accessories-system tools-disc clean up and defragmenter. All you have to do is set your machine to defragment on a regular basis, automatically, and do a disc clean up on a regular basis(or when you think of it.

Go to Microsoft and download Microsoft Security Essentials. It is free and it works.

If you are sure that a virus has not interfered with your programs, just go into the control panel and turn your sound system on. The volume is controlled from the speaker icon in the task bar on your screen - click on it and you move the volume indicator with the cursor.

There are severl antivirus fee options. I have AVG (free for home use pay for businesses) on PC and Avesta on my laptop. I also have CCleaner and also use Sybot. Do not buy antivirus save your money for material

Just doing this won't remove your prefetch data. This can be done by hand but isn't done automatically with the given programs.

Janice you are correct. Registry cleaners are for trained people who know what they are deleting. I tried that too. AVG free version has been great for us, but my IT just recommended the Microsoft Security Essentials which is free and has the virus protection and firewall you need. I still think I liked the AVG better as far as the menu goes.

You can also clean your temp files in your browser. Go tools and click on browsing history. It will let you choose the temp files to delete. Very easy.

My PC has a cleaner built in. Sounds like a scam to me too.Sorry this happened to you.

if you want a good totally free virus program go to cnet.com and down load AVGFREE. please don't even open the pop up antivirus programs. many have a virus built in to infect your computer and then try to sell you their program. i get tons of emails from these companys too. this info from my computer pro.

I think it's a scam.

Let me 'splain this....C cleaner is NOT a scam.They offer a free edition as well as a paid one. The paid one offers a few more features,as well as online or phone technical support that does not come with the free one. The free one works well.The buy one has more "perks".They can afford to offer a free one because many people who use the free one will upgrade to the one with more perks.Hence it works ...again,one needs to research and be informed before downloading anything.Some things ,of course are scams,but dont automatically assume to know the difference.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/ Try this link

I was able to turn on the sound system once before but now when I go to the control panel it says "No Audio Program Installed". It doesn't even give me a choice to turn it on. I'm thinking it's a virus at this point. And I do use AVG and Microsoft. Guess it's a trip to the Tech Doc for the Ol' Girl. Actually it must be an Ol' Guy -- sometimes hard to communicate with......LOL

I'd not use it - I tried it and it totally messed up my computer to the point of not being able to get into any site - it removed all my cookies - now I'm battling with the cookies issue on every site I get into but at least I'm in! I need to take my computer in and get it fixed; I'm at the end of my rope to fix it myself; DON'T USE IT! It may have worked for some, but i'd say, You WERE Lucky!

I have my task bar at the bottom of the screen. On the task bar there is a little symbol that looks like a speaker. (You might see a red "x" by it). Right click on that speaker. It will then give you a list of items. Click on "Playback Devices". You will then see a list of the audio playback devices on your computer. Click on the speaker you want to use. Then at the bottom of the box you will see "Set as default". Click on that and then okay. That should solve the problem. If it doesn't, repeat the task but choose a different speaker device. Test each speaker device till you find the one that works. Good luck!

Thanks Linda but there is no speaker on my task bar either.

I am a little torn writing this. And I appologize upfront if it sounds like I am venting. I love this board and feel really close to all of you, but I am sad when reading some of these posts that I replied to and feel a little guilty at the same time. I am sorry for any of you if you feel misled by any of us who suggested ccleaner. So, here goes. I also suggested ccleaner and sent messages and posted a link to ccleaner site that is free. No payment involved, no registry involved. This is not a scam, and it cleans more than your internet options tabs do. I would never have suggested anything that did not come from a very reliable source or recommendation. Period. Very sorry if any of you are having issues with it. When the screen comes up, there is a button on the top right side that says to download the latest version. Click it. Dont do anything again until a window pops up, let it download. If nothing happens, there is also a link above this download button (the one that asks for registry and payment-You don't need to press that big download button in front of you.) that says to click on it if the window doesn't open asking to save the file. Which is what you need to do first, then install and run it. (If you dont save it, you are only running it this one time. You need to save it to your computer. A ccleaner icon will come up on your desktop and can be used anytime. Computers and sites really do run faster and smoother when you clean out the gunk. And reformatting should be done if your computer is dragging and not working properly. Why buy a new one? Someone who knows what they are doing must do the reformatting. It is a process. Also, Windows Essentials does not prevent every virus from coming through. It is very good, but if you do a lot of computing and emailing and opening attachments (ouch!) another program may be needed. I used Essentials 2x-once before Kaspersky (you can use anything you want, don't take my word for it) and once after Kaspersky yr long membership ran out and before I could get to the store and purchase another disk(I always buy the disk, never download and pay online). Both times virus, trojans, etc. rampaged my computer when I opened up an email. Computer reformatted both times. Kaspersky blocks and keeps my computer safe. If you dont do updates on a continual basis, stuff happens. Everyone's computer is different. Ccleaner may be the same exact product your other suggestions are. Just a different name. But certainly not a scam. Happy computing to everyone! Today is a Good Day! Hugs to all! (I am a hugger, sorry if you aren't...lol)

There is a setting on it for you to have it save what cookies you want. I save ones I use all the time.