In a message dated 8/29/2006 10:42:42 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, VandA121@aol.com writes: I have Windows XP Home. I just changed to cable but still retain my AOL (free now) browser and address. For those of you who have the same setup, would you suggest an additional anti virus program. I had used Norton, but the subscription will expire soon so I just purchased a new Norton AntiVirus (the basics) and after install, it will not activate. Rather than try to find out the cause and maybe screw up my machine, I would just as soon use AOL's built-in antivirus that they tout as being secure. There is also at the AOL Safety and Security Center a list which offers "Computer Protection", but on the same page there is a graphic, and underneath it says "Download Now". Is the list on the left under "Computer Protection" a pick and choose for downloading. I don't quite understand which I should do. I was ready to change to free Zone Alarm, Avast, and some of the anti-spyware programs, but I am not that well focused to begin messing with something that is not familiar. I have had Norton for several years, until now, and apparently will *have* to do something different. Besides, it is is quite expensive to speak to someone from Norton/Symantec on the phone, I have been told. Thanks for any and all information ----------------------------- Virgene, First, let's define the various programs you have referred to in your post, quoted above.!! We have to be referring to the same program type. 1) anti-virus - prevents virus infected programs from entering your machine. Only ONE of these types of programs should be running at any time. Running two or more simultaneously causes many conflict problems. Examples of this type of program would be Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Anti-Virus, AVG & Avast. There are others, too, but those come readily to mind. The AOL free anti-virus program is a full version of McAfee. Identical to one that you can go out and buy in any store that sells computer programs. It updates itself regularly and I can highly recommend it as effective. Prior to AOL offering it for free, I purchased McAfee for many years and was a satisfied customer. 2) Zone-Alarm (free version) is a fire wall, not an Anti-virus or anti-spyware program. A fire-wall creates a barrier between you and the internet, allowing access to and from your computer by your permission only. Some fire-walls block incoming access only, and some block both outgoing and incoming access. I prefer one that blocks both ways as I don't want any of my programs "calling home" without my knowledge and permission. Again, only ONE of these should be running to avoid conflicts. 3) Anti-spyware programs are another type of program altogether different from the other two. This type of program prevents, finds and removes malware from your computer. Examples of this would be Ad-Aware, Spybot Search and Destroy, Microsoft Defender, Pest Patrol & Spyware Blaster. Usually you will want at least two anti-spyware programs for your computer for the most complete cleaning. I have 3 for my system. AOL offers a program that is very good and a part of the Safety and Security Center, I use that for one of my cleaners, I also use Ad-Aware to complement the AOL program; and then I add SpywareBlaster as a program that prevents some spyware from even being allowed to set. Now, after all that :-) Here is what I recommend for you: Use the AOL Safety and Security center for all 3 areas of protection. AOL offers it all for free and if at any time you decide that you don't want to use a particular area, then you can turn that area off and continue to use the others. In order to run the AOL Safety and Security Center software, your PC must meet the following minimum requirements: a) Operating System: Windows® 2000, 166 MHz; or Windows XP (Home and Pro), 300 MHz RAM: Windows 2000, 64 MB; or Windows XP (Home and Pro), 128 MB b) Hard drive space: 30 MB c) Browser: AOL® Explorer or Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6.0 Go to Keyword: Safety and download it. After the download is complete, install it. You will be walked thru how to do everything, if memory serves. In addition to the S&S Center, add at least one more anti-spyware program such as Ad-Aware (free version). Your computer should then be pretty well protected. If you want to add Spyware Blaster to your machine as well, that's great. It is a unique program that stops most malicious spyware from setting themselves on your machine in the first place. The others (AOL's spyware program and Ad-Aware) will only clean up spyware that sets automatically when you are on the Internet. But, Spyware Blaster doesn't prevent ALL spyware from setting itself so you do need the clean-up type of anti-spyware program as well. Since you are now on cable, your computer is online 24/7 and a firewall is a must. The free firewall from AOL S&S Center is a full version McAfee firewall. It is one that block both incoming and outgoing traffic. If you want an independent firewall instead, then Zone Alarm (free versions) by Zone Labs is excellent. I hope this answers your questions. If not, please feel free to ask again. Sharon