Hello all.My FS9 PC stands alone with no connection to the outside world so I've never felt the need of more than basic malware protection. Addons are downloaded and scanned at work or the local library (both anal about security) before installation. Recently, my daughter has been using the PC for a load of her own stuff (work & play) and blithely plugs music players, cameras and portable HDs into mine.So, despite having no problems yet, I'm thinking it might be wise to buy something that will give my machine a thorough cleaning. Ideally I'd like something that will only run on demand, so not interfere with any other apps, and might offer updates I could obtain through a different machine. What would you recommend for XP service pack 3, FS9, registered FSUIPC and Radar Contact? (It also runs X3 and Flight Unlimited 3... oh and Sims 2 and Black & White).Thanks.Dave

Hello all.My FS9 PC stands alone with no connection to the outside world so I've never felt the need of more than basic malware protection. Addons are downloaded and scanned at work or the local library (both anal about security) before installation. Recently, my daughter has been using the PC for a load of her own stuff (work & play) and blithely plugs music players, cameras and portable HDs into mine.So, despite having no problems yet, I'm thinking it might be wise to buy something that will give my machine a thorough cleaning. Ideally I'd like something that will only run on demand, so not interfere with any other apps, and might offer updates I could obtain through a different machine. What would you recommend for XP service pack 3, FS9, registered FSUIPC and Radar Contact? (It also runs X3 and Flight Unlimited 3... oh and Sims 2 and Black & White).Thanks.Dave

Kids + no anti virus is a disaster waiting to happen Im using AVG 2011 free edition, works well, has lots of options to pick and choose from, and what can I say its free.http://free.avg.com/ca-en/homepage

the minute you allow children onto your computer it is time to get some PC protection.--

The best on demand scanners that I've found (and I have them installed):Hitman Pro: http://www.surfright.nl/enandMalware bytes anti-malware: http://www.malwarebytes.org/Both free and on-demand only.Avoid AVG. If you'd like to ask in a dedicated security forum, try Wilder's security forum.Good luck :)

I've used AVG for years very successfully. For what reason do you suggest should I avoid it?Dave

Hello,

Ideally I'd like something that will only run on demand, so not interfere with any other apps, and might offer updates I could obtain through a different machine

That will be your problem.EG of Malwarebytes ...It will update where he is installed .. and you have no choice of wich disk or PC (network ?) you want scan.Anyways you will have to connect the PC's for work with any of the security tools (paywares or not) as you can't transfer from one PC to another the updated databases.Hope it's clear to understand :)As antivirus I like (and use) ESET Nod32 Antivirus(little fingerprint)For cleaning .. CCleaner and for the rest .. Malwarebytes.

Ideally I'd like something that will only run on demand, so not interfere with any other apps

ESET or many other antiviruses offer "exclusions" option complete disable .. manual or scheduled updates .. so that can't be a problem.Regards.Gus.

I've used AVG for years very successfully. For what reason do you suggest should I avoid it

Probably reacting to a problem where the update to AVG on 2 Dec resulted in Windows 7 x64 computers not being able to boot. To their credit, AVG did extend support even to users of the freeware version, but it certainly doesn't make for good press.scott s..

I've used AVG for years very successfully. For what reason do you suggest should I avoid it?Dave

Dave, If you're happy with it, then no need to worry :)In the past I've found it unreliable on any given system and a resource hog. In my opinion there are other free alternatives that are better... surprisingly, Microsoft Security Essentials is among the best of the free options.If I were going to pay for one, it would be Eset Nod32. I ran that for years and it's a great option. I only switched to MSE as it was free and it does all I need. It's proving to be just as light as Nod32 as well. The on-demand scanners I use once a month just as a "second opinion".For the original poster, the fact the computer is not connected will be a problem for some (most?) of the free solutions (I didn't catch that part). Other than keeping the child off the computer, I don't have a recommendation based on that need other than Nod32.

Try Comodo and malvarebytes.

Talking about antivirus. I installed AVG(2011) some days ago.Just a simple advice: disable Identity Protection when running FS9, it is one of the biggest source of stutters. Watching the task administrator I discovered that it was always running in the background, even with Game Booster activated, consumming lots of computer resources.After doing that I have again a smooth running FS9. :(

Thank you all for your responses.I had the following results...ESET NOD32 was too big for the sloooowww connections at the library so the download stalled. I'll have to try after hours at work.I couldn't download malwarebytes as it was 'blocked for your security protection' ...! The librarian's taking the p*** I think.Hitman sounds good as it will run from a USB stick, but to be effective it needs an internet connection (I don't have one hence the original post...). I suspect by the size of the download that AVG works in the same way, submitting queries to a cloud of other computers but I have them both downloaded anyway for a trial later today.I asked the same question at the Wilder forum so I'll see what they turn up.Again, thank you.D

Another good one is Avira anti virus. It is also free. and doesn't impede the workings of the sim.Also I would recommend Spybot SD. Be careful as here there are numerous similar names that are not genuine. thisis the genuine link. Spybot is also free. I use both programmes. They are also popularly used within commercial companies.vololiberista

Dave, I hate to say it, but you may already have a virus.. If you get blocked trying to download an anti-virus program, that in itself is a sign..( I forget the name of said virus,, nasty) If you have been "semi" decent at doing windows updates there is a tool already on your system.. Run C:\Windows\System32\MRT.exe ( Windows Malicious Removal Tool ) , You can find the log file here -- C:\Windows\debug\mrt.log. Run MRT first. I make plenty of money each week cleaning the computers of friends/patrons at my local pub, not a pro, but well practiced up to and including registry mods and boot hooks. Any how I use the following tools in the following order. All free to boot!CCleaner ( by Piriform) -- Clean the temporary junk out 1st. Why scan temporary crap? Just takes more time &... Sometimes viruses/maleware is located in a temp folder and if it is active this tool cannot remove it, but it will let you know. A good sign. ( Log off and clean each user on the system )HiJack This -- Use this to see what processes are running.. Run this while the browser is running, that way it will find activeX controls that are loaded. (Carefull!! with this) I donot use the fix function in this program, just use it for reference.Spybot search and destroy -- I turn off the active components in this program. ( TeaTimer.exe & Resident ?? & Update) Can do this using the advanced settings window. Update 1st then use the immunize function to create a host file that will block your browser from even reaching nasty sites. Then run a full scan.Malewarebytes Anti-Maleware -- A very good "non-active" program that usually finds / destroys even the nastiest viruses. Has root-kit scans ( doesn't fix though ) and a file destroyer function.AVG Free 2011 -- This is the only active program I leave running fully except for ALL auto updates. ( This thing checks for program updates every day!! ) Use the advanced setting to turn this off and ignore. Update and scan. When flying you can turn off all the active stuff to free up resources -- Nice feature.. Finally!Defraggler ( by Piriform ) -- A nice little defrag program.. Does a very good job!By using these I can usually find and kill all the little bugs.. If i cannot kill them there are specialty tools for removing specific nasty viruses out there. One thing, DONOT run more than 1 active virus progam at the same time, it will slow your system to crawl.Norton & MCAfee -- In my opinion are viruses in themselves.. They wrap their dirty little claws around everything you do.. Norton for one, is tough to uninstall as it almost always leaves "Ad-ware" on the system. Plus they are not free! I uninstalled, stopped MCAfee way back in 1998, they still send me updates via mail that "I am not protected/out of date" LOL! I realize there are others out there, tried em, I'm sure they work good too, but.. Each freeware program has it's own strengths and weaknesses. Find a set of tools you like and use em.Hope my input can help too..Roman

Dave, Norton & MCAfee -- In my opinion are viruses in themselves.. They wrap their dirty little claws around everything you do.. Norton for one, is tough to uninstall as it almost always leaves "Ad-ware" on the system. Plus they are not free! I uninstalled, stopped MCAfee way back in 1998, they still send me updates via mail that "I am not protected/out of date" LOL! Roman

I second that! These programmes are a waste of time and money. And, they interfere with running programmes. One reason why I like Avira (as previously mentioned) is its simplicity and the fact that it doesn't interfere. It updates almost every day as well. Spybot S&D updates (manually) about once a week. It is a very extensive programme allowing you to look into and tweak many parts of your computer that Heineken finds quite impossible!!vololiberista