ok well i need software to keep my computer safe....i can get spyware doctor for free, should i use that? should i use something else? what else do i need? malware?

o and it needs to be free.............

 

AVG
Spybot
Combofix
Malwarebytes

 

so use all of those?

 

Depends, only use 1 of each type as far as applications that run in the background all the time. If all you are using is scanning software that does not run in the background all the time, you can use multiple.

 

I use Combofix and Malwarebytes for scanning only. I run AVG all the time

 

I just removed Spyware Doctor from a friends computer. It's an older one and Spyware Doctor just slowed it down so bad it would barely run. Might work fine on a newer machine but I'll give it a detour.

Good choices have already been mentioned so I don't have too much else to add.
On mine I run Eset Nod32 for AV. Only other protection running full time is a tiny thing called regprot (regprotect) which moniters my Run keys in my registry and asks for my approval anytime something new tries to add itself. Every few weeks I do manual scans with Spybot and Xcleaner's online scan. Haven't had any trouble in years.

 

I run avast now and so far it's been great. No problems what-so-ever

 

AVG is the best free antivirus by far...

 

I like the free AVG way better than Norton. Then I use AdAware and Firefox browser and never have any problems.

 

Best free antivirus I have found.
http://www.clamwin.com/
I have never liked AVG.

 

AVG and spybot are a good combo, used both many a times.

 

Avg 8.0