Open our website www.avira.com and click on For Home
On For Home select Avira Internet Security 2012
On the next page you can select your license model (duration and number of computers)
Clicking on the Buy button will take you to the checkout page
Fill out all the required fields
Once you have completed the purchase and your payment has been received by Cleverbridge Inc., you will receive your activation code via email for the new license
Open the Avira Control Center on your existing (already installed) Avira product
On the drop-down menu, select Help → License Management
Enter the received activation code at Activate Product and click on Next
The upgrade process has now started and all you have to do now is to follow the instructions on your screen.
In the release information you will find detailed information about the new Avira products version 2012.
The following topics and new features are covered in the document:
Increased stability and reliability
Decreased resource usage and faster initialization time
Improved usability
Updated System Requirements
Windows XP SP3 (32bit),
Windows XP SP2 (64 bit)
Windows Vista SP1 (32 Bit and 64 Bit)
Windows 7(32 Bit or 64 Bit)
Support for Windows 2000 has been cancelled.
RAM:
Min. 512 MB RAM (Windows XP)
Min. 1024 MB RAM (Windows Vista, Windows 7)
HDD:
Min. 150 MB (additional temporary and quarantine space needed)
AntiVir WebGuard protects you against dangerous web content, if categorized as phishing, malware, spam or fraud. However, if you want to access a blocked website, being 100% certain, that its content is harmless, you have the following possibilities:
a. Create an exception for particular websites
Double-click the Avira umbrella icon on the desktop, to start AntiVir.
Click on Extras - Configuration
Activate the option Expert mode
Click on WebGuard - Scan - Exceptions
Type the URL of the website(s), which you want to be skipped from scanning, into the field URLs skipped by WebGuard
Press OK to save the configuration
Only the specified sites will not be scanned by WebGuard. Dangerous file downloads will however be reported and blocked.
You can fix this in two different ways:
A: Repair Avira Free Antivirus
Click Start → Control Panel → Programs and Features (in XP: Start → Settings → Control Panel → Add/Remove Programs) and check whether Avira Free Antivirus is listed there among the installed programs.
If this is the case, please make a change installation as described below.
If this is not the case, please follow the solution outlined at item B.
Change installation:
Click "Avira Free Antivirus" and select Change:
The window of the maintenance program will appear. Leave the selection at "Modify" and click Next.
In the next window you have the option to install the Avira toolbar along with Web Protection. Only if you check the first option as seen in the screenshot, it will be installed. After the selection, click on Next again.
Make sure that all check marks are set at the various components and then click Next.
In the next window, you can complete the change installation by clicking on Finish.
Restart the computer and then check the status of the Avira toolbar again.
B: Reinstall Avira Free Antivirus
Download Avira Free
Antivirus from our
website and reinstall it.
Restart the computer and then check the status of the Avira toolbar again.
Traditional Uninstall
Many adware programs can be uninstalled just like other legitimate programs. Simply go to the control panel and choose "Add/Remove Programs." This will bring up a list of programs and you can choose the ones you'd like to uninstall.
Run a Scan with Anti-Virus Software
After disconnecting from the Internet, use anti-virus software to run a scan of your system. You can get anti-virus software from Norton, McAfee and many other companies. After you run a scan, delete any adware that was detected and restart your computer. Once your computer restarts, run another scan to make sure everything was removed. If you find more adware, repeat this process until your system is clean.
Use a Specialty Program
If you've tried the above approaches and you still suspect that there is adware on your computer, try using specialty software. There are certain programs like Spyware Doctor that are designed specifically to remove adware and spyware and block your system from future invasion. As an added bonus, you can try some of these programs for free.
Ad Aware
Ad-Aware might be the best-know software for removing adware. Not only does it provide a free download version that does a superb job at tracking down and removing the pesky adware, but Lavasoft, the company that creates and distributes Ad-Aware, has two more powerful editions. There are even versions made specifically for businesses and non-profit organizations. Either way, you will be covered with Ad-Aware. A link to their website is provided in the Resources section.
1 Click Spy Clean
1 Click Spy Clean is another program that helps defend your computer from adware, spyware and other types of destructive malware. This software isn't free, however. There are many perks 1 Click Spy Clean provides, though. It not only has email support, but provides consistent upgrades in efforts of keeping the most advanced adware off your computer. If you are skeptical about the price, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee as well as a trial version. There is a link to 1 click Spy Clean's website in the Resources section.
McAfree AntiSpyware
McAfree AntiSpyware is another incredibly popular program available for consumers. It is also one of the best anti-sypware programs available. It detects more than 80 percent of adware and spyware on each scan. It can do this because it consistently monitors areas of a computer that are most often attacked by the malware. McAfree costs a fee and comes in specialized packages for individual computers, all the way up to large businesses. The company also offers a free 30-day trial for those looking to try before they buy. A link to McAfree can be found in the Resources section.
Browser Woes
The main place to get infected with pop ups is through your browser. The best way to start over and prevent future infections is to update to the latest version of your browser, be it Internet Explorer or Firefox (or one of the smaller ones). The default installation will clear out most of the lingering adware attached.
During installation it is very important that you DO NOT install any toolbars (Yahoo and bing are the most popular ones that track your browsing history and target advertising to you).
Go to "Tools --> Options --> Security Settings" to disable Java Script by default. You can then set it for any page which you fully trust, which takes an extra click the first time you visit a page, but will prevent hours and hours of frustration later.
Uninstalling Freeware and Shareware
A lot of times the real nasty stuff is actually installed on your computer; popular schemes are login portals or "freeware/shareware."
Click on and run the windows uninstaller for all of them that you suspect (and that have uninstall data).
"Start --> Control Panel --> Add or Remove Programs"
This will provide a list of every program you installed, the date and the size. Adware and Spyware are typically small (under 5 megabytes).
Update your AntiVirus
Your antivirus should contain a software firewall which will prevent malicious software (and adware from being installed). It is not necessary to use an expensive option; you can use AVG personal edition, which is free and updates daily.
Serious Problems (Advanced Users Only)
One of the best stop gaps for disabling infections and adware is to actually go into your start up configuration and disable them.
"Start Menu --> Run -->" type "MSCONFIG" then hit "Enter."
Click the start up tab and you will see a list of every resource that loads on start up. There will be a box to hide Microsoft resources. Click on that so they are not visible. Uncheck everything else except for your antivirus, then restart your computer. Most programs you run on a daily basis do not need to be auto loaded on computer start up; you save a few seconds if they are, but the load time really starts to add up.
You should notice that your computer loads like it is brand new. A pop up dialogue will appear notifying you of a special start up. Ignore this for now and test your Internet connection.
If everything is working correctly, check the box in the lower left hand corner of the pop up (Do not notify me again) and click "Accept new settings."
If there is a problem, hit cancel and restart your computer. This will restore your last settings.
Adware Removal Tool
Ad-Aware, which Lavasoft provides for free to all users, is a powerful tool to fight adware attacks. The program will alert you to an attack and will remove most adware that does get through.
Spyware Removal Tool
SpyBot Search & Destroy is a highly rated spyware-removal tool available for free to home users. When SpyBot detects a spyware attack, it can isolate the infection and in some cases destroy it. When Spybot cannot destroy a malicious file or program, it can quarantine it, allowing you to safely delete it manually.
Lavasoft Ad-Aware
Lavasoft Ad-Aware is the best program for removing adware because it is not only an adware removal tool, but also watches for and prevents future infestations of adware and other unwanted programs from being installed on your computer. The program includes real-time monitoring of your system; a threat alert program that will tell you when adware is trying to be saved to your computer and if you are visiting a website that contains possible adware; and the program performs regular automatic updates so its library of adware threats is always up to date. Lavasoft Ad-Aware also checks your system's memory and removes any adware that is using system resources causing your computer to slow down.
Where to Find Lavasoft Ad-Aware
The program is available from the Lavasoft website for free to home users, but this version doesn't offer a way to schedule scans of your system and you can't scan any home network drives you may have connected to your computer. The free version of Lavasoft Ad-Ware is available at lavasoft.com. For business users, the program costs $275 as of October 2009 and includes licensing for 10 computers. Additional licenses are available. The business version is geared toward protecting a company's server and individual computers. Lavasoft Ad-Aware is also available in "Plus" and "Pro" versions for small businesses and home users who want the ability to set when the program should scan for adware and to scan a home or small business's network drives. The "Plus" version is about $27 (see Resources) and the "Pro" version about $40, and includes network drive scanning (prices as of October 2009).
Preparing Your Computer
Before installing any adware removal software on your system, backup any personal files, defragment the hard drive and perform a "Disk Cleanup" to remove any temporary Internet files and other unnecessary files. To perform a disk clean up, click "Start," "My Computer" then right-click on your "C:\" drive. Scroll down and select "Properties." Next, click on "Disk Cleanup." When prompted with a question about removing temporary and other unnecessary files, click "Yes." To perform a hard drive defragmentation, click "Start," "My Computer" then right click on your "C:\" drive. Scroll down and select "Properties." Next, click on the "Tools" tab then click on "Defragment Now..." Then click "Defragment" to start the process.
Adware Removal Without a Program
Once adware is on your system, there is no true way to remove it without some type of program. Adware usually disguises itself as another program or is completely hidden. If you choose not to install an adware removal tool, be aware of the websites you visit and don't open emails from unknown addresses. Also, if your system has a virus checker, keep it updated to stop any viruses that may be connected to any adware currently on your system.
What Is Malicious Software?
Malicious software is any software program that installs and runs without the knowledge of the PC user. A number of malicious software programs are used to track Internet usage to send appropriate advertising or for stealing the personal information from the user.
What Is Adware?
Adware is a close relative to spyware, but is not always considered malicious. Legitimate adware is packaged with freeware to display advertisements while using their software.
What Is Spyware?
Spyware is used to gather personal information from a PC user for various reasons, the worst being identity theft.
Adware and Spyware
Adware and spyware are typically grouped into the same category, and are used synonymously when referring to malicious software in general. An adware removal tool will often remove spyware also and vice versa.
Removal Tools
There are many great free adware and spyware removal programs available around the Net. Programs like Ad-Aware and Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware are extremely effective in removing malicious software from a computer.
Ad-Aware
One of the real go-to pieces of software is Lavasoft's Ad-Aware. While the price, free, is a huge reason that this is one of the most cited Adware removal tools, the fact that it does its job quickly and efficiently really doesn't hurt. For PC users on a budget, or anyone who's concerned about incoming adware or spyware, stop by the Lavasoft website and check out their comprehensive collection of Ad-aware programs. (see References)
Malicious Software Removal Tool
Microsoft is not only the maker of the popular Windows operating system, but also creates software to help you keep it running and keep it safe. To that end, they have put together an easy-to-find, free tool for removing Malware from your computer. Because it's from Microsoft, it will insert itself natively into your computer and update itself when you update the software on that computer. You will hardly notice it's there, because it comes from Windows.
McAfee Total Protection
If your computer is already running a program like McAfee, you may already be covered. McAfee Total Protection boasts one of the highest rates of malware removal and runs the virus and adware scanning all at the same time. This software also comes with a powerful firewall and spam filter. If you haven't already got a virus scanning program installed and running on your computer, then adware and malware may be the least of your concerns.
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
Another free Malware removal tool, Malwarebytes aims to stop malicious software before it has a chance to set up home on your computer. The program is designed to have an easy-to-use interface and do its job quickly and efficiently. Keeping up-to-date on the latest malware signatures is the only way to stay on top of the game and Malwarebytes tries to stay ahead of the curve.
Panda Antivirus
Panda made its name by not only taking the cute marsupial as its logo, but making a product that works, and works well. Like McAfee, the Panda Antivirus program is a total protection suite: protecting your computer not only from viruses, but from adware and malware, considered by some as branches of the same thing. Panda allows users to try the product, fully-featured, for an entire month before making a decision about buying it. If your computer is clogged with malware now, consider trying the demo to at least return the machine to a level where it works efficiently.
Free removal tools
Lavasoft's Ad-Aware is a free tool for removing malicious spyware from infected Windows machines. This tool is one of the most effective, and very easy to use. It scans your system and creates a list of all known threats, then gives you options for deletion.
Microsoft Windows Defender is another free spyware removal tool. This software protects your computer from the security threats and slow performance spyware and adware can cause. Unlike some products, Windows Defender provides real-time protection from malicious attacks to your computer.
Commercial Removal Tools
Pest Patrol is a commercial spyware removal program. The full version provides automatic protection, scheduled scans, and free customer support. Pest Patrol removes spyware, keylogger applications, browser hijacking programs, and remote access trojans.
Spycatcher is another effective program for preventing and stopping spyware. It guards against identity theft, prevents reinstallation of spyware, and removes it automatically. 1 and 2-year update packages are available.
Windows Operating System Removal and Prevention
You can also utilize techniques with your Windows machine to help remove and prevent spyware. This is done through starting your Windows machine in Safe Mode and modifying browser settings. Safe Mode starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and services, including browser components. Adware and spyware programs often install add ons--such as unwanted tool bars--to your browser. Disabling these add ons can help stop malicious spyware and adware. You can also use msconfig.exe to stop any unused services. This will prevent malicious software from reinfecting your computer on startup.