My computer seems really bogged down when trying to load now, so on top of uninstalling and deleting alot of stuff and running some scans, I'd like suggestions on a good (and free) antivirus, as well as a firewall. Preferably something I can get from download.com.
As for a firewall, I'd recommend [url=http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp]ZoneAlarm[/url] which you can download both from their own website or [url=http://www.download.com/3000-2092-10039884.html?part=zonealarm&subj=dlpage&tag=button]Download.com[/url]. If you share your Internet connection though, be sure to set the Internet security level to "medium", not high. ZoneAlarm's free firewall does not have Internet Connection Sharing support, so setting the security to medium is the work-around. If you'd prefer high level security on shared Internet connections and networks, go Pro (but it obviously isn't free).
Of course, as for anti-virus, going cheap usually isn't the answer. However, if you're looking for a free anti-virus protection program that is fairly good at doing its job, I would recommend [url=http://www.avast.com/eng/down_home.html]Avast![/url]. I would also suggest [url=http://free.grisoft.com/]AVG Anti-Virus[/url], but with my own personal experience and reviews I have read, it isn't the best free protection out there, which is why I stopped using it.
Format C: :)
Seriously, if your computer is really bogged down, burn essential files to a CD, reformat and reinstall Windows, and get antivirus and firewall programs before you do anything else.
Well done, Higbvuyb. They're asking us for Anti-Virus and Firewall programs - there's no use telling them to format C and then install the software if you haven't even provided any advice on which anti-virus or firewall to install. Perhaps formatting was their intention, but regardless of their intention, you could have been more helpful than "format C, then do what you're asking advice on".
It's just a suggestion. More than likely, it could be best to do a clean install, and reinforce shields before Windows gets clogged again so that it's eaier to maintain. Personally, I too would reccomend that you buy sntivirus software. When our computer got hit with this retarted spiral virus "puts a giant sprial in the middle of the screen, not allowing most things to be clicked + really annoying to look at), The one we got was usless against it. Norton is pretty good though, because it even updates itself every now and then
http://www.free-av.com/
Great free antivirus.
Well, it's not really that serious, it's just that it was really slow on startup, which is probably thanks to ObjectDock. I got rid of ObjectDock and ran a spyware scan and it's running fine. I only had about 58 things found in the scan, too. I'm going to download ZoneAlarm and AntiVir and see how that works out. Thanks, guys. :)
Edit: I also uninstalled some random programs, namely the Worms 4: Mayhem demo, which I couldn't even play properly because my graphics card isn't so great. And, now that I think about it, anyone got suggestions for a good graphics card that will play [url=http://www.lucasarts.com/products/jediacademy/]SW: JKA[/url] good and has an affordable price tag. Preferably something around $100, if possible. I have $70 and my birthday is the 26th, so I should surely have atleast $100 in a couple of weeks.