new laptop set up antivirus

[oldflyingfarmer]

I have purchased a new hp laptop that comes with nortons antivirus preinstalled. I would like to use a free antivirus, but realize that I need to remove this one first. Can someone give me a guideline to do so? I would hate to screw up a new computer. Also what other protection do I need besides antivrus? I don't want to duplicate tasks by d/l'ing a bunch of different programs doing the same thing.
thanks, I'm new to setting this up but not to using it.

 

[TheChef]

This is a helpful site to uninstall it.

http://www.cit.cornell.edu/helpdesk/win/nav/uninstallnav.html

If you plan on using the internet, which I would assume you are, you would also need a good firewall and spyware remover. Spybot S&D will do quite well for the spyware, and if you are willing to spend some money, ZoneAlarm Pro 5.5 got really good reviews for a firewall.

 

[oldflyingfarmer]

thanks

thanks Chef, i will give it a try as soon as my work gives me a break. Appreciate the help.

 

[Byteman]

you could also use this tool from Symantec. I use it all the time, it's quicker..

 

[oldflyingfarmer]

thanks

thanks Byteman, I will try the uninstall first. If no luck, I will try this. Again, I appreciate the help.

 

[jjsevdt]

What anti virus are you planning on using? Are you going to use one specific one?

 

[oldflyingfarmer]

to use avg free

I am planning to use the free download of AVG's. I do not plan to use this computer on the internet a lot, and trying to save a few bucks. However if it is unsafe to go that route, I am willing to do what is best. I am open to suggestions. Thinking of AVG free antivirus. What do you recommend for antivirus, spyware, and firewall use? Will be putting them on a new laptop.
thanks

 

[Buzz1927]

See the sticky. Should keep you clean, all the anti-virus programs there are good, try them and see which you like.

 

[oldflyingfarmer]

changing to firefox

I am considering changing my browser to Firefox as the link above suggests. Does it look and work the same as IE? I see some people do not like it. What are the drawbacks if any? Can a novice d/l and set it up?
thanks

 

[Buzz1927]

It's very simple. Download and install Firefox, you can import your favourites from IE, the only drawback is some pages (very few) can't be viewed, but there is an extension you can install to "view this page in IE".

 

[oldflyingfarmer]

over weekend

Thanks, I think I will give it a try. Over the weekend I plan to finish d/ling and getting it set up. I will try firefox out.