I've been tryin to avoid offering my 2-cents worth to this thread, but.....just gotta stir the fire a bit.
What is the best operating system?
What is the best anti-virus program?
What is the best application program?
------ Pretty much the same as asking -------
What is the best table saw?
What is the best scroll saw?
What is the best bench chisel?
What is the best pickup?
What is the best "whatever you want to add here"?
There is no pat answer to any of the above. Any answer is going to be contested by someone. And any answer should be prefixed with "It depends on what you are trying to accomplish."
There is no operating system, web browser, or application that is immune to viruses. I've seen viruses or programmer errors take out any system I've ever worked on. The only combination of any of the above that is immune is an isolated computer with nothing ever attached to it from the 'outside world'. I've been in the world of computing since the early 70's....my first computer ran on 3-phase electricity and it's operating system was IBM DOS Release 24 that ran a small university with 5,000 students (yeah, we used punched cards). We even had 'hackers' from the student side trying to hack the system even in those days.
Since that point in time, I've managed systems running multiple versions of Unix, IBM mainframes, DEC mainframes, mini-computers, and micro-computers from many different logos. I now sit at home and do remote support for customers within a 100 mile radius. I run Windows-7 Ultmate 64-bit. Why? Because it is the best solution to the tasks I have to accomplish. Do I know everything there is to know about computing? Absolutely not. I learn something new every day, and ask questions of others almost every day.
So much for my rant.....
My comments on Bill's original question in the thread.....
wlhayesmfs wrote:I know that a lot of you have lot of computer experience and can tell me a anti virus software I can get for my daughter computer that is free and works. She like youtube and playing games and is alway seeing ads for free downloads trying to get her to click on it. Being too young she does and so I have to keep cleaning up her computer. any Ideas?
Thanks
The best, free, anti-virus solution for a young person is adult supervision. I offer that piece of advice not only to help prevent computer 'infections' but as a safety option. I've also had the opportunity to support law enforcent in online harassment cases as well as child predator cases. Those things can keep you awake at night for a long time.
The other AV suggestions that have been made are good too. I have used or support other users that use those products as well. Keep in mind that any AV product is only as good as the updates that watch for the bad stuff. And, all of them are reactive rather than pro-active. The new updates are in response to the bad stuff seen in the outside world, so it is possible to get 'infected' with something that has not been seen before.
One other thing to keep in mind is the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is". That one is very difficult to teach to lots of people, of all ages. I've made a lot of money from adults through the years, cleaning up their computers, and they still can't grasp that concept.
OK, off my soap box :-)
Hope everyone is enjoying the Christmas Holiday!
Bud